Step-By-Step Instructions For Obedience Training Your Dog Yourself
Down
Down is not to be used when he is jumping up on you - that is off (which we
will get to later). Down will mean to lay down. And, don't say "go lay down," as
that is another command still.
Get your dog to sit. If he is sitting next to you, reach over and push your
arm from behind his front legs. As you say down, slowly and gently
force his legs forward, and his body will go down to the ground. It should not
take much effort on your part since it is a natural reflex for him to move his
own legs once they are being bothered. As soon as he is in lying on the
ground, say good boy!. He will probably pop right back up. That's fine
because he did lay down. If you prefer, you can have him sit in front of you.
Grab both of his front legs, down by the bottom, and gently pull them out
toward you as you say down. Say good boy! as soon as he gets all
the way down. Each time you give the down command, try to have your own
body less stooped or bent over. If you continually are bent over when you give
a command, he may not respond later when you give the command from a standing
position.
After your dog does know what down means and he usually does it on command,
you may have to get his attention sometimes if he is distracted. With him on
your left (looking at that cute little poodle walking by a few yards away and
not wanting to change position now while she's watching), bend down and give
the leash a quick snap down and to the right. This should get him in the down position
quickly.
When this session is over, you can give him a healthy treat.
Down is used for your dog to lay down right where he is when you say it -
immediately - as part of the obedience training session. Go lay down is used
outside of the obedience training, comfortably and relaxed around the house or
yard. Go lay down means go pick a good spot yourself for yourself, take a
little time if you need to, and eventually lay down.
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