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Why teach "Down"

  • Promotes calmness

    Teaching "Down" helps promote impulse control and calmness in your dog, allowing them to settle in various situations

  • Rewarding

    Learning new cues and tricks can be fun and rewarding for dogs, and "Down" is no exception

  • Preparation for advanced training

    Teaching "Down" sets the foundation for your dog to learn other behaviors such as “Go to Mat"

"Down"

Follow these steps when practicing "Down"

• Sit on the floor with your dog 

• Have a treat in your hand, but make sure it’s not visible 

• Extend your arm so that your hand is close to your dog’s nose, and gradually bring your hand down to the mat 

• When your dog is fully down on the mat, say “Yes”, open your hand to show your dog the treat, and deliver the treat right above their head 

• Once your dog starts lying down without your hand luring them, you can introduce the verbal cue 

• To introduce the verbal cue, say “Down” right before your dog starts to lie down 

• With practice, your dog will associate the word “Down” with the act of lying down

Pro tip

• If your dog isn’t food motivated, substitute treats for a toy, petting or praise


Example

Alisonjoy at School for the Dogs practicing "Down"


Products we love

• Lamb lung. Dogs love these and they're perfect because they're very small.

• Treat pouch. A pouch is a great place to hold your treats during a training session or on a walk.