LESSON PLAN – WEEK 2
Down on command Learning objective: Your dog is sitting at your left side. You give the command and signal “Down.” The dog quickly drops into a down position. How to teach this exercise Sit the dog beside you and stand on your leash, giving the dog just enough slack to sit comfortably. Kneel or squat down beside the dog. Face yourself towards the dog. Place your left forearm lengthwise along the dog’s spine, and with your left hand grasp the dog’s collar behind his neck. Place your right arm behind both of his front legs, grasping the left front leg with your right hand. Give the “Down” command, and simultaneously apply pressure along the spine with your left forearm and draw the front legs forward, lowering the dog until the elbows are touching the ground (until the dog is in a down position). Praise the dog with “Good down.” Remove your right hand and quickly feed the dog a food tidbit, continuing to praise verbally. Maintain pressure along the spine with your left forearm. Once the dog relaxes, remove the pressure but continue to rest your forearm lightly along the dog’s spine. Continue to praise in a quiet but sincere way. After a few seconds, release the dog with an exuberant “OK!” Encourage him to get up and move around. Allow the dog to rest a minute or so. Then repeat the exercise. Once the dog is in the down position, remember to praise him with “Good down,” but do so in a quiet voice to avoid him bouncing to his feet. He should not bounce up as you praise him. If he does, put him back down. Again, praise quietly. He should only break the down position with permission. You give permission by telling him “OK!” and walking forward with him, giving him lots of praise. Repeat this exercise several times a day for this week. 23
