There are a 100 roads to Rome on this question and to give you a good answer you need to tell us a little more about the problem.
Is the dog consistantly fast on the down all by itself? If not then to expect the down out of motion to be quick is jumping the gun a little.
Does the dog understand that down means down where ever he is at the time of the command? This helps a lot when shifting to downing while heeling because the dog already understands the command means hit-the-deck no matter where you are.
The dog knows the command yet when doing the exercise on the move, he will kind of take his time when downing. Compulsion just brings about more hessitation so it's to find the right motivation and to link this with a "cue" forming anticipation and getting the dog down quicker. Just what procedure?
This may be a good place for a clicker. Pair the clicker to a treat and once that is done use the clicker to mark a fast response to a command. Once that is done go back to the walking down and click for approximations to what you want.
Another suggestion would be to heel towards a low barrier (like a curb or a step) and command the down just before you reach the barrier. Reward if the dog downs with out going on to/over the barrier. The barrier could be going up or down. Once the dog has it so that the down is proper with the barrier move to putting a marker on the ground and down before that (2x4, rope, line). Reward only for being behind the "ine". Then move to just doing it without any marker on the ground.
These would be just 2 thoughts for doing this without any corrections.
If you can't be a Good Example,then You'll just have to Serve as a Horrible Warning. Catherine Aird.
I agree leash corrections are not the solution. In fact it will make matters worse. Speed in obedience is a genetic factor but to bring out his potential you must convince the dog that the faster he performs a behavior the faster he gets his reward. This is key. The ball or food is released the second he downs. But unfortunately you cannot change nature.
Ps. Lou I said leash corrections. I know there are techniques were you could teach a dog to try to beat the shock. Not my first choice but I have seen it work.
Speaking from experience...
If your dog is at all sensitive, leash corrections during a formal recall is a bad idea. It can make him hesitate after you state the command, shut down and not work, as well as associate the exercise with a negative experience. It is much better to work on a fast down by itself first. During any off leash play say "DOWN". Enforce the down "gently" if he doesn't do it right away. Then reward with food or praise. Immediately release the dog for more fun times. Incorporating a quick down during regular daily routines will get the dog used to a faster response. Once a fast down is achieved, you can use it with other commands.
My dog always had a fast down through this method, but when I tried to use leash corrections to speed up his recall times it backfired. Now I am trying to fix a problem I created before I can enter him in competition obedience. I will accept a more leisurely, but still perfect, recall anytime. Not every dog is a border collie.
Vince P.,
Yes, I know that's what she meant. But this method worked for my dog. He can be full tilt running now and if I say "down" he puts on the brakes and downs immediately. After I got the quick down "down pat" (he! he!) I practiced it during heeling as well. Walking on the sidewalk, saying "down", dropping the leash, and continuing to walk while the dog is down without looking back.
Maybe by practicing the quick "down" by itself first is something they should try, before pairing it up again with another command. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Vince P.,
I also mentioned my experience with the leash correction and recall to illustrate the fact that for some dogs a leash correction to help improve a response during an exercise is a bad idea and often illicits the complete opposite effect. For me, gentle repositioning (with finger in collar), voice correction, food and praise worked much better. But everyone should know their own dog's temperament, and what works for them.
The old adage "If I knew then what I know now....." Well, just trying to help prevent some of the problems I encountered and wish I hadn't. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
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