The way I was taught to teach the down when my bloodhound was in her classes was to make them sit then hold a treat right in front of their front legs on the ground. Depending on the dog you may need to bring it out further from the dog, a bigger dog will need it a bit further out just put it far enough out that they can get to it with their nose. As they put their head down to get it slowly pull it away from them and they will stretch out to get it and lay down in the process. I'm pretty sure this is the way we did it with Reagan too and she picked it up pretty quick. If they tend to stnad up and just walk toward the treat you can put your hand on their back just to keep them from standing up.
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Courtney |