Down on command Continue practising this command. Try issuing the command from various vantage points, such as in front of the dog or behind the dog. Make sure you follow through. Remember: once the command is given, the dog must comply even if you need to help him into the down. Also remember to give him lots of praise once he’s in the correct position.
HEEL ON LEASH
Change of pace Start to occasionally change your heeling pace, from normal pace to slow pace back to normal pace; from normal pace to fast pace, and back to normal pace. At first, cue the dog to an upcoming change by re-issuing or re-stating the heel command. You may eventually drop this extra cue, but in the beginning it’s a useful teaching aid. If your dog responds to the food tidbit, hold it in front of his nose as you make the change in pace. This will encourage him to remain in heel position. Feed him the tidbit when he has successfully executed the change in pace. Don’t let your dog get too far out of heel position before correcting him with a pop on the collar. The correction should be followed, of course, by lots of praise and a resounding, “Good heel” for correcting position.
Down-stay If ten out of ten times your dog can stay for a particular length of time, 30 seconds for example, add a few seconds onto the time until finally your dog is consistently able to stay for one minute. When he can, gradually increase the distance away. Remember, at this stage of the down-stay exercise, the dog must be on-leash and your distance should not exceed the six-foot leash length. Time first, then distance The rule of thumb is to build up the time first, then the distance. Once you have the time and distance built up, it is wise to vary the schedule. That is, don’t always leave him for the same amount of time so that he starts to anticipate when he is going to be released. When you return to the dog to release him, always wait several seconds before releasing him.
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