The “down” command is a fundamental behavior that promotes calmness, patience, and impulse control. Teaching “down” can be achieved through various techniques, each suited to different learning styles and dog temperaments.
1️⃣ Luring Method (Positive Reinforcement)
This is the most common and gentle way to teach “down.” It works well for puppies, young dogs, and food-motivated dogs.
What You’ll Need
- High-value treats (chicken, cheese, hot dogs, etc.)
- Optional: Clicker
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start in a Sit Position
Have your dog sit in front of you. If they don’t know “sit,” you’ll need to teach that first. - Lure to the Ground
Hold a treat near your dog’s nose. Slowly lower it straight down between their front paws. - Encourage the Downward Movement
Move the treat slightly forward (away from their nose) once it’s on the ground. This motion encourages the dog to shift their body down. If they only lower their head but not their body, wait them out. - Mark and Reward
As soon as their elbows and hips hit the ground, say “Yes!” or use a clicker, and give them the treat. - Add the Verbal Cue
After a few successful attempts, say “Down” right before you start the luring motion. - Fade Out the Lure
Once the dog understands “down,” stop using treats as a lure and rely on just your hand motion. Eventually, remove the hand motion entirely, using only the verbal cue “Down.” - Proof the Behavior
Practice in new locations with mild distractions. If they struggle, go back to the lure method for clarity.
2️⃣ Prong Collar Method (Pressure & Release)
The prong collar method works on the concept of pressure and release. It’s great for dogs who resist physical guidance or don’t respond to food lures.
What You’ll Need
- Prong collar properly fitted (snug, high on the neck)
- 6-foot leash
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start in a Stand Position
Have the dog stand next to you. Hold the leash with light tension. - Apply Downward Pressure
Say “Down” and gently apply steady downward pressure on the leash. Do not yank. - Apply Guidance if Necessary
If the dog doesn’t move, place your foot lightly on the leash, pulling it downward toward the ground. - Release Pressure When They Drop
As soon as the dog’s elbows and hips hit the ground, release all leash pressure and praise them with “Yes!” or “Good!” - Repeat and Reduce Pressure
Repeat the process until the dog begins to associate the word “Down” with lying down. Over time, reduce the amount of pressure you use. - Add the Verbal Cue
Once the dog responds to “Down” consistently, reduce the physical guidance and rely on the verbal cue alone. - Proof the Behavior
Practice in high-distraction areas to ensure reliability. Use leash pressure only if they ignore the command.
3️⃣ E-Collar Method (Remote Recall for Down)
The e-collar method is useful for teaching a reliable “down” at a distance, even when off-leash. This method is highly effective for obedience training in public or high-distraction areas.
What You’ll Need
- E-collar properly fitted (contact points touching skin)
- Long line (for early stages)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Condition the Dog to the E-Collar
Make sure your dog understands e-collar pressure and how to “turn it off.” This is usually done with recall or leash pressure exercises. - Find the Dog’s Working Level
Find the lowest level your dog can feel on the e-collar. This should be a mild twitch. - Apply Pressure & Verbal Command
Say “Down” and press the e-collar button (continuous pressure) while guiding the dog down with leash pressure. - Release Pressure When They Drop
As soon as the dog’s elbows and hips hit the ground, release the e-collar pressure. Praise them with “Yes!” or “Good!” and offer a treat. - Add Verbal Cue Only
Over time, stop using leash guidance and rely on the e-collar alone. Say “Down” and apply e-collar pressure if they don’t respond. Release the pressure when they obey. - Proof the Behavior at a Distance
Once the dog understands “down,” practice from greater distances. Say “Down” and press the e-collar if they don’t respond. This builds off-leash reliability.
4️⃣ Hand Pressure Method (Physical Guidance)
This method is great for puppies and smaller dogs, but it can work for larger dogs with patience.
What You’ll Need
- Treats (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start with the Dog in a Sit
Have the dog sit in front of you. If the dog doesn’t know “sit,” teach it first. - Apply Physical Guidance
Place one hand on the dog’s shoulder blades (gently) and the other on their lower back near the hips. - Guide Them Down
Say “Down” and apply light pressure downward on their shoulders and hips simultaneously. Use your body weight to guide them instead of pushing with force. - Praise and Reward
The moment the dog’s elbows and hips hit the ground, release pressure and praise them with “Yes!” or “Good!” - Add the Verbal Cue
After several repetitions, add the cue “Down” right before you apply physical guidance. - Phase Out Physical Guidance
As the dog learns “Down,” reduce the amount of pressure and start using only the verbal cue.
5️⃣ Capturing the Behavior (Natural Method)
This method “captures” when the dog lies down naturally and reinforces it. It’s perfect for puppies and low-energy dogs.
What You’ll Need
- Clicker or verbal marker (“Yes!”)
- Treats
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Wait for the Natural Behavior
Wait for the dog to naturally lie down. This usually happens when they’re tired, resting, or about to nap. - Mark and Reward
The moment the dog lies down, say “Yes!” or use a clicker and reward them with a treat. - Add the Verbal Cue
After a few repetitions, say “Down” right before they lie down naturally. Eventually, they will associate “Down” with the action. - Reinforce Frequently
Every time the dog lies down on its own, reward it. The dog will learn to offer “down” as a default behavior. - Ask for It on Command
Once they consistently lie down when you say “Down,” you can stop capturing and switch to intentional commands.
6️⃣ Place Command Method (Using a Raised Platform)
Using a raised surface (like a dog cot) makes “down” easier to learn. Dogs have an easier time understanding “down” on a clear, elevated surface.
What You’ll Need
- Raised dog bed or platform
- Treats
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Introduce the Platform
Encourage your dog to step onto the platform. Use treats to get them on it. - Lure the Dog into a Down
While on the platform, lure their nose down toward the surface using a treat. Their body will naturally follow. - Mark and Reward
The moment their hips and elbows touch the surface, mark it with “Yes!” or use a clicker and reward with treats. - Add the Verbal Cue
Add the verbal cue “Down” before you lure them. - Phase Out the Lure
Once they understand “Down,” use only the verbal command and no hand signal. - Generalize to the Ground
Once the dog is comfortable with “Down” on the platform, practice on the floor. The concept will transfer over naturally.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Best For | Off-Leash | Effective for Stubborn Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luring | Puppies, food-driven dogs | ❌ | ❌ (if distractions are present) |
| Prong Collar | Stubborn dogs | ✅ | ✅ |
| E-Collar | Off-leash recall dogs | ✅ | ✅ (best for outdoor work) |
| Hand Pressure | Puppies, small dogs | ❌ | ❌ (large dogs may resist) |
| Capturing | Puppies & natural dogs | ❌ | ❌ (works slowly) |
omegapaws.blog 