I figured that since Lou Castle managed to give me valuable advice on a way to teach my dog "shake" that he understood within 5 repetitions (after spending 8 months doing it the way he doesn't understand), it would be worth a shot to ask this on the board too <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

When I put my dog into a down, 9 out of 10 times (more like 19 out of 20 times, but its a figure of speech <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> he will down with his hips sideways, so it takes him longer to get up when I release him or recall him - how do I make him realize that I want him to down straight down, without his hips off to the side? Simply trying to lift up his butt and repositioning his legs isn't working - is there a trick to this? I saw someone putting a Mal into a down that did this, and the dog corrected his position when the handler verbally corrected him, n when the dog went into a sit, it was lightning quick, the dog almost jumped up sitting using his rear legs rather than pushing up with his front legs, I'd like to get my dog to react with this speed.

2nd question: What is the best way to train him to "Stand" - like when GSD's pose for photos or stand for dog shows with their legs back, chest and head held up high etc. I can't seem to get him to put his legs back or keep his head up, but I know he can do it cuz he does it naturally when he's on alert - but he doesn't seem to catch onto what I want from him when I try to position him, he ends up sitting down, laying down, trying to look to see what the heck im doin to his butt etc. Supposedly this is something easy to teach, but none of the books on GSD's that I have tell me HOW to teach it.

Thanks!

One way to get your dog to down square is to first teach him to go onto a placeboard. When he understands that, you can make the board small enough that the dog can't roll onto his side without rolling off the board. You could use a rectangular piece of plywood that's framed with 2 X 4's on the bottom.
Another placeboard variation is to take a piece of plywood that's 14" X 24". Install 2" X 12" X 14"s on the top of the plywood so that the dog is downing between the two walls. This will keep him tighter in the down position. The placeboard also helps with dogs that creep a little.

I was having a similar problem with the down. Kato had a tendency to lay sideways. I wanted a straight and alert down. I went back to basics with him. I started making him heel as close to a wall or fence as possible and telling him platz. He can't down sloppy if there is no room to do it in. He also had a real sloppy puppy sit that drove me crazy. Legs all spread out like no other. When he sat like that I would tell him "fix it" and pull up the leash until he was sitting correctly and then praise him for sitting right. He is still a young pup (7mos.) and he will catch himself sitting spread out and adjust his sit. I think only if I am looking. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> For a quick response to a command you have to be quick to correct. I had numerous training issues with our older dog and I take the blame that I was lax on her slow reaction time. It eventually transfered to her bite work as a slow out. With the new guy, I am on him the minute the command is said. With his attitude and drive, a command is not a request. It means as of yesterday. If he does not move fast enough this time, he will make sure he does the next. He moves as fast as he can when I make him do repetitions of sits and downs. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Thanks guys, I'll give both your suggestions a shot and see what he responds to the best. He also has a sloppy sit when he's not in drive, but from what I remember right now, his sit is good when he's playing tug. I'm also happy with his bite development so far, he's showing more interest in his tug lately so I managed to get all 4 paws off the ground tonight, so being excited about that I had to mention it in this post even though its totally unrelated n he's making me nuts right now cuz he's still in drive with way more energy than usual <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Anybody got any thoughts on my second question about teaching him to stand nicely?

Thanks!

I think you are thinking of stacking? I am not sure how to explain it, but if he knows the stand command you can start there. I had nothing but trouble getting the dog to hold that position. But I started with the stand and pulled the foot back, right or left, I don't remember, and held her under the chin while one of the kids held a toy up. Maybe someone here can explain it. I happened upon a site that explained the "right" way to do it, but that was several years ago. If I find it, I will PM you.

Mike. I sent you a PM. Let me know that you get it.

I teach the puppy by letting him nibble on a hotdog in my hand. when he is concentrating on eating I slowly move my hand down towards his chest. This should, after a few tries get him to fold into the proper position, at which time I mark it and give him the rest of the hotdog. The angle you need to go at is roughly a line from chin to chest to the ground. If he backs up I say no and try again.