How to Train Your Dog to Perform the Down Position
Introduction
Call it 'Down', 'Drop', or 'Lie', this is one of the more advanced basic commands.
Put yourself in the following scenario:
You and your dog are enjoying a walk on a beautiful spring day. He ambles off-lead, sniffing the grass as you stroll along a woodland path. The trees start to thin and you emerge back out onto the sidewalk just as the dog spots a cat on the opposite side of the street. He darts off, racing straight for the road as a car sweeps round the corner. Horrified, you realize he's about to run straight into its path.
What do you do?
Simple! Taking a good lungful of air, you holler "Down". He drops to the sidewalk, giving you time to run over and grab his collar.
Your dog is trained to "Down".
The 'Down' command has two important assets. One, it requires to dog to stop moving, and two, it takes more effort to rise from down than sit, hence putting you in control and buying time.
Defining Tasks
Teaching a dog to lie down gives your great control in a whole variety of situations. It involves the dog transiting from a sit, standing position, or even running, to lying upright on the ground waiting for the next command.
From lying quietly at a cafe to dropping down instead of running into a road, this is a great skill to teach. Indeed an emergency 'Down' could even save his life. And once he's mastered 'Down', you can further improve his obedience by adding distance (stepping away from him) or time (having lie for timed periods)
The 'Down' position is deceptively difficult for some dogs to master, so be patient with your pooch (as with any training exercise.) Remember, if he is struggling, end the session on a positive note and start again later. Training should always be fun, so give him marks for effort and be happy that he gave it a go.
Getting Started
You will need:
- Tasty treats: Dogs learn best when good actions are rewarded. Choosing a tasty treat the dog will work for is half the battle
- Clicker (optional): Some owners prefer to clicker train, as this makes marking the desired behavior super easy.
Start your training in a quiet location away from distractions. It's also helpful if you are familiar with the principles of reward-based training, and the dog already knows how to sit.
Always make training sessions fun, so be extravagant with praise when the dog does as commanded. However, if the dog is struggling to concentrate or seems confused, bring the session to an end.
Daily training is essential, with three, five to ten minutes sessions per day being preferable to one 15 to 30-minute session.
The Treat in Hand Method
The Treat on Floor Method
The Down from a Distance Method
Success Stories and Training Questions
Training Questions and Answers
Hello,
I have 2 dogs and they are jealous of each other.
Alex(Husky) has been living with me since he was born. Recently I adopted Jack (German shepherd).
Jack is friendly and obedient but he bully Alex and doesn't allow him to drink or eat.
On the other side, when I'm with them Alex shows an aggressive behavior toward Jack (barking, jumps on Jack, and sometimes bites his tail).
Note that at the beginning Alex was so friendly with Jack and gave him his treat then came to me and got another one.
How can I stop Jack's bullying? And how can I stop the jealousy between them?
Thanks for your help,
494 Dog owners recommended
Hello Alexander, First, crate train both dogs using the crate manners and Surprise methods from the article and video linked below. Feed both dogs in separate locked crates at meal times. Crate manners: https://thegooddog.net/training-videos/free-how-to-training-videos/learn-to-train-the-good-dog-way-the-crate/ Surprise method: https://wagwalking.com/training/like-a-crate Second, teach both dogs the Out command (which means leave the area) and make whoever is causing issues leave the area as needed - including if pup is hovering around water bowl to guard. Out command: https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-to-teach-a-dog-the-out-command/ Decide what your house rules are for both dogs and you be the one to enforce the rules instead of the dogs. No aggression, no pushiness, no stealing toys, no stealing food, no being possessive of people or things, or any other unwanted behavior - if one dog is causing a problem you be the one to enforce the rules so that the dogs are NOT working it out themselves. For example, if pup comes over to your other dog when he is trying to leave, tell pup Out. If he obeys, praise and reward him. If he disobeys, stand in front of your other dog, blocking the pup from getting to him, and walk toward pup calmly but firmly until pup leaves the area and stops trying to go back to your other dog. If your Jack growls at pup, make him leave the room while also disciplining pup if needed. Be vigilant and take the pressure off of your dogs - you want them to learn to look to you when there is a problem, and for them to learn respect for each other because you have taught it to them and not because they have used aggression. Teach both dogs the Place command and work up to having them both stay on their separate Place beds calmly for 1-2 hours. This is a great calming, self-control building, and tolerance exercise. It also helps get them both in a working, more respectful mindset while in the same room as each other. Place: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omg5DVPWIWo Finally, work on manners and building respect and trust for you, especially with Jack - but it's important for both for different reasons. Thresholds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-w28C2g68M Heel article - The turns method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel Working method and Consistency method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-doberman-to-listen-to-you Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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Training Success Stories
I have always always loved dogs!!! I have also for many many years taken care of my neighbors dogs when they were out of town or had to work late. I have taught my dog Sebastian all sorts of things he is especially good at soccer!! Seriously!!! I believe in rewarding them well. The neighborhood I live brings their dogs over to play with Sebastian because he is sociable and I’m a major dog lover. I’m a notary public. I’m very trustworthy and never meet a stranger and Dogs sense things. So as of yet I haven’t met one that hasn’t warmed up to me. I’ve also been a huge advocate for homeless dogs in our area. If I could adopt everyone of them I would...Recently our neighbor lost their dog. They had the dog only a day and it was for his little girls. I took it upon myself to keep up the search, place food outside and water and I kept noticing him hanging around but he was very skiddish. I’m sure he had been abused but I’m happy to say that Sebastian my dog and I were finally able to get him to approach us and know there was no danger. The little girls screamed with delight when they got him back and the parents were so appreciative they tried to offer a cash reward but I refused. I did it from my heart because I knew this dog was going to be in a great environment and shown much love. It was a blessing!!! I also take Sebastian to nursing homes in the area and the people love it. It would be a god send to have a job like this because I love to walk and love being outside!!! Thank you!!!
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