Teaching your dog the obedience down command is good lesson to teach early in the training schedule. The down and sit commands are simple, but essential in the foundation of building confidence in your dogs obedience skills as well as your pack leadership role. Dog whispering commands such as sit, stay and down will also build a bond between you and your dog. One of the reasons this dog obedience command is essential is that laying down is a submissive position and reinforces that you are the pack leader.
When you are just beginning to teach the down command, make it simple for your dog, then slowly increase the level of difficulty. Remember, your dog wants to please you so improve his chances by following these dog whispering tips.
Practice this technique in quiet environment that is familiar to your dog with no other distractions and do this without a leash or other restraints:
· Without using a leash put your dog into a sitting position.
· Hold your dog's favorite tasty treat a couple of inches in front of his nose. Move your hand straight down to the ground. Your dog should follow it down. You can praise and encourage him to follow it down. As soon as his belly hits the ground lavish him with praise and give him the reward treat.
· Repetition and consistency are key ingredients to successful dog whispering training.
· Once your dog understands the basics you can add the verbal command. This should be in a firm but calm tone. Always use the same word command such as 'down'. You can begin by adding the command right when you start to put the treat in front of him and as you move it to the ground. This will build the connection between the command, the response and the reward.
· After your dog has mastered your verbal command in a comfortable environment, you can introduce some other distractions that can make the down command a little more challenging. For example you can take him to a park or practice your command around other animals and increase the duration before rewarding with praise and treats.
Practice this technique with a leash restraint:
· Put a collar and leash on your dog.
· Place your dog into the sitting position and stand or kneel right next to him.
· You are trying to encourage your dog into the down position. This will depend on the size and co-operation level of your dog.
· Always say the "down" command first, then immediately guide your dog down into the lying position. You may need to use the leash and collar to gently, but firmly pull your dogs head down while saying the command. At the same time guide him down by pressing down between his shoulder blades with the palm of your hand. Alternatively or in addition to the above you can lift your dogs front legs up and pull them out in front of him to get him to understand. Heap lots of praise and encouragement to your dog while doing this. Positively reinforce with lots of praise and a favorite food treat.
· This will take patience and repetition but soon your dog will respond to your verbal command only. You can then add more challenges by saying the command when your dog is in the standing position or when around other people and animals. These distractions will help him focus on you as you introduce more difficult lessons and commands over time.
Both of these methods are effective tools and will come in handy when teaching the sit command. Regardless of which dog obedience training method you choose to teach your dog the down command just be sure you are consistent and patient.
