The Down Command - Training Challenge

Read more about Training Challenges here.

THE DOWN COMMAND: Simply put, DOWN means "chest on ground". I do not require a "sphinx" posture from a dog in this command, as that can be uncomfortable for extended periods. When I teach a dog DOWN I want them to understand that DOWN includes a "built-in stay", so I accept any comfortable position as long as response is quick and reliable.

USES: Down is a physically comfortable command for dogs to maintain, and a good control point for owners who need their dogs to calmly and reliably stay somewhere for extended periods. This is a submissive command that requires a strong level of trust between owner and dog. Working a DOWN STAY can provide excellent mental challenge to a dog, especially those that are very energetic.

Rate your dog's ability with the DOWN COMMAND:

INTRODUCTORY STAGES: Dog must be lured or helped into the DOWN position.

BEGINNER: Dog will go into the DOWN position without help or lures (treats), but does not perform when distracted and does not reliably hold its position.

INTERMEDIATE: Dog reliably goes into a DOWN position even when distracted, understands that DOWN also means stay, and will reliably hold that position for 30 mins except near extreme distractions.

ADVANCED: Dog reliably goes into a DOWN around distractions, at distance from the owner, and while moving (running/chasing). Dog holds position reliably around extreme distractions (doorbell, owner going out of sight, etc.) for periods of 1-2 hrs. Dog will do a DOWN on all surfaces, including outdoors in rain and snow.

Training Challenge : Assess your dog's current DOWN performance (above) and work during this month toward the next level of achievement. If you're already advanced, work on further practice with this this command by challenging your dog in new environments or building stays for longer periods.