Go Hunt Everywhere

In my article titled Dog Training Basics, I explained that the fast way to establish that you are the pack leader is by using the "DOWN" command.  First, we cover "why", then we'll cover "how."

The "DOWN" command accomplishes a few things:

1. It lets your dog know you are in charge,
2. It serves as a way to have your dog be both stationary and comfortable,
3. and when trained well, can provide a quick way to insure your dog's safety.

Let's take each of these one by one:

Letting your dog know you are in charge.  By putting your dog into a position of lying down, you are forcing them into a submissive posture.  If you watch wolves or any other wild dogs in a pack, you'll notice that the ones who aren't the leader will often lie down in the leader's presence.  It's an acknowledgment of his position.  When he needs to remind someone he's in charge, he forces them to lie down.

Stationary and comfortable:  sitting for long periods isn't particularly comfortable for a dog.  Lying down is much more so.  By having them lie down, you can do something else while resting assured that they won't be somewhere they shouldn't be.  For example, if you have to move a heavy box from one room to another, have your dog "DOWN" somewhere out of the way, and then go move the box without tripping over him.

Safety:  When this command is trained very well, your dog will "DOWN" on command even when he is walking out ahead of you.  Issuing the "DOWN" command when he's about to step out into traffic or approaching another person who may not want to meet him will immediately stop his momentum.  It's also very helpful at the vet's office.

How it's done:
First, hook a lead or leash to your dog's collar.  This gives you a handle to enforce compliance with.

Second, walk your dog around the room or yard.  Point at the ground and say "DOWN," and grab the lead close to the collar under his chin.  Pull the lead toward the ground, giving your dog no other choice.

Third, when he's lying down, scratch his ears or pat him, telling him he did well (rewarding the "good").  Don't let him get up until you say "OK" (or whatever your command is to release him).

Fourth, repeat steps 2 and three a few times (somewhere between half a dozen and a dozen). You'll notice that your dog will start to get the idea.

Fifth:  when he seems to understand, give the "DOWN" command the same way, but do not guide him into position.  If he doesn't lie down on his own within a few seconds, grab the lead like you did before, but give it a sharp tug toward the ground (correcting the "bad").  Don't expect him to get it all in just a few minutes.  I limit training time to 30 minutes, tops.  If he's not doing it by then, just come back to it another time.

Sixth:  When do you know he's got it?  Easy.  When you can get your dog to "DOWN" on command three times in a row without correction, he's got it.

A little reinforcing training every once in a while will keep him sharp.  This also works well if your dog is challenging you.  If you're being ignored on other commands, a "DOWN" or two will often get your dog's attention again.