basic commands

[Tobysmom]

When you train a puppy on basic commands how long do you spend on each one? I thought we had SIT perfectly, but now when I am trying to teach him DOWN he acts confused and sometimes SITS instead. I say DOWN and move my hand in a downward motion and he just SITS and stares at me like "ok, give me the treat now". Sometimes he does the DOWN perfectly so have I gotten him confused somehow? Should we go back and practice SIT for a while before trying DOWN again?

[AndrewF]

Hi Tobysmom,

Practicing sit should be very common throughout the day - not limited to 'training sessions' now, because he knows the command.

When we taught Jake 'lie down', I would put a treat in my hand and let Jake smell it. I'd then place my hand flat on the floor with the treat undernieth and say 'lie down'. Jake would do it out of a desire to get the treat as opposed to what I was saying initially, but it didn't take long for him to make the connection between the action, the words and the praise and treats when he lay down.

I'm sure there's lot's more suggestions as well. Give them all a shot and see what works best.

[Fran27]

Dogs just sit a lot when they learn down, because it's what they're used to doing to get a reward, and sometimes they are just unsure of the command and have hesitations. Just keep practicing. Boris knows down perfectly, but sometimes he will still hesitate, because after all it's taking him farther from the treat, lol.

[Adrienne]

Sounds to me like Toby is still a bit unsure of what you expect from him. Practice the command throughout the day until you know he 100% understands what you want him to do. Then if he is still not willing to down no treat, no praise, nothing from you. Wait a bit and try again. He will figure it out in due time.

[RD]

My guess would be that he doesn't fully understand what "down" is yet. Don't give him the option to make a mistake for a while, just work on "down" as much as you can to really solidify the command. (Don't give him the option to sit, but if he does sit, ignore him.)

My dogs did this, and I just used a clicker to teach them the difference between the two. If they'd sit when I said "lie down", I would ignore them. When they would lie down, I'd click and reward. Eventually they made a connection - "Lie down" = Belly on the floor. "Sit" = Butt on the floor.

Edit: Sorry Adrienne, you posted while I was typing.. I pretty much restated what you said - lol

[Zoom]

I occasionally still have to put Sawyer in the "down" position, but generally what works is to get him to sit and then move the treat slowly away and down towards the floor. Most of the time they'll inch down after it and when the belly hits the floor, give them the treat and requistite "gooood down". There are times where he's too excited though and will bunny-hop after the treat.

[bridey_01]

It's great you're starting early and using good sound methods. Congrats on your puppy, he's a real cuty.

[Doberluv]

Just keep working at it like you are. Then when he gets it down pat better, do sit, get him up and walk around in a little circle to show it's going to be a new exercise. Then do down. Then walk around a little and do sit. Show him a real distinction. Then when he's getting onto that better, do sit, then down, back up to sit (from the down) and down again. Go from stand to sit and from stand to down (more fluid from sit to down) and visa versa....from the down to stand etc. Sometimes I think they think the down is just a variation of the sit. Show him they are all seperate exercises by seperating things. You're doing great with patience, luring and reward.