Training a dog to "down"

[jindo4life]

I went to Pets Mart obiedence school. They taught us how to train it to sit, down, lay, heel. We didnt get to the heel part. These are the basics. There gonna tell us how to house train a puppy. But I get figure out how to train Jin to DOWN. they told me to put food infront when hes sitting and he'll do the down posistion. But he keeps hopping up and gettin it. Any suggesetions?

Our trainer is great!

[moontamara]

Don't let him get the food! Do as the trainer says but keep the food in your hand and take it away if he gets up to go for it. If you're patient (and don't forget to keep saying down) he will eventually stretch his head and hopefully naturally go down. Be patient, it may take some time!

[jindo4life]

ahhh..works!

[mizzlittle]

you probably shouldn't use the work 'down' as this is probably what you say to him when he is up on the sofa, etc - 'deck' (as in hit the deck) seems to work just as good

[Catt31]

We use the word "off" for when he is on something or someone, and "down" when we want him to lay down. You need to be consistent whatever words you choose, but make them different as they are 2 very different jobs you want Jin to do.

For "down", hold the treat in your hand. Put your hand down to the ground quickly as you are saying "down". Jin should follow your hand and put his bum and elbows on the floor. When he does this, reward him with the treat AND praise! Do this 30 times in a row if you have to, but keep at it and keep consistent!!!

[Spoiled]

My students get to choose one way out of two or three to teach their dogs "down":

Place your dog in the "sit" position. Say "down" as you slide his feet out in front of him. Treat him when he is in the down position.

Then there is the baiting down, the one you are using now.

Then there is the foot down. If your dog keeps comming up, place your dog in the down position with the leash on. Step on the leash so he can't get up.

[Catt31]

Your students?? You're a trainer Spoiled?? I thought you were 14

[Lucky Rescue]

My students get to choose one way out of two or three to teach their dogs "down":

Spoiled, you are a obedience instructor now?? What courses did you have to take, and what kind of certifications are necessary for this? Just curious...I know my own trainer had a list of qualifications a mile long.