Train Your Puppy – The Down Command
Before you train your puppy to learn the "down" command, he should first be comfortable with the sit and stay commands. Only then should you begin work to train your puppy for down command.
This is the single-word command for lie down. Use the down command only when you want the dog to lie down. If you want to train your puppy to get off your sofa or to stop jumping up on people, use the off command.
Do not interchange these two commands when you train your puppy. Doing so will only confuse him, after which evoking the right response will become next to impossible. The down position is especially useful if you want your dog to remain in a particular place for a long period of time.
A dog is usually far more inclined to stay put when he is lying down than when he is sitting. To train your puppy to follow this command may take more time and patience than other commands. It is believed by some animal behaviorists that assuming the down position somehow represents submissiveness to the dog. It’s all a part of canine body language.
Because the "down" command can have a negative association to your dog, it is important that you do everything you can to associate the command with as many positive rewards as possible. Food treats help a lot, as does enough praise to make your dog think that he is just wonderful.
To train your puppy to understand "down", begin with your dog sitting in front of and faring you. Hold a treat in your right hand with the excess part of the leash in your left hand. Bring the treat under the dog’s nose and slowly move your hand down to the ground. Your dog will follow the treat with his head and neck. As he does, give the command, "Down," and exert light pressure on his shoulders with your left hand. If your dog resists the pressure on his shoulders, do not continue pushing down. Doing so will only create more resistance.
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