Learning the important “down” command
An important basic command: all dogs should know how to lie down when asked by their owners. The “down” command can be very useful when you need your dog to relax in a hectic situation, or to keep it in a stay position for a long period of time. It’s also the first step in certain dog tricks, including the popular rollover. Luckily, teaching the “down” cue to your dog is almost as simple as training your dog to sit.
Here’s how to get your dog to go down from a sitting position –
Holding the treat or reward between your fingers, hold your hand as flat as possible. Turn your palm to the ground. Engage your dog’s nose by allowing him to sniff the treat and even lick it. Once your dog is interested in the treat, slowly move your hand to the ground in front of him and slowly move your hand along the ground away from him.
Your dog will be inclined to reach the treat by lowering its body. When your dog lies down, say “down” and praise him using your voice and then give him the treat.
Here’s how to do a down from a standing position –
Holding the treat or reward between your fingers, hold your hand as flat as possible. Turn your palm to the ground. Engage your dog’s nose by allowing him to sniff the treat and even lick it. Once your dog is interested in the treat, slowly move your hand to the ground between his front legs.
Your dog will slink inwards, still trying to reach the treat, and then should flop on the ground. Then move your hand forward along the ground and this will create a sphinx position. When your dog lies down, say “down” and praise him using your voice, and then give him the treat.