There are different techniques you can use to get your dog into the down position for the first few times until he learns what it is you are wanting him to do. The one that works best for you can depend on several things..... the size of your dog, how well he is accustomed to the leash and knows the "sit" command, and his perception of what you are asking.

As with all new experiences, don't be discouraged or loose your patience if your dog does not catch on the first few times you try. Dogs learn at different paces, varying from breed to breed, and have different personality traits within every breed. Smaller dogs tend to do well right away in training, mainly because their size makes them easier to manipulate. Larger dogs can take a little longer sometimes. Most training goes smoothly and is quickly successful if you have spent the time to bond well with your dog, are always gentle and free with praise and reward, and have gained his unconditional trust in you.

When teaching the "down" position, I would suggest using the most passive technique first, and moving forward from there. Read through each procedure, and depending on your dog, and your personal knowledge of his response attitude and time, use the one that you believe will best suit the both of you.

Before beginning, give your dog a brisk little walk on leash, and a few treats and praises to take the edge off so he will be calmer and more alert to learning a new command. Going from standing to laying down is a difficult maneuver for you with training, and a little confusing for your dog, so always have your dog in the "sit" position before going to "down".

1. With your dog on leash and in the "sit" position, put a small treat in your right hand. Call your dog's name to get his attention. Use your right hand to make a quick downward motion in front of his nose so he can smell the treat. At the same time, use your left hand to pull gently downward on the leash, and say "down" in a clear voice. Take your right hand all the way to the ground in front of your dog. If he lays down flat on his belly, give him praise, wait a few seconds and then give him the treat. Do this several times using the treat, always with the downward motion of your hand and saying the "down" command. Each time, increase the time you let him lay there by ten seconds or so, before giving him the treat, but always praise immediately. Try walking around for a bit, then using the downward hand motion, and "down" command without the treat. Only keep your dog in the "down" position for short periods at first ... thirty seconds is usually about long enough for him to know he is doing what he is supposed to, and for you to know he understands the command. This is the most passive technique, and works well for many dogs.

2. If your dog needs a little more encouragement to get into the correct "down" position, start from "sit" again, and after getting his attention, use the downward motion of your hand in front of his face, (no treat this time), say the command "down", and at the same time pull down with the leash, and push gently down on his shoulders until he is in the laying position. Hold him in this position for a few seconds, and give him praise and a treat. If he struggles during the pushing down, hold your ground if you can, if not, walk a few steps and start over again. Repeat this technique, giving your dog a few seconds each time to obey the hand signal, and verbal command before pushing him down. Keep him in the down position long enough to let him know that is what you want, but not too long that he is bored or thinks he is being punished. You can increase the time as he learns the command better. Give him praise and a treat only when he stays in the laying position without struggling or getting back up before you let him.

3. If you and your dog are having difficulty making the connection, do not be alarmed.... just try something different. Training lessons are challenging at times for both the trainer and the dog. Taking a little breather, regrouping, and trying a new approach will likely lighten the mood. After a good walk and a little fun, praise and treats start your dog at the "sit" position and call his name to bring his attention to you. Use the downward motion of your hand where he can see it, and say the command "down". As you do this, pull down on the leash and put your foot on it where it connects to the dog's collar, holding his head down to the ground. Keep your foot firmly on the leash, and with your hand pull his front legs forward until he is in the laying position. Again, if he struggles, hold your ground, do not give in unless there is a possibility of injury to you or your dog. When he stops struggling, only keep him in that position for a few seconds, then give praise and a treat. This technique does require a little firmer hand, but do not be overly forceful, and try to temper it with gentleness and coaxing. With each repeat of the task, give your dog a few seconds to obey the commands before forcing him in position. Praise him greatly when he remains still in the correct position, and slowly decrease the manual assist and increase the amount of time he is to stay in the "down" position. This is the LEAST passive technique in teaching the "down" command. Please always be considerate of your dog, and remember, he is not necessarily disobeying you deliberately. He is trying to learn something new. In all training sessions, knowing your dog's individual personality and respecting his limitations will greatly aid in the success of your overall goals.

If your dog is a very young puppy, don't push him too hard. The world all around is new, mysterious and exciting to him right now. He is seeing, hearing, smelling, and experiencing everything for the first time. Much like a toddler taking his first steps and exploring his surroundings and new-found freedom. He is curious, self absorbed, and full of energy. Give your puppy a chance to explore and get to know himself and you. Have some fun with him, and as the bond grows between you, so will his desire to always please and do what you ask of him. Dogs from six months to around a year old are likened to teenagers. They are fairly independent, and have learned enough about themselves to be manipulative, and stubborn at times, but not entirely set in any particular ways.

According to the breed, and circumstances of their puppyhood, I would suggest getting a good handle on them right away. Dogs at this age are prime for learning. They have experienced a little more of life, and are still curious and energetic, not as easily distracted. Their pack instincts are just developing, and it is a good time to establish your role as the leader of the pack. Spending time and always using a balance of patience, a gentle but firm hand, with consistency and a lot of praise for good behavior will form an everlasting bond between you and your teenage dog.

If you have an older dog.... over two years old, with no formal training..... you may have your work cut out for you....again, depending on the breed, and your dogs background. One advantage in the training of an older dog is their attention span is usually longer, and the distractions are fewer. I have great respect and admiration for those of you that chose to take on the responsibility of an older dog.... from a shelter, rescuing a stray, or however you acquired this animal. I tip my hat to you for giving a second chance at life to one of God's most well deserving creatures. Older dogs come from many different backgrounds.... cute puppies that grew into unwanted dogs, owners that can no longer care for them, dogs that get lost or are dumped off, abuse, neglect and a thousand other scenarios. Training an older dog can be difficult because of so many things that could have happened to them during their life. Bonding with these dogs can take time and the patience of Job. Finding out as much as you can about their background can be helpful, but in many cases is not possible. With no real history to help, it is often a slow process to try and reprogram the damage. Your safety is always an issue with larger or more aggressive breeds. The smaller, gentler ones succumb to broken spirits with neurotic behaviors and most all have a hard core distrust for human kind. Only time can tell if your older dog can overcome his past, and trust again. Most will eventually respond to love and kindness to some degree. The lucky ones will completely recover and be wonderful loyal friends for life, the unlucky ones........ will not.

What ever the age or breed of your dog, and however he came to you, I hope you will treat him with love and respect, and can enjoy his company for many years. Please spend some extra time with your dog today to let him know what a wonderful and important part of your life he is. If you are needing a little pick-me-up in your life, and have some extra time, stop by the Humane Society, or Animal Shelter in your area and do some volunteer work, or just drop off a bag of dog food. The stories behind some of these animals are heartbreaking, but if you can get past the tragedy of why they are there, you will be amazed at how good the feeling is to know you are making a difference and helping provide them a second chance for a new and much better life.

Jeanette, your website is awesome, I am proud to be here with you today. Everyone have a glorious day, and don't forget........ spend some time with your dog.

Thanks to all, Rhonda Erickson. _easttxnurse320@aol.com_ (mailto:easttxnurse320@aol.com)