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"Down" or "let down" is an important basic command for your dog to learn. Ideally, all dogs should know how to lay when asked by their owners. The "down" command can be very useful when you need to rest your dog in a busy position or for a longer stay. It is also the first step in some dog tricks, including the popular rollover. Fortunately, teaching your dog "down" is almost as simple as training your dog to sit.
When your dog is in the proper position, his chest, elbow and hips are in contact with the ground. Ideally, it should remain until you release it. With practice, you can get your dog to correct under him, and this is an easy command to teach.
How to Teach Your Dog to Lie Down
Before you begin, make sure you have plenty of tasty training treats to offer your dog. Ideally, the treat should be small, soft and tasty for your dog. Reserve these exercises only for training sessions and use different treaties for general rewards.
Set aside five to ten minutes in a meditative area. If you use clicker training with your dog, be sure to handle your clicker.
1/Start by getting your dog's attention. Show him that you have a treat in your hand.
2/Hold the treatment in front of your dog's nose but do not let him receive it yet. Next, slowly move the treatment towards the ground, letting your dog follow it.
3/Repeat this motion until your dog is full. If your dog is not following it with his body, try to pull the treatment a little farther.
4/Once your dog is fully latched (meaning his elbow and waist are on the ground) give your dog treatment after petting and praise.
5/Once your dog is constantly in motion with the treatment, add to the oral cue. Say the word "down" clearly and firmly, while taking the treatment to the ground.
6/Repeat this until your dog becomes just an oral cue and no treatment guide. Continue treatment after your dog lays down.
It is best to do short training sessions once or twice a day. Have sessions in various locations including both indoor and outdoor areas. Always try to end the session on a positive note. If necessary, find another cue that your dog knows (like sit) and then end with a treat.
Add the Release
When your dog can successfully lay down on command, it is time to introduce your release word. This is what you say when you allow your dog to get up. Many people use the word "OK" for the release cue, but any word you want to use will work as long as you are consistent.
Start with a short increase of time, allowing your dog to lie down for more than 30 seconds before releasing it. To start it, you can use the "stay" command and then your release command when you are ready to let the dog go. Work your way up for longer so that your dog stays down until you say "OK" no matter how long.
Problems and Proofing Behavior
If you are still having trouble lying on your dog for treatment, you can try to mark the behavior. The next time your dog lays down naturally, say "down", then praise and reward him. Every time you lay it down, try it. If you are going to do this job, then you probably have to deal with yourself. Capturing behavior with clicker is also quite easy.
When your dog reacts quickly to the down cue, try to distract attention slowly. You should evidence behavior by training in many places and scenarios.
Once your dog becomes a specialist in lying down, you do not need to be given a treatment every time. It is a good idea to give occasional treatment to reinforce behavior. Also, it is always a good idea to be rewarded with praise. After all, your dog likes to make you happy, behavior is just a bonus.