[Kelby232]

Hi,

I have a 12 pound Pomeranian and Pug mix. Cooper.

I have started Don Sullivan's The Perfect Dog training with him and everything is going great. I never thought my little guy would respond so well with the training.

He is doing good with all the basic commands (sit, stay, come, walking on a leash) except for "down".

I can not get him to do this command for the life of me. I don't know if it is a dominance thing or if he is just scared but I can not get him to lie down.

Help please!

[cigwyllt]

I had the same problem with both my terriers - apparently it is quite a common issue with small dogs. When we went to training classes the trainer said that it wasn't worth the hassle - if the dog would sit instantly on command then that was good enough. She demonstrated all sorts of things with my dogs but they just could not grasp "down"!

[Kelby232]

Originally Posted by cigwyllt

I had the same problem with both my terriers - apparently it is quite a common issue with small dogs. When we went to training classes the trainer said that it wasn't worth the hassle - if the dog would sit instantly on command then that was good enough. She demonstrated all sorts of things with my dogs but they just could not grasp "down"!

That's what I was afraid of. So I guess my dog not learning the dog command won't affect the other areas of his training then am I correct?

The reason I ask is because I keep hearing that the "down" command is the most important one so I don't want to miss anything.

[cigwyllt]

The trainer I went to said that "down" was stressed so much because it can be a life saver - your dog is running full speed into the path of a car and you shout "down" and he will drop and wait for the next command. But as she said there are other words and other commands that they can learn and respond to in the same way.

My old Jack Russells who were far better trained than any dogs I've had since knew the word "stop!" And no matter what they were doing if I shouted "STOP!" they stopped and turned to watch me for the next command - usually "come" or "wait".

Those two dogs went everywhere with my husband and I and, perhaps wrongly, were rarely on leads because they walked so well beside us. I can honestly say though that there was never an occasion when "down" would have been more useful than "stop".

[Kelby232]

Originally Posted by cigwyllt

The trainer I went to said that "down" was stressed so much because it can be a life saver - your dog is running full speed into the path of a car and you shout "down" and he will drop and wait for the next command. But as she said there are other words and other commands that they can learn and respond to in the same way.

My old Jack Russells who were far better trained than any dogs I've had since knew the word "stop!" And no matter what they were doing if I shouted "STOP!" they stopped and turned to watch me for the next command - usually "come" or "wait".

Those two dogs went everywhere with my husband and I and, perhaps wrongly, were rarely on leads because they walked so well beside us. I can honestly say though that there was never an occasion when "down" would have been more useful than "stop".

That's what I wanted to hear.

Thank you very much for your help.

[Lunareclipse]

I accidentally taught my dogs something I shouldn't have. When I tell them "NO" they all stop and run to me. When I tell the little person "NO", all of the dogs stop and run to me. I'm sure it is confusing for them. I reward them anyway.

[Lara's mom]

My Lara does NOT like the "down" command and flatly refuses to do it. I substituted it it with "wait," When she hears that word, she stops dead in her tracks.

[piratekitty]

Being able to have your dog down I feel is a very important part of having a well behaved dog. A down is a submisive position, which is a good calming state if you have a excited dog, or non aggresive way to introduce one dog to another. I can have Hunter drop to a down anytime and anywhere, Its a very useful comand.

[Kelby232]

Originally Posted by piratekitty

Being able to have your dog down I feel is a very important part of having a well behaved dog. A down is a submisive position, which is a good calming state if you have a excited dog, or non aggresive way to introduce one dog to another. I can have Hunter drop to a down anytime and anywhere, Its a very useful comand.

What kind of dog do you have?
Do you have any advice for getting him to do it?

Cooper is 12 pounds and like I said before I can not get him to do the down command at all. He learned sit, stay, drop it, and walking on a leash without pulling very well. The down command is still the problem.

[piratekitty]

Originally Posted by Kelby232

What kind of dog do you have?
Do you have any advice for getting him to do it?

Cooper is 12 pounds and like I said before I can not get him to do the down command at all. He learned sit, stay, drop it, and walking on a leash without pulling very well. The down command is still the problem.

I have a 3yr old min pin.
I used a soft treat that breaks a part easy in my fingers. You need to have your dog in a sit and get on the ground also. Put the treat right in front of his nose just out of reach. Slide the treat down on the ground slowly saying down. If your dog makes any movement towards a down, praise and treat ( lick, small taste) Continue this till your dog has a complete full motion down. Once you have a complete down, start the motion more with your hand that you were treating with, and treat only every third down, but praise every down. Once you got a good down, try it outside, in a park, in a store. Treat less untill your dog is downing with the motion of your hand. But always praise every down. It will take time but keep at it. If your dog is toy motivated use a toy in place of food.

I just saw your first post. Both my dogs are Terrier breeds and both my dogs have a good down. I have a lady in my class with two tiny poms and they both have a good down. So it can be done. Just because you have a small breed, they can do anything large breeds do also. Just keep working at it, sounds like your dog has been doing all the other comands, im sure down will be the next.