The command “Lie down!” – an important skill for every dog. It needs to be practiced from the very first days the pet arrives in its new home. Commands “Sit!”, “Lie down!”, “Stand!” are included in the mandatory basic requirements of the training course (OCD). Some dogs catch everything on the fly. Others show an obstinate character. And the owner will need to be patient and understanding. We will try to tell you how to teach the “Down!” command. and how to use it.
How to train a dog to the “Down!” command: Photo
The command “Lie down!” for dogs: why is it needed?
The standard requirements differ for different categories of dogs. For example, hunting breeds must lower their head onto their front paws when executing a command. Because when hunting, the ability to be invisible to a potential victim is important. Other breeds don't lower their heads. And always waiting for the owner's next command.
The general rule for all breeds is to lie straight, without falling over on your side.
Before starting training, the owner must understand why it is necessary to begin training the “Down!” command as early as possible.
- Firstly, this command is necessary so that the dog can be left in a lying position for a long time. For example, put it on a bus or train.
- Secondly, with the help of this command it is easy to teach your pet the “Place!” command.
- Using this technique, endurance is practiced.
- Having laid the dog down, it is convenient to carry out grooming procedures. For example, examine, bathe, comb, treat for fleas and ticks.
How to teach a dog the “Down!” command: Photo
Third parties that make life easier for the owner
When the dog has become aware of its owner in the person, it can begin to be taught other commands that will significantly expand the mutual understanding between the owner and the pet.
More often, trainers use these instructions:
- "Quiet!"
After pronouncing, the dog should stop making noise.
- "Lie!"
A command similar to “Sit!” or “Place!”, but clarifying the position.
- "Car!"
The experience of thousands of trainers shows that training a dog to stop in front of cars while pronouncing a command helps to minimize the number of accidents on the road.
- "Stand!"
The dog must stop its movement and wait for further instructions.
The command “Lie down!” for a puppy
The puppy's first training begins at 3 months. Before you teach your puppy the “Lie down!” command, you need to master the “Sit!” command. Then it will be easier for the baby to make the transition from one position to another.
For training, use treats that your pet loves. For example, dry food or pieces of boiled chicken, cut into cubes.
You can conduct classes both at home and while walking. It is only important that in the first stages the dog is not distracted by loud noises and other animals. Find a clean, quiet place for your dog to lie down comfortably.
Just like the commands “Sit!” , "Lie!" trained using positive reinforcement or contrast methods. The contrast method involves the use of coercion and encouragement.
The command “Lie down!” for a puppy: Photo
- Give the command “Sit!”
- Hold the treat in your right hand and let your pet smell it. But don't let me eat. Your goal is to interest him. Create a desire in him to get a treat.
- Say the command “Down!” At the same time, lower your hand with the piece down in front of the puppy’s nose. Move the treat away from the muzzle, preventing the baby from reaching it. But provoking him to take a lying position.
- If the puppy does not understand what is required of him, use your left hand to make a pressing gesture on the back between the shoulder blades. Do not press hard so as not to hurt the baby.
- After a few seconds, give the treat to your puppy and praise him.
- To release your pet, say the command “Walk!”
Make sure your puppy doesn't get up without your permission.
If the puppy gets up without your command, start the exercise over again.
Make sure that the front legs are extended forward and the back legs are tucked in (Sphinx pose). Correct your dog if it rolls over to its side or lies on its back.
Most often, after a couple of training sessions, the puppy masters the initial steps of the task, and there is no longer any need to press on the withers.
Do training 2-3 times a day. Gradually make the task more difficult.
For example, give the command “Down!” when the puppy is in a standing position.
Teach your puppy to lie down at your feet.
Conduct training away from people and dogs: Photo
How to teach the command “Down!” stubborn, disobedient dog?
- Place your pet.
- Put on the leash and move it under the muzzle.
- Say: “Lie down!”
- Lower the leash down, gradually pulling it forward. Synchronously pressing your hand on your back between the shoulder blades.
- When your dog lies down, be sure to praise him affectionately and reward him with a treat. Pat me on the back.
- Make sure your pet doesn't get up for a few seconds.
Increase shutter speed to 15 s: Photo
Exposure when practicing the command “Lie down!”
Once your dog has learned to lie down on command, gradually increase the time between execution and reward. If the puppy is 3 months old, then increase the shutter speed to 5 seconds. From 4 months, increase the distance and endurance in order to meet the standard by eight months.
Requirements for passing the standard: the command is performed the first time, from 15 meters and with a holding time of 15 seconds.
When practicing over long distances, do not shout across the entire field when releasing your pet. You should approach the dog, praise and treat it. And then release using the command “Walk!”
