Teaching the Down Command
by Eric Shannon <eric@ohmydogsupplies.com>

Whether you plan on going to a dog show to exhibit the skills of your pet, or just want to train your pet to not jump on people when they enter your house, the “down” command is an important one for you to teach and your dog to learn.

One of the most basic skills that the judges at a dog show look for is the simple “down” command. And if it’s important at a dog show, it should be one of the first commands you teach your dog at home, before the show as well.

Here’s how to teach the “down” command: when you give the “down” signal, your right hand and arm should be raised quickly. With your arm shoulder high, show your dog the palm of your right hand. Don't bend your wrist backward over your shoulder; the dog will ignore this type of signal. Get your hand out in plain view where your dog can see it.

Clear, concise signals are very important; many handlers give their dogs poor signals and wonder why their dogs fail to respond. Practice this on different surfaces – the grass, the carpet, the dog bed, and hard flooring.

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If the dog ignores you at first, go stand in front of him, have him go “Down”, and then “Sit”. He will get the message after you consistently do the same actions and then praise him in a happy tone of voice. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your dog will learn this exercise. If you overdo it, however, your dog will anticipate the drop and slow down. When this happens, call him in quickly without dropping him. Do not practice the exercise every day and practice in different locations. You’ll want to increase or decrease the distance between to vary the routine.

In the Open Class at a show, the rules are that the judge will instruct the handler to Drop his dog opposite the jump or himself. This means that the dog will cover about half the distance before he is dropped. Note that very few dogs drop opposite the specified object. So in training, study your dog thoroughly, and practice with him until you can drop him exactly where you want him. To get your dog to drop at a specific point, you will have to run up to him quickly the second he takes that extra step. As he does, say "No," and repeat the “down” signal. Although the rules state that the most important of the exercise is the fast drop, it follows that if you can drop your dog at any specific point during a recall, it proves that he is fast and accurate.

It takes time and patience and love to teach your dog these important commands. Be sure to read articles in dog magazines, check out training books from your library or talk with other dog owners of the same breed to gain insight. Before you know it, both you and your dog will be living happily together and perhaps bringing home a trophy or two from a dog show!

see article 14