Teaching the Down Command With Treats
Teaching your German shepherd dog the down command increases his obedience level and can make him more acceptable and easier to control in social situations. This particular instruction is designed to teach your dog to lie down, so his entire underbody is in contact with the ground. Most dogs pick up this command relatively easily and you will discover that a treat can help you coach them through it.
Here’s how you can train your dog to learn “Down” using food as a helpful tool.
• Take your dog and a ready supply of small dog treats or other food that he really likes to a quiet place where he is less likely to be distracted.
• Hold one of the food pieces in front of his nose and in a slow, controlled motion draw it downward so that it is between your dog’s front legs and towards the ground. As he crouches to follow the treat he will lie down. If this particular method does not seem to be working, hold the treat under a low chair or table where he will have to lay down to take it.
• As soon as he is lying down, praise him right away and reward him with the treat. Continue this entire process until your pet moves into the down position as soon as he sees his snack move, then take a break.
• When you are ready for the second phase of training, you will want to return to the room with your dog and have the treats ready. This time when you show him the treat, you will give the command “Down” in a firm voice and then proceed to lure him in position. At first you should try pointing to the ground. If this does not work right away you can still use this hand signal later, but for now continue to lure him with the food. When he completes the action, praise and reward. Keep this up until he follows the instruction as soon as you give the word, then take a break.
• For the final step to Down training, you will want to begin fading the food and stop using it as a lure altogether. Now, you will want to say “Down” and use the hand pointing signal. As soon as he lies down, immediately pet and praise him to let him know you are pleased but do not provide him with a food reward. Try the command again but this time reward with the treat as well as praise. Continue to randomly reward treats so your they won’t expect it every time.
Once you are confident with your dog’s understanding of the down command, you can then begin practicing with him in different environments and combining it with other commands, such as Stay.
