DOG Training TOYS

DOWN

The final command we will focus on for off-leash foundation level control is “down.” I probably sound like a broken record at this point— oh no, I’m giving my age away, but I know I’m repeating myself. Guess what? The “down” command has the same rules about consis¬tency as all the others.
So what’s the first step? If you guessed “you need to be conscious of how often you say ‘down’ without backing it up,” you’re absolutely right! A common example of inconsistency in using this command is when the owner tries to teach the dog to stay off furniture or not to jump on people. How many of you tell your dog “no, no, down, down, down” when the dog leaps all over you? Do you say the same thing when your adorable dog is lying on that leather chair you absolutely don’t want her on? All use of the command “down” should stop now, except as recommended in this chapter.
“Down” should not be taught until the dog has mastered the “sit” command. This means the dog sits at least at grade B.
The traditional way to teach “down” involved forcing the dog into that position. Methods involving stepping on the leash and/or sharply yanking the leash downward were common. Forcing some dogs, espe¬cially dogs older than a year, into the down position can stimulate aggression, distrust and an unwillingness to obey the “down” command, especially when you don’t have the leash. Fortunately, you can teach this concept with little or no force off the leash. This is a much better way.
The challenge with “down” is that it represents a vulnerable and subservient position for a dog. Men should consider how they would
feel being shaved by a total stranger. Yes, you know the barber is a pro¬fessional, but when that straight-edged…