DOWN IN MOTION

 

Tools:

  • Your dog

  • 6 foot training leash and collar or head halter

  • Clicker and treats

 

Method: 

Level 1

  1. Clip your dog’s leash to his collar and head halter and begin walking briskly

  2. Stop and cue your dog to lie down

  3. When your dog’s elbows touch the ground, click and treat. 

Level 2

Practice level 1 off leash in a safe area. 

Level 3

  1. When you are out on your exercise walks, cue a down without warning

  2. Click and treat when your dog’s elbows touch the ground

Level 4

  1.   When you are playing with your dog, wait until he is really moving out, and cue a down

  2. Click and treat when your dog’s elbows touch the ground 

Level 5

Go back to level one, but put your arm straight up BEFORE you give your normal cue to down.  Work until your dog will lie down anywhere for as soon as you offer the visual cue of your arm up. 

Challenge Level

Can you get your dog to lie down after you have sent him to get his ball?  How about on the way back to you with his toy?  Work towards a down in motion anytime, anywhere.