Educanines

Down is taught from the sitting position.  Once the dog is sitting, show him a treat and bring it slowly down in front of the dog, until it is practically on the floor.  Then, you can either push the treat back under the dog’s chest so he will lie down to keep it in sight.  As soon as his chest and/or elbows touch the floor, reward him.  Once this is happening reliably, you will require the dog to be lying on one hip instead of in the Sphinx position.  If pushing the treat toward your dog does not make him lie down, you can also pull the treat forward so he will nearly ‘crawl’ after it.  Your dog will show you which way is better for him.  Never physically force your dog to lie down.  This is a very submissive position that some dogs are not comfortable performing in front of an audience.  If you work with him slowly, and reward him gradually, you will have a reliable down in no time.