I'm having trouble getting a fast down on the table. We have a good down when he is on the floor, but on the table he seems to enjoy looking around more and does more of a leisurely down. Watching the border collies they are instantly down, almost all in one motion, instead of with my shepherd it is like getting on the table is one command and down is the second command. But he is too slow at it, and I find myself repeating the command. My trainer doesn't want me to correct, just to use positive reinforcement. I have his frisbee and treats, which his response to treats isn't as good as the frisbee. With the frisbee as the motivation, he becomes a bit fixated with it, and is thus slow. Where with the jumps or weaves he will fly for his frisbee. What should I do or what am I doing wrong?
Sue
Does your dog like a tug? If so, this has been working for me pretty well.
first step, is to take the table top down to floor level, you can even just start with a pvc pause box so the dog gets the game.
Send the dog from very close...table, down. Immediately release and tug ON the table top or in the box. I will sometimes do an OUT and then another down or sit on the table, with random reward intervals. I am finding that by rewarding ON the table the dog is in much more of a hurry to offer the behavior I want instead of focusing on leaving the table to get the reward.
If the dog is fixated on the reward, then try keeping it out of sight except when presenting it to the dog.
I've been starting to work with him with a ball on a cloth tug and he is starting to like it. I've been trying to build it up and it seems to be working, it is not up to the frisbee level though I have an old cardboard table I can use for a table at floor level, I hadn't thought of that. I had used it with two legs out at an angle to teach a two on two off contact position. I had tried rewarding with lots of treats over and over, and marking the behavior, which has worked with my girl, but so far not with him.
Thanks for the help Cindy, we will start on that today. He is usually quick and eager, but we have really been struggling with this. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks.
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down on table
#168086 - 12/11/2007 09:44 PM 
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I have an old cardboard table I can use for a table at floor level, I hadn't thought of that. I had used it with two legs out at an angle to teach a two on two off contact position. I had tried rewarding with lots of treats over and over, and marking the behavior, which has worked with my girl, but so far not with him. 
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