John I can see you are having fun, the joys of puppy-hood. I miss those days. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

All the advise they are giving you is correct. Your puppy does not understand a command if he does perform the command. If you have to position him in the down, he knows that you are positioning him. You need to connect the word with the action. And like it was said the sit is easier to teach. Try that instead, the method described by David is two hold it teaches the sit and the position that will later be link to the heel.

Getting him use to the leash, I would not make a fight out of it. Inside the house just let him drag the leash around, for a while. When he gets use to this, I would start training him in his leash then start taking him for short walks only when he is wearing the leash. Use no corrects at all right now (on leash), no hard pulling on the leash or any punishment.

Use on a Slight tug (to get his attention), when he comes to you coach like you would a infant taking his first steps, as he coming toward you say "good puppy", and when he get to you pet him up and maybe sometimes give him a treats. Always make him think there is something positive in relation with command and at the end of the leash. At the end of the command to "come" for example, is loving and treats.

Try to connect fun times with the leash, it will get to the point that they will stick their head into the collar attached to the leash, as you apporach or go get the leash when its time for their walk.

Good luck with that little rascle. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

This corrects the typo, in my last reply. I can't edit for some reason. :rolleyes:

Your puppy does not understand a command if he does not perform the command.

i thank you all for your responses. we have been doing the leash thing, and it is progressing slowly but positively. the unleashed down command problem is coming together also, with him on a table and the treat below his foot level. kinda makes you want to slap yourself an say "why didn't i think of that". again thank you all very much. just jt.