Start with your puppy or dog in the sit position. To teach “down,” follow the same procedure as described for “sit,” except use the command “Down.” Gently pull downward on the collar as you use the palm of your left hand to push down on his shoulders or neck. When he lowers his body to the ground, pet his tummy. If he rolls on his side or back, continue rubbing his belly, then release him with the “chin-touch okay.” If your dog braces and won't lower his front end to the ground, lift the paw that is bearing most of his weight as you push downward on his shoulder blades. If his fanny stays up as his front end lowers, simply keep your palm on his shoulder blades and praise him until he relaxes his rear legs and lies down so you can give him a tummy rub. At a glance, teaching the down-stay involves using the down command and teaching the down-stay.

The Down Command

This exercise introduces your dog to and reinforces the “down” command. To practice with just a push, position your dog again on your left side. Place your left thumb and index finger behind your dog's shoulder blades and on either side of her backbone. Command “Down” as you push. Practice by scratching her tummy, and then release her with a “chin-touch okay.”

If your dog braces, use your right hand on her collar to pull her front downward as you push and give soothing praise. Another option is to push as usual with the fingers of the left hand as you use your right hand to lift the front paw that is bearing most of her weight. If you still simply can't get her down, discontinue work on the down and concentrate on perfecting the sit command around distractions; rare is the dog who resists the down after becoming completely cooperative on the sit.

To practice with a jerk-and-push combination, which teaches your dog to lie down without the two-finger push, first enforce “down” by simultaneously using a two-finger push and a bouncy and light jerk. Jerk diagonally toward your dog's right rear foot by holding the leash close to the snap while you stand facing the dog's right side.

The goal of the “machine-gun down” is to teach your dog to “down” without a hand signal or touch by practicing thirty downs a day in quick succession. To do this, practice rapid-fire downs by commanding “Down,” giving praise, and releasing with a “chin-touch okay.” Repeat the sequence for one minute, three times per training session. You should be doing ten to seventeen downs per minute for optimal results.

Exceptional dogs may learn the verbal “down” command in a week. With an average of twenty repetitions per day, most dogs will “down” 50 percent of the time after one month.

Test whether your dog really understands what you're asking by trying these things:

Eliminate body language by putting your hands in your pockets and evaluating yourself in front of a mirror. Your mouth is the only part of your anatomy that should move when commanding “Down.”

Whisper the “Down” command.

Turn your back and look over your shoulder at your dog to give the command.

Stand in the shower (without running the water), sit in your car, and lie on a bed or sofa. See if your command still has authority.

Working on Down-Stays

Use this request to ask your dog to lie down and stay for grooming and examinations, during meals, or as guests arrive, or simply to calm your dog.

To practice, ask your dog to down and then command “Stay.” Examine his ears, eyes, teeth, and paws. Correct movements such as crawling, rolling, or getting up. Praise him frequently when he cooperates. Return to his right side to praise and then release him with the “chin-touch okay.”