[Back to Dog Training Basics]

In teaching your dog the down command, you will be rewarding the act of his belly touching the ground with his legs stretched out in front. Follow these steps a few times a day for a week or so and vary his starting position and the location over time:

Step 1: Get your dog’s favourite treats.
Step 2: Put him in a sitting position and hold the treats in front of his nose, a forearm’s length away.
Step 3: As soon as he becomes interested (which will be very soon), move your hand straight down to the floor. He’s sure to follow it down; encourage him in doing so by saying the ‘down’ command.
Step 4: As soon as his belly touches the ground with his forelegs extended, repeat the ‘down’ command, praise him handsomely, and give him the treat.