'Down Dog' command
Teaching the 'down dog' command, is a basic of dog training. My article here will show you the basics of the 'down' command, and adopts technique from 'Secrets to Dog Training', the best selling dog training program you can get.
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‘Down Dog!’
This lesson is best taught outside, in a open area your dog trusts, free from ALL distractions. An empty park, or your back yard is ideal.
Start by getting your dogs attention and attendance with a favourite treat (cut up cheese, chicken or sausage perhaps). You want to start by getting the dog standing out in front of you.. Hold a reward in front of him, then move it slowly down to the ground in front of him, but far away to know he cant have it. Hold the dog back if you have to. Use the 'down' command you have chosen both spoken and motioned (ie hand signal) and repeat it until your dog lays down.
After he lies down, let him have his treat by moving it to him, as he is lying down.
Dont give him the food, until the whole command is done. Try to never reward him for half a job. Often, the dog wont know what to do first off. Coax him down by hand, and reward him when hes lying to satisfaction. Keep this up until your dog knows he has to lie right down before getting the treat handed to him. It wont take long if he is in the mood for food!
When your dog lays down with confidence, hold up the treat off the ground and out in front of him, so he can see it well. We hope that he learns to lie down in anticipation of getting the reward!
Chances are this might get him confused at first, but guide with your hand, pushing him down gently and giving the treat when he does well.
After practise of this, start giving the ‘down’ command (hand motion and voice instruction) before you present the treat to lead the dog down.
Gradually, you should now wean the dog off of the treat, so that he begins to respond to a simple downward sweep of your hand and a 'down' call. Position the treat further away with each repetition, and place less emphasis on giving it to him with each practise. Get him to want and accept your praise as reward for following the hand and voice instructions.
You can get to the rest of our great articles and read the end of this one, at my website www.dog-hobbyist.com
Also be sure to check out ‘Secrets to Dog Training’ for a huge array of amazing dog training techniques, behaviour fixes and keeping/feeding/owning instructions. At only $39.00, Its the best investment you will ever make in terms of raising a happy dog!
