How to teach your dog with "down" command.
Introduction
The "Down" command is one of the most basic and important commands that you can teach your dog. It is useful in a variety of situations, such as when you need your dog to stay still for a vet exam, when you need them to lie down in a crowded place, or when you need them to calm down.
Common Misconceptions
- You should never push your dog down into the down position. This can actually make the problem worse. Instead, simply give the "Down" command and wait for your dog to get into the down position on their own.
- You should never yell at your dog when they don't go into the down position. Yelling will only make your dog scared and confused. Instead, use a firm voice and say the "Down" command calmly and consistently.
- You should never give your dog treats when they don't go into the down position. This will only reinforce the behavior. Instead, only give your dog treats when they are being calm and following the "Down" command.
"Down" Command - Video Walkthrough
Steps to Address
Teaching Phase
- Lure the dog into the down position. Hold a treat in front of your dog's nose and slowly move it down towards the ground. As your dog follows the treat, their front legs will bend and they will eventually be in a down position. Once your dog is in the down position, mark and reward them with the treat.
- Repeat this process several times until your dog is reliably going into the down position when you lure them with a treat.
- Once your dog is reliably going into the down position with a lure, you can start to fade the lure. To do this, start by holding the treat closer and closer to your body as you lure your dog into the down position. Eventually, you will be able to give the "Down" command without using a lure at all.
Reinforcing Phase
- Once your dog is reliably going into the down position when you give the command, you can start to reinforce the behavior with praise and treats.
- When your dog goes into the down position, be sure to mark and reward them with a lot of praise and a treat. This will help them to associate the "Down" command with something positive and make them more likely to follow it in the future.
- You can also start to introduce distractions into your training. For example, you could try practicing the "Down" command when there are other people or dogs around. Or, you could try practicing the command when your dog is excited or playful.
Proofing Phase
- Once your dog is reliably going into the down position in a variety of situations, you can start to proof the behavior in different environments and with different distractions.
- For example, you could try practicing the "Down" command in a park or at a store. Or, you could try practicing the command when there are loud noises or other dogs around.
- You can also start to increase the distance between you and your dog when you give the command.
Maintenance Phase
- Even after your dog has learned the "Down" command, it is important to continue practicing it regularly.
- This will help to keep the behavior fresh in their mind and make them more likely to follow it in the future.
- You should also be prepared to use the command whenever your dog needs to lie down.
Case Studies
- Case Study 1:
A client came to Partners Dog School with a 1-year-old Golden Retriever named Buddy who was jumping on people. The client was concerned that Buddy would knock someone over or hurt them. We started by teaching Buddy the "Down" command. We used a combination of positive reinforcement and proofing to help Buddy learn the command. After a few weeks of training, Buddy was reliably following the "Down" command and no longer jumping on people.
- Case Study 2:
Another client came to Partners Dog School with a 3-year-old Border Collie named Bailey who was chewing on furniture. The client was worried that Bailey would destroy the furniture. We started by teaching Bailey the "Down" command. We also taught Bailey a "Place" command so that he could have a designated spot to go when he was feeling restless. After a few weeks of training, Bailey was reliably following the "Down" command and no longer chewing on furniture.
Pet Parent Coaching Tips
- Be consistent with your training. The more consistent you are with the "Down" command, the more likely your dog is to learn it.
- Be patient. It takes time and patience to teach a dog a new command. Don't get discouraged if your dog doesn't learn the command right away. Keep practicing and eventually they will get it.
- Be positive. Use positive reinforcement when your dog follows the "Down" command. This will help them to associate the command with something positive and make them more likely to follow it in the future.
Conclusion
The "Down" command is a valuable skill for any dog to know. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can teach your dog to lie down on command. With consistent training, your dog will be able to follow the command in a variety of situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What if my dog doesn't seem to understand the "Down" command? A: If your dog is not understanding the "Down" command, it may be helpful to break the command down into smaller steps. Start by teaching your dog to sit and then to lie down from a sit. Once your dog is reliably lying down from a sit, you can start teaching them to lie down from a standing position.
- Q: What if my dog is only following the "Down" command when I have a treat? A: If your dog is only following the "Down" command when you have a treat, it may be helpful to use variable reinforcement. This means that you should only give your dog a treat sometimes when they follow the command. This will help them to learn that the "Down" command is rewarding even when there is no treat involved.