How To Teach Down From The Front Position
In this exercise you will learn how to down you dog from the front position. Your dog should already know how to respond to the down command before you begin this exercise. If your dog has trouble with the down command review the how To Teach Down Exercise. In our formal obedience program this is done in the Intermediate Dog Obedience Program. Therefore if your dog is not responding to the down, it is not because he doesn't know the exercise.
Down From Front Position (holding treats)
From the sit position, leave your dog. Face the dog and command him "Down". Lift the right hand and hold a treat in it as you do this. To correct, tug toward you with left hand, say "No", and move right hand in a downward motion as you command "Down".
Down From Front Position
In this exercise you should to be able to down your dog from the front position.
Facing your dog in the Sit/Stay position, holding the leash in your left hand, with your arms by your side. Hold the leash in such a way that it is loose and can be tight with about 4 inches of movement.
Give the down signal, (right hand held up, at your side, palm facing your dog), and give the command "Down".
Wait a moment, (about 1/4 to 1/2 second), If your dog complies say "Good". If your dog doesn't move, say "No" and with your left hand, snap your wrist back to give your dog a light, sharp tug. Step towards your dog and when your are close, bring your right hand down to motion your dog to the ground, as with your targeting skills. Be sure to tug and move torward your dog in a way that your dog doesn't move toward you.
Of course if your dog breaks the stay in anyway, you should correct your dog back into the Sit/Stay position and continue the exercise.