The first question I have is, is this a pet or a competition dog? I have two different ways depending on the situation. I will explain the first for a pet. I know some of you are going to read this and say 'what an a$$'. Till you see it and have it explained properly most people think that. It is something I have been doing for over 10 years in my obedience classes. I have been called everything in the world just on hearing about it. Once used I get a whole different reaction. So here goes.

All dogs start on leash. It doesn't matter if the dog is sitting, standing, or walking. The dog doesn't even have to be paying attention. Which is good because for the most part in the beginning they are not. I say down, then step on the leash by the snap. AND WAIT! I have never met a dog who did not lay down. There is no pressure on the throat. The pressure comes from the top of the neck. The key is the dog making the decision to lay down. You don't push. You wait. Once the dog is down GOOD DOG, step off the leash, the dog will immediately get up. Bridge the gap...say 'uh uh uh uh uh uh' till you step back on the leash. When the dog goes down this time no praise. Don't want to take the chance of the dog thinking the praise was for getting up. Repeat until I can step off the leash to the end and the dog doesn't move for 30 seconds. At which point I give the release command and play with the dog. The key is the dog making the decision to lay down. You will also find there is no submission when done. You are not 'forcing' the dog down, you are helping them make the decision to down. You will have a very happy dog. Also, by teaching this way you help with the dominance since down is a submissive posture, and the dog decides to lay down. Again this is for a PET not a competition dog.

i taught the down command in about a day too.
just like most of the others i had my dogs in the sit postion first then took the treat slowly down to the ground all the while saying "DOWN".
they caught on real quick. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Todd, I once saw this method used on a VERY stubborn young golden retriever bitch. The rest of the class (myself included) cringed when she was forced to the ground in this manner. But the "food in hand method" was not working for her and she refused to down, all the time. This was one of those experiences that showed me not every method works for every dog. Once one method doesn't work, you must be willing and open to trying new things. The ultimate goal is a well-trained dog that is safe in public and walks well on lead.
I still don't like that method.......but whatever works for you. I would be willing to try it if I had a dog that needed it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The stubborn dogs are the hard ones. However, if in your heart you know you are not damaging the dog. Which after 100-150 dogs a week for 10 years I have the references I'm not. You see the amazement of it. Also, it has to be done correctly. I know people that cringe at prongs, e-collars, chokes. Heck I know people who cringe at the thought of using a crate. Like I said, I have been called every name in the book by people until they see me do it. I also, have never met a dog who didn't lay down.

Actually the methods in "down", described by Todd were introduced by Russian Trainers in late 30's and the countries of former Soviet Union still use them. The only thing that should be introduced later with this command is the actual hand sign "down" that should accompany the command in future training. The command "down" will be soon taken off and only the hand signal "down" will be left for the dog to obey. That's how my dog was trained here in Canada.

The hand signal down is an easy transition, as the foot is already moving in the down direction. The dog gets used to this motion and goes.

The method described by Todd is the only one that
worked consistently and quickly to teach stubborn
Siberians to down and believe me Siberians are the definition of stubborn. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The rest of the class (myself included) cringed when she was forced to the ground in this manner. Remember the dog is not forced to the ground. This defeats the purpose. The head is pointed down. The dog can stand for as long as they want. The dog then makes the decision to lay down. Granted we help them in that direction but, ultimately it is the dog who decides to lay down.

I've a similar method as Todd's.
Put dog in sit, take leash and pull downward on an
angle to the floor. Pulling downward on a angle
take the pressure off the front legs as the dog goes down. Never pop the leash, just steady downward angled pull.

No treats, just plenty praise. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Praise!!!!

My GSD learned in about 10 tries. The Akita around 30.(she's hard headed)

Both drop to the ground like a brick on the down command.

It's not as harsh as it might seem.

Hand signals were a snap, we try to see which downs the quickest. GSD <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Akita :rolleyes:

Richard, Todd and everyone: Thank you all for your advise. The down is getting better and I've used a bit of both worlds from all of the helpful hints.