Dog Training For Free
Free Dog Training Tip to Get Your Dog to Lay Down
One of the first commands we teach our dog is "down." This is an important position for your dog to learn, as it is the cornerstone of staying where we put him. This is a great starter command because it is so easy to teach, plus it strengthens your "Alpha dog" position.
You can jump right in and start with the "down" command, or to ease the transition, you may decide to begin with the "site" command first. Before you begin, remember these key points. Have patience! Your dog will eventually understand the concept. Always train with kindness. Use positive reinforcement and treats to encourage the behavior, but never punishment when you don’t get the result you are looking for. Finally, don’t hurt your dog. Be firm but not forceful. Be sure to have plenty of doggy snacks on hand!
An easy way to ease into the "down" command is to start saying "down" every time your dog lies down naturally. With a little observation and practice, you can begin to anticipate when he is about to lay down, then you can issue the "down" command right before he lays down. Once down, generously praise and reward him with a doggy snack. In the beginning he will think he just hit the jackpot, but after a short time the association between the command "down", laying down and receiving the treat will get together, and the connection will be made.
Another tact is to start from the "sit" position. Once he is sitting, issue the "down" command. Then you can either gently push him into the "down" position, or you can slide his two front paws forward until he is in the "down" position. Once down, praise and reward him with a doggy snack. Have him return to a "sit" then try this again.
If subtlety is lost on your dog, the leash and collar method might work best. Start from a "sit". Give the "down" command. At the same time, pat the ground or use a toy or doggy snack, moving it from his chin to the ground. If he still isn’t compelled to the "down" position, pull his leash gently downward until he is in position. Once he is down, praise and reward with a doggy snack. Repeat.
To avoid confusing your dog, clearly issue the "down" command while showing him, in whichever way works best for him, the "down" position. It is easier to maintain your cool when you remember that you are working with an animal that has the learning capacity of a 2 year old child.
To ensure a fun and successful training session, let your dog’s attention span be your guide. Some dogs will get this in one sitting, but for many, you will need to practice this a few times a day, every day, for a short time. Whichever method you choose, with a little practice and positive reinforcement your dog will master the "down" command quickly and easily.
Author: Sean Lannin
To find more free dog training tips, and to learn more information about training your dog, please visit http://www.sittingdogtraining.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Lannin
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