General principles of training
To successfully train a pet, systematic training is necessary. The duration of the lesson should not exceed 2 hours. Commands for dogs: the list of techniques practiced in the lesson depends on the dog’s level of training; for example, a Labrador puppy begins to be trained from the first months.
Gradually, the number of techniques should be increased in accordance with the success of the formation of conditioned reflexes in the dog.
New techniques are practiced in the first part of the lesson. After each command, it is necessary to organize a three-minute break for the pet.
Rules for successfully training a puppy:
- Techniques performed correctly should be reinforced with praise and encouragement.
- It is better to voice the instruction once, accompanied by a gesture.
- Maintaining consistency in orders and gestures.
- The first lessons should be conducted in a familiar environment, then you can change the location of the lessons.
- Both the trainer and the dog are in a good mood.
- It is better to end the lesson with the team that the puppy does better than the rest.
The command “Lie down!” gesture
Teaching your dog the command “Down!”
gesture: Photo The gesture is introduced after the dog learns to lie down on command and hold for 5 seconds. Extend your right arm forward, parallel to the floor, palm down. Then lower your hand to your right thigh. When learning this gesture, increase the distance between you to 3 meters. And the shutter speed is up to 7 seconds.
Patience and systematicity are the most important thing
Don't demand quick results from yourself and your dog. Exercise little but often. Don't take long breaks. Raising a puppy takes time. There is no need to rush: the command “Lie down” is a kind of foundation that needs to be laid correctly. And if we are talking about an adult pet, be even more patient. After all, the ability to carry out the command “Give me your paw” does not mean obedience and learning ability.
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The command “Lie down!” in difficult conditions
Practice styling while walking.
To make the conditions more challenging, change your training location. If at first the place should be quiet and comfortable, then as training progresses, choose noisier areas, with people and dogs.
When the dog learns to lie down unerringly in calm conditions, begin to complicate the task. Practice the command in a supermarket or at a traffic intersection. In difficult conditions, training the command must begin from the very beginning. At close range with minimal shutter speed. You need to reach standard indicators at the age of 10 months.
Teaching your dog the command “Down!” from a distance of 5-15 meters: Photo
General training course
The general training course is based on systematic training with the dog. The skills and abilities developed during the general course form the basis for the formation of conditioned reflexes in an animal. By the way, one of the first skills that a puppy is taught is the ability to go to the toilet only outside. During the training process, it is necessary to practice commands with gestures for dogs, and not just with your voice.
General skills and abilities include:
- response to nickname;
- habit of wearing a collar, leash, harness;
- approach to the trainer;
- walking nearby;
- the dog’s habit of lying down, sitting, standing, crawling;
- the ability to raise a voice, stop certain actions, and overcome certain obstacles;
- refusal of other people's food;
- tolerance to noise stimuli.
How to teach the command “Down!” dog: recommendations from dog handlers
- Start your training in a clean place. In the future you will be able to require installation on any surface.
- Do not repeat the command several times. Pronounce it clearly and with authority. With all your appearance, express complete confidence that the dog will fulfill your request.
- Make sure your dog follows your orders the first time.
- The principle should always be maintained: first your command, then the pet's action.
- If you have to repeat a command, then raise the tone to a more demanding one.
- Avoid rough or cruel treatment.
- Don't rush to complicate tasks. Proceed to the next stage only if the dog has mastered the previous one well.
- In the first stages, do not require much endurance.
- Don't skip rewarding with treats and praise after each task completed.
- Do not replace the command “Down!” to arbitrary synonyms. For example, do not use the phrases “Lie down, I tell you!” or “Lie down, please!”
- The dog must learn to maintain the position until you release it. If she gets up, return her to her previous position by repeating the command “Lie down!”
- Do not use the “Come!” command to release your dog. Because while waiting for this beloved command, it is more difficult for the pet to withstand time. Use the “Walk!” command.
Watch the video on how to teach your dog the “Down!” command.
The command “Lie down!” - a simple command. Every dog learns it quite quickly. But in order for your pet to perform it clearly, repeat it several times a day every day, not forgetting to treat it with a treat.
Tricks for enthusiasts
It’s easy to train a domestic dog to fetch slippers, play thimbles or hide-and-seek, walk another pet on a leash, run next to a bicycle, sit in the “gentleman” position, and dance on its hind legs.
The cup trick is quite easy for an animal to perform. Three identical plastic cups are placed in front of the dog. There is a treat under one, then the cups are moved from place to place in front of the dog’s eyes. Then they offer the pet to get a treat. Each attempt to turn the glass over is accompanied by exclamations of praise. The dog's reward will be the treat he finds. The exercise is repeated several times.
Cup game
