Down

You want to start training your dog to do the down command right away. Especially if you are working with a puppy. The reason why is because the down is a submissive position, and well, if your dog turns out to be a dominant dog, sometimes he will refuse to do it.

The way to do this with a treat is as follows:

1. Assuming he knows the sit command, you will get him to sit while you will be sitting next to him on his right side.
2. show him a really smelly treat, but don't release it, just get him into it..
3. Once he starts to want it, you will say "down", and then you will put your left hand on his back shoulders.
4. Your right hand which has the treat will move slowly straight down to the floor (his nose should be following) and then out towards the direction you want him to lie down, kind of like an L Shape. Throughout this motion, your left hand will be putting a tiny bit of pressure on his back so he knows what you want.
5. Once he follows the treat, he should have been gently pushed into the down, if he is, you will release the treat as his reward.

Tags: down command, lie down, down, basic obedience