How to Teach Dog Down

Here are 6 easy steps to teach dog down. Concentrate on your dog's head because when you control the head, the body follows.

1. Start with your dog in the sit position.
2. Hold a treat close to your dog's nose with your palm facing down.
3. Say the command "Down" while lowering the treat to the ground.
4. As your dog follows the treat, his abdomen touches the floor with his back legs tucked under his body.
5. Reward him with a treat as soon as he is in the down position.
6. Release your dog within a few seconds, but before he breaks the down position.

Problem Solving

• My dog is still having trouble with the Down command. Try breaking the command into smaller steps. First, lure your dog's head to the ground, then work on luring his head and shoulders to the ground. Gradually progress until his abdomen touches the floor.

Reinforcing Down Command

• Initially give food rewards and praise, but gradually reduce the treats. Eventually, your words of praise will be sufficient reward for your dog.
• Increase the distractions gradually. If you started off in a small room in your house, move to the yard, then a park.
• Practice the down command frequently throughout the day. Keep the training sessions brief so your dog doesn't lose interest.
• Always use a normal tone of voice. Raising your voice will teach your dog to listen only when you yell at him.

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