Dog Training - The Down Command
'Nature to be commanded, must be obeyed' said Francis Bacon. And this is especially true when it comes to dog training. Dogs are born to live in a hierarchy with an alpha (leader) at the top on down to an omega at the bottom. 'Down' is one effective technique to prove you're the alpha not the dog.
This command has practical benefits. When a dog is in the 'down' position, he isn't excitedly running around knocking over the furniture or small children. The command is also the first step for other commands such as 'rollover', 'crawl' and other less useful but fun tricks.
Fortunately, the down command is usually very easy to train. Whenever possible take advantage of your dog's spontaneous behaviour and wait for a movement from standing or sitting to down.
When you see it happen, execute a unique voice command and hand gesture pair. Every training behaviour should be associated with a unique hand gesture, not used spontaneously during the day. Make the command clear, precise and in a 'training' tone.
After the command when the behaviour is complete, praise the dog lavishly. As with all training, at first the dog will have no idea why it's being praised. But this doesn't matter. With repetition the behaviour will start to follow the command.
Most dogs won't perform the desired down behaviour on command the first few times you try it. Be patient, clear and consistent. As with all dog training, minimize background noise and other distractions during the training session. Try to be alone with the dog to avoid competing voices.
Encourage the behaviour by taking a treat or favourite toy and putting the dog in a 'sit position. Then move the treat or toy all the way to the ground just in front of the nose.
After several repetitions with the treat or toy, try just using a 'down' hand movement with the palm towards the ground. Never reward with praise or treat until the down position is complete and correct, but also don't become tense or angry after failure.
For the slow learner or assertive dog, it may be necessary to supplement training with a collar and leash. You'll need a short leash for this and the dog to be in sit position.
Kneel down so you're now facing the dog. Make the 'down' hand gesture, issue the voice command and move a treat or toy from the dog's chin to the ground while pulling gently on the leash downwards.
In really hard cases (and you'll need to practise this first), kneel down and put the leash loop under one foot and slide it under the knee of the opposite leg, facing at a slight angle to the dog. Pull the leash loop with your foot, sliding it over your leg. Simultaneously, gently take both the dog's forelegs and pull toward you, issuing the voice command.
When the dog is in down position, praise lavishly even though you executed the movement not the dog. You want the dog to associate the position with good feelings - his and yours.