I've been working my (now ten month old) pup in obedience work. She is very smart and seems to pick up commands right away - sit, stay, down, come, heel.
I have noticed that all these she does immediately on the first command (well, generally), EXCEPT the DOWN command.
Is this usual? I can't remember this with my other dogs, but it's been years since my last dog.
Is there some pshycological reason she doesn't seem keen to down? I'm thinking maybe she doesn't like the view from the ground, or maybe it's a dangerous/subservient/whatever position (she isn't a dominant animal).
Down is all most always the most difficult to teach. It is the position. The dogs feel vulnerable and subserviant. However,once the command is reliable many dogs seem to prefer it if they will be waiting for a long time in one place. Some dogs seem to prefer to either down or to sit. As the dog becomes more confident it will be easier to get the down to be more reliable. Just keep working it.
If you can't be a Good Example,then You'll just have to Serve as a Horrible Warning. Catherine Aird.
Richard is correct. That is why I use a higher reward for this command then the others. Either a tastier treat or a better prey object. By doing this I turn the down into my pups favorite and the default behavior he uses when working out a new command.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
