Does your dog “Down” when you ask, but then pop up like a jack-in-the-box? This post is for you.
The benefit to this skill is more than teaching them to stay in the down. It also helps them learn patience.
If you want a dog that will stay where you put them, wait while you put on your shoes, or relax under a café table, this is where you start.
- Ask your dog to down (or sit).
- When they down, say “Goooood, goooood, gooood” in a low, quiet tone. Think of the voice someone might use to calm a nervous horse… “whoa, whoa…” or the voice you might use to soothe an infant to sleep.
- After 2-4 seconds, say “Yes” in a calm tone. Give a treat.
- Practice stretching out the down for a few seconds at a time.
- After a few tries, you should start seeing your dog relax into the pose. Say “Yes.” You are teaching your dog that relaxation is what you want.
For dogs that know “Wait,” you can say that instead of “gooooooood.”
Play a few rounds of this game with your dog, then take a break. Repeat 2-3 times per day for a week.
Do you see a difference in your dog at the end of the week? Do they seem more patient with other activities, too?
Respond to let me know how it goes… or if there is another topic you’d like to hear about.
Snuggles and teeth,
Mokey, Rayvin, and Bree
42 Walks Dog Training 