Teaching “Down” is vital to dog training and the safety of your dog. There are several benefits to teaching your dog “down”, and some methods can be used with other methods to ensure maximum results. So, if you’re ready to teach “down”, read on!
It is one of those six items that you must teach your dog to do, first. It is an important skill to have for many reasons, and second it is useful for preventing other unwanted behavior like door-charging, wandering, and jumping up on people. Not only is it useful for preventing such behaviors, but it is also a good method to develop relaxed, calm, well behaved behavior from your dog, every time they are around you. This way, you and your family can enjoy your time together, instead of constantly worrying about your dog!
If your dog does not understand this concept, here is what you need to do: First, use dog training treats to encourage him to lie down on his stomach. Start by using treats sparingly, and work up to using them every time he lies down on his back. Do not use the same treat every time; try out different ones, to see which works best. Once he understands this is a command he must perform every time, you can start upping the amount of treats you are giving him. Once he is consistently performing this behavior, you can begin to up the number of training treats you are using.
Step Four: Now you will take your step four markers and put it on the floor in front of your dog’s bed. Keep repeating steps four until he stops covering his back with his bedding, then move to step five. Continue this process over, until your dog understands that lying down on the floor is desirable and that the last step, standing up, is the hardest one. Once he understands that he has to stand up to get attention, he should lie down immediately.
Step Three: If your dog starts to freak out at the sound of a loud noise, or any perceived threat, distract your dog with a verbal cue. For example, if you hear someone screaming out of the bushes, yell out loud at your dog to stop. If there is an approaching vehicle, signal to your dog to “step on it”. Keep repeating the verbal cue until your dog understands that the sound of his owner’s voice is a warning, not a demand. If you are playing with a lure, offer the lure to your dog while he is still sitting down. This will entice him into moving towards it, and when he steps on it, the lure is yours for the taking.
Step Four: Use the training treats in conjunction with the verbal cue. Give the training treat to your dog while you are stating your command, and as soon as he picks up and bites the treat, immediately say “no”. Do not offer the training treat until your dog does something you ask of him. You can also use the clicker as a substitute for the treat. Once your dog exhibits the expected behavior, then you can begin using the clicker.
Step Five: When your dog has successfully been trained to lie down, consistently reward him with praise. Start by praising him for staying down when you ask him to. Then, begin to move him toward the part of your house he can access most easily and stand near his crate. Whenever he obeys your command to lie down, offer him the clicker. When he climbs to the part of the house where the clicker is located, immediately offer him the treat. Keep repeating these steps until your dog obeys every time you tell him to lie down.
Step Six: Continue using the praise and the clicker until your dog begins to associate the command with an actual reward. For instance, you can provide him with a dog biscuit by rubbing his nose in it. This will make him associate lying down with something pleasant, like food or a bone. He will be excited each time he hears the click and receives the treat.