With little dogs it can be harder to teach the down. They usually stand up from sitting position to get the treat. If you are having trouble, you can do this sitting down yourself - put your legs out in front of you to make a little bridge and use the treats to lure the dog under the "bridge". When they are in the down position, treat profusely and make a big deal "DOWN GREAT DOWN GOOD DOG!!!" Also - if you have trouble stooping to your dog's level, you can get a dowel rod and tape a spoon to it. Bend the spoon to a scoop (or I guess you could use a ladel or something) and use that to lure your dog into desired positions
Heather R. Bradley Kentucky Regional Coordinator Chihuahua Rescue, USA www.chihuahuarescueusa.org Ask me about low cost spay/neuter! --- On Fri, 8/22/08, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] Down To: [email protected] Date: Friday, August 22, 2008, 8:01 PM Cesar doesn't do this one very well. The trainer said its sometimes harder for small dogs because they are so close to the ground. It is also complicated by the fact that I can't stoop/bend down very well myself. Gloria In a message dated 8/22/2008 6:50:56 P.M. Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] l.net writes: Down Down is a great cue that teaches the dog to relax even in stressful situations. Combining this cue with the ‘stay’ cue provides for a great control tool for the owner. 1. Equip yourself with some highly reinforcing treats. 2. Start with the dog sitting. Lure the dog into a down by slowly lowering the treat right under her nose. When the dog is on the ground – praise and treat. 3. Repeat 10 to 15 times while reducing the amount of hand movement needed to get the dog to the down position. 4. Once the dog is comfortable at doing the ‘down’ with the lure, start trying to fade the lure. Just put the treat down and wait. If the dog does the behavior, treat generously. 6. Now we can add the word ‘down’ as the cue. Start saying the word while the behavior is occurring and gradually say it earlier and earlier. It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
