The Down
Upon your instructor's command, "Down your dog", you do not repeat the command, but merely give the your dog's name and the command "Down". The down is also the only exercise you are permitted to give a hand signal in. You may point to the ground.
As with the sit, here are many ways to teach your dog to lie down. Begin in Heeling Position, that mean with your dog sitting next to your left leg.
Method 1: Give you dog's name and command "down" while making a motion toward the ground. Holding your right hand with the palm down, slightly above the dog's head and moving it toward the ground is the most common. If necessary, bend over and pull down on the chain until your dog is down. This is usually used on small to medium dogs.
Method 2: Kneel next to your seated dog, lift the dog's right paw in your right hand and push down on his shoulders with your left hand. Give your dog's name and the command "down" at the same time. This is usually used for medium to large dogs.
Method 3: Kneel next to your seated dog, lift both of the the dog's front paws your hands. Give your dog's name and the command "down" at the same time. This is usually used for large dogs.
Try all three methods and find the one that works best with your dog. Practice the down frequently. When your dog starts to understand the command, try to get your dog to down on command without you having to touch your dog.
When you are finished with the exercise, praise your dog.
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