Common Down Command Problems



Dog resists enforcement.

To ensure success, the "down" command is successful; it should be practiced during quite a few sessions all through the day. If you do this, your dog will be familiar with this regime and will eventually being about a positive attitude. If your dog is still opposing this command, check that your foot is close enough to the clip and that the collar is not too big. Also check that his starting position is correct and also that the surface is right. If this is all in place, and your dog is still not complying, be patient and just wait it out.

Ideally, you should not wait longer than one or two minutes if your dog is resisting - dogs that resist these commands are usually controlling, scared or have learned from previous experiences that you will eventually give up. It is important for you to stay calm throughout all of this. Your dog is not doing this to upset you, as they are still learning. In the end, your dog will obey. Make sure that your dog knows when the whole work out is completed.

Dog resists placement.

It might be a good idea to make use of the food reward method if your dog stiffens up when you try to get him in the "down" position. If this is still the case after a week or so, you might want to make use of the enforced down method. If your dog still resists this sternly, your dog might think too much of himself. Your dog should earn the attention he gets from you, such as a free lunch or dinner. If you make it a bit harder, your chances with the "down" command might just improve.

Dog panics when learning the enforcement down.

If your dog panics, it is important to immediately stop this progression. Even although this technique does work well for dogs, some might need particular treatment in order to be successful. Try to use the placement and food techniques for a period of about three days - after this try this again with your foot being halfway down the lead.

While you are doing this, try to let your dog calm down - and while he is relaxing tighten the lead slowly over a time of five minutes. During this time you should praise your dog. If you are using a shoe with a heel, this might be a lot easier. Also try to caress the dog in a calm manner while they are relaxing. It might be that your dog is just a bit uncertain of what is going on, and why they are calm, they might respond in a positive manner.

Dog bites the lead.

If your dog bites the lead it can be stopped by spraying the lead with Bitter Apple. After you have done this, you can continue.

Dog lies down when you tell him to sit.

This is a standard phase in the whole process of teaching your dog the "down" command. This is usually an indication that the two commands should be divided. From this point on the dog should now down only when in the standing position. When this does not happen, you should put your foot on the lead and direct your dog in a down position. Also keep on praising your dog.

Dog gets up immediately.

If your dog gets up immediately, make sure that you keep your foot down on the lead. By doing this, you will prevent your dog from being too active - and it will allow you to make room for him to get back in the correct position and give him some praise. After they have been calm for about 15 to 20 seconds, let go your dog with an understandable "OK" command.

Dog rolls on back.

Your dog rolling on its back might not be seen as a major problem, but it can prove to be a bit messy if they do it when outdoors. Just ignore your dog when they are doing this - and praise your dog when they are in the erect position. It is advised that you should only make use of vocal praise.