Francis Bacon once said, "Nature to be commanded, must be obeyed." When it comes to training a dog, this saying is very wise indeed. Dogs, as a species, are accustomed to a hierarchy structure of command and leadership. That's the way they naturally function and would continue to function if we had not domesticated them to be pets. So they are accustomed to a structure where everyone-or every dog-has his place in the pack-from the alpha leader to the bottom or omega dog. When you teach your dog the "down" technique, you are asserting your place as the alpha in the dog's world.
Functionally, it is good for your dog to know and obey the down command. This can save your furniture from getting battered about and small children from getting knocked down. It's also a good start for your dog to learn additional commands such as "crawl" or "roll over" or even tricks.
It is a good thing that such behavior is more often than not quite routine to teach. That is why it is preferred to avail oneself of such unprompted behavior when possible. You can do this through observing the dog and jumping in when there is a clear movement from standing to a sitting position orsensations4 from a sitting position to a down position.
When this happens, you want to speak a specific command and use a unique hand gesture simultaneously. This gesture should be something you would not normally do, so you must make a special effort to do it. Every single time the dog goes into this position, you should clearly issue the command and make that hand gesture. Always use the same tone of voice.
After the command and as soon as the point of completion of the behavior is achieved, praise the dog generously. At the outset, the dog will not have a clear understanding of why it is getting praise. In point of fact, this is not important. With repetition of these maneuvers, the dog's behavior will result from the command. Remember, it is the correct behavior you are pursuing.
Initially, the dog will not likely perform as desired because he does not know what you want. It is important to be patient, clear, specific, and consistent. It also helps to do this when other people are not nearby and you have alone time with your pet and when there are few other distractions like noise and movement to divert the dog's attention.
Positive behavior can also be encouraged by taking a treat or favorite toy and putting that item near the tip of the dog's nose on the ground and then putting the dog into a sitting position. This is more likely to make the dog lie down by it.
Helping to focus your dog's attention with the toy or snack, use a 'waving down' hand motion, with your palm pointed towards the floor. Make sure to avoid rewarding any dog with praise or a treat unless the behavior is accomplished and totally correct. On the other hand, if things don't go well, be careful not to become angry with the dog.
Some dogs require complementary training with a leash and collar to assist. To do this, get a short leather or nylon leash-a maximum of 4 feet long. Place the dog in the sitting position and kneel so you are in front of the dog facing him.
Make the clear-cut hand motion signaling what you want, while at the same time giving the voice command and passing a treat or toy by the dog's nose and to the ground while gradually and smoothly pulling on the leash. The aim is to encourage the dog and not to chastise the dog in any way.
In those really tough situations where the dog does not do what is expected immediately, kneel down and put the leash underneath one foot and then position the loop under the knee of the dog's front leg. Do this while facing the dog at a slight angle. The goal is to pull the leash loop with your other foot gently drawing the dog down. At the same time, you should gently take both the dog's front legs and pull them towards you while you give the voice command.
After the dog is correctly positioned, give him lots of praise. It doesn't matter that you initiated this movement and helped put the dog into the position. You want to give your dog that praise so he has good feelings about getting into this position-regardless of how he does it-and he knows you are pleased with him for doing it. - 29895
Functionally, it is good for your dog to know and obey the down command. This can save your furniture from getting battered about and small children from getting knocked down. It's also a good start for your dog to learn additional commands such as "crawl" or "roll over" or even tricks.
It is a good thing that such behavior is more often than not quite routine to teach. That is why it is preferred to avail oneself of such unprompted behavior when possible. You can do this through observing the dog and jumping in when there is a clear movement from standing to a sitting position orsensations4 from a sitting position to a down position.
When this happens, you want to speak a specific command and use a unique hand gesture simultaneously. This gesture should be something you would not normally do, so you must make a special effort to do it. Every single time the dog goes into this position, you should clearly issue the command and make that hand gesture. Always use the same tone of voice.
After the command and as soon as the point of completion of the behavior is achieved, praise the dog generously. At the outset, the dog will not have a clear understanding of why it is getting praise. In point of fact, this is not important. With repetition of these maneuvers, the dog's behavior will result from the command. Remember, it is the correct behavior you are pursuing.
Initially, the dog will not likely perform as desired because he does not know what you want. It is important to be patient, clear, specific, and consistent. It also helps to do this when other people are not nearby and you have alone time with your pet and when there are few other distractions like noise and movement to divert the dog's attention.
Positive behavior can also be encouraged by taking a treat or favorite toy and putting that item near the tip of the dog's nose on the ground and then putting the dog into a sitting position. This is more likely to make the dog lie down by it.
Helping to focus your dog's attention with the toy or snack, use a 'waving down' hand motion, with your palm pointed towards the floor. Make sure to avoid rewarding any dog with praise or a treat unless the behavior is accomplished and totally correct. On the other hand, if things don't go well, be careful not to become angry with the dog.
Some dogs require complementary training with a leash and collar to assist. To do this, get a short leather or nylon leash-a maximum of 4 feet long. Place the dog in the sitting position and kneel so you are in front of the dog facing him.
Make the clear-cut hand motion signaling what you want, while at the same time giving the voice command and passing a treat or toy by the dog's nose and to the ground while gradually and smoothly pulling on the leash. The aim is to encourage the dog and not to chastise the dog in any way.
In those really tough situations where the dog does not do what is expected immediately, kneel down and put the leash underneath one foot and then position the loop under the knee of the dog's front leg. Do this while facing the dog at a slight angle. The goal is to pull the leash loop with your other foot gently drawing the dog down. At the same time, you should gently take both the dog's front legs and pull them towards you while you give the voice command.
After the dog is correctly positioned, give him lots of praise. It doesn't matter that you initiated this movement and helped put the dog into the position. You want to give your dog that praise so he has good feelings about getting into this position-regardless of how he does it-and he knows you are pleased with him for doing it. - 29895
About the Author:
Learn how to select the correct Dog Bedding for your dog. Do not allow Puppy Potty Training become a prolonged or tedious affair.
