How To Train A Dog Down
Teaching your dog to go down can be one of the easiest to teach but as with all dog training you must be patience and practice! This is fun as a trick but also use and the building blocks of commands like lying down aka down- stay, going to the vet and more. Your dog should sit on command first. To learn how to train your dog to sit check out the How To Train A Dog To Sit
Training
Sit
First have your dog sit. Then with a yummy treat in your hand put it in front of his nose and straight down to the ground. Folloing the treat he should naturally lay down. As soon as he does give him the treat. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat.
Go Down?
Don't be surprise if your dog is already getting the idea and going down as soon as you get the treat in your hand. With out having to guide him with it to his nose. When he does give him his treat right away and praise. Don't be disappointed if not though! Keep working with him. Eventually he will realize every time I lay down, I get a yummy treat.
Down
Once you have this mastered start pairing your command ''Down'' with his going down and immediately reward him. Practice this everywhere. Starting of course in distraction free areas and moving along to busier places.
First have your dog sit. Then with a yummy treat in your hand put it in front of his nose and straight down to the ground. Folloing the treat he should naturally lay down. As soon as he does give him the treat. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat.
Go Down?
Don't be surprise if your dog is already getting the idea and going down as soon as you get the treat in your hand. With out having to guide him with it to his nose. When he does give him his treat right away and praise. Don't be disappointed if not though! Keep working with him. Eventually he will realize every time I lay down, I get a yummy treat.
Down
Once you have this mastered start pairing your command ''Down'' with his going down and immediately reward him. Practice this everywhere. Starting of course in distraction free areas and moving along to busier places.
TIPS: DO
- DO keep the treat in your hand where he can not get it till he lays down and you give it to him. How ever make sure he can smell it to follow and go into the down position.
- DO start lengthening the time till he receives his treat once the down command is mastered.
TIPS: DON'T
- DON'T try to force your dog down or push him into the down position.
- DON'T hold the treat too far away or your dog may try to go towards it rather than going straight down.
Keep At It
This is one of those very simple lessons but often needs lots of practice. Some dogs may pick it up almost instantly, others may take awhile and others may just be a bit stubborn. Don't give up though, with some tasty little treats and a positive attitude your dog will be going down on command sooner than you may think. Happy Training!
How To Train A Dog Down Video
