I like that idea Cindy! I'll have to remember that one. I've always hated forcing dogs. Especially since most of the pets I work with tend to be soft and easy to scare. Some have already be traumatized by harsh training and force isn't really the way to go. NOT SAYING THE OP WAS HARSH, just to clarify. I just hate forcing a learning dog into a position.

I will try the moving my hand forward. Thank you for the sugggestion.

When I am working with her I feel bad giving her no treat at all. Should I withold any treat giving until she gets it(the down)? I have been trying the down only a few times before I give her a break. I'll have her sit and then give her a treat then try the down command some more. I don't want her to feel her efforts are fruitless. How long should I try the down command before I give her a break.

Yeah, I have Ed's 8 weeks to 8 months. I thought it was great the way he explained to give the treat on the ground. Once I get her down I certainly will do that.

I fully agree. I am not into force either. I think it kind of breaks the bond/trust between the handler and dog. I tried it three times (with gentle force) and it just didn't accomplish anyting so I stopped.

The nice thing about using your legs is that if the dog has trouble or gets worried, you can immediately lift them a bit so the dog doesn't feel claustrophobic.

for some reason, this puppy would tolerate crawling under my legs but not my hand on his back. I guess he thought doing the under the legs thing was "his idea" and the hand on the back seemed too much like being dominated.

It worked really well for him, and I am going to use it in the future for any pups or older dogs that I see resist being lured down with food alone.

WOW, that is an awesome suggestion. The leg thing sounds great and it was very clearly described. My pup is a close contact girl and I think she will feel very comfortable with this technique. I will have to let you know how it works. It is just like the chair but without the "scarry" inanimate object. She gets scared of the littlest things.

Cindy the legs thing is cool, close to what I've always done with that occasional pup that for one reason or another didn't want to go down. I rather like your idea more. What I do is get down in the play position holding a treat in my closed fist, I give no commands at all, but during play trying to get the treat (toy, food, etc.) the dog is lured into the down, 'GOOD DOWN!' treat is given, a few times of marking down and they seem to catch on, then the command 'down' before treat is given with play, by the time it's tapered off I've got downs at 5 and 6 months to die for. I have a good time too!
I must admit your way though sounds like alot fewer bandaids!

If my dog itsn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

PS. At six months, I'd relax with the whole situation.
Every time her chest hit the ground for what ever reason, mark it! GOOD DOWN! Show her how happy you are! She'll get up but don't worry over it, just wait until she goes down again for what ever reason, 'GOOD DOWN!'. Woo Hoo good down! Mark it for her. She'll come around. Doesn't matter for the moment you didn't command it, make her feel good about the 'down'.

Edited by randy allen (01/02/2008 06:19 PM)
Edit reason: PS.

Great training tip for lots of dogs, Cindy. If I get anywhere near the floor with my dog he starts humping or biting or sometimes both at the same time. I guess he believes "you always hurt the one you love"

Perfect idea for those of us with little ones that have strong attitudes.

You could try a clicker or using a voice marker and everytime you see her laying down on her own click and treat.

This will take a long time but she will eventually connect down with good things and should be easier to lure.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I appreciated every one. I am thrilled to tell you that the leg thing worked GREAT!!! My husband sat on the ground with his legs bent and I lured her under with the treat. In less than 10 minutes she was obeying the command without the legs. I am beyond excited. THANK YOU!!!
Wendy




Edited by Wendy Roth (01/02/2008 11:55 PM)
Edit reason: photo addition