Down Command

After Slurpie was doing Sit command consistently, we introduced the Down command. This is relatively easy really as the pup will eagerly do anything to get the treat now that he knows training means treat! Don't worry later as we phrase out the treats he will still do the command automatically with consistent training and practice.

We start with Sit > Treat

Then in sit position, we used another treat. Place it near his nose and direct downwards to the floor. At this point his head would be near the floor but his butt in the air hehe. Held on to the treat until he settled down his butt and is in down position. Immediately gave him the treat and praised him. After a few times, we added the down command the moment his entire body is on the floor.

oops wrong pic...this is the "Carpet" version haha his favorite at rest position.......Down!

Down is good for safety! A dog in down position will be calmer and this is very useful outside when you want him to stay put in a more submissive position than Sit.

After he knows the command, he will perform a down quickly without the butt in the air part first. We also deviated from the treat at nose to ground and substituted a hand action of vertically moving our hand downwards (downward sweeping motion) while standing up (human not dog). Again after we give the treat we say OK to release Slurpie from the action.

The OK release command will be useful later for the Stay training.