You could also use the "capture" method - when you see your dog going down on it's own, say down as they are laying and then good down and treat - this method takes longer but can work. You also have to think about the surfaces you are asking them to sit or down on. I have a chi mix that refuses to sit on anything but fabric - a bed, carpet, rugs. I'll ask her to sit and she'll actually go to something and sit on it LOL I think she just doesn't like the cold floor on her butt
Heather R. Bradley Kentucky Regional Coordinator Chihuahua Rescue, USA www.chihuahuarescueusa.org Ask me about low cost spay/neuter! --- On Sat, 8/23/08, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] Down To: [email protected] Date: Saturday, August 23, 2008, 9:24 AM Yes, the trainer also told me to teach him the "Down" command while on the couch. But so far, he will do it if he's on the couch but not from the floor. Gloria P In a message dated 8/22/2008 8:29:41 P.M. Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] com writes: Teach him down on the Couch thats how i teached Brutus and Sissy.You dont have to bend down.They now do it were ever i want it.You also have to repeat it daylie to they got it.Never longer than 10-15 min on older dogs.I do 10.min a day.Also make them sit,come and so on inbetween. God bless you Brutus,Sissy and Claudia Do not worry about tomorrow.For tomorrow will worry about itself.Each Day has enough trouble of his owen. Mathew 6:34 ----- Original Message ---- From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED] com" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] com> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ups.com Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 8:01:35 PM Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] Down 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. It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
