Do you have a dog? Can he lay down on command? If not then this article is for you. We are going to guide you on how to teach your dog lay down commandment.
Why should teach your dog a lay down command?
It is necessary to teach a dog to lay down on command. Regardless of whether you have many of them or one, training your dog to lay down on command is valuable and one day will save the situation.
Take a scenario where your dog is barking at the visitors or you are in town and your dog is aggressive to the person standing next to you. The lay down command can save you.
So it is crucial, right. Then learn how to train your dog.
Teaching your dog to lay down on a command
This is one of the exceptionally discussed types of training in the network of pet owners.
How exactly can I train my dog that he should lay down when I want?
There are many ways you make this happen with your dog. However, not all methods are effective. Others are costly and time consuming while others will have little impact to your canine.
So what is the best method and approach?
A few people will employ the trusted clicker as they teach the down order, but I’m not the biggest fan of it myself. Why do i say that? I have my reasons.
Imagine a scenario in which you’re in town with your canine and missed your clicker at home. How will you pass the lay-down command?
The teaching using the clicker has its interests in some circumstances, but I would like to say that I would not find something as simple as the “treat” approach.
The treat approach
An owner can use the “Treat” approach. This approach only focuses on the dog to pass or impose the behavior. The other method, which is my lowest first choice, is the “forcing and fulfilling” approach. This focuses on forcing the dog into position as he says the direction and then compensates for the reward.
It creates a superior structure from the start, but may later cause hostility in some dog breeds. In this article, we focus on the Treat approach.
Here is the outspoken five-step teaching process for laying a dog on a command:
1.Introducing your dog to down command
Give your dog the “down” direction this you can use a rewarding approach. For example,” down.” with the forcing approach. Your canine will have to understand that “down” implies lying down.
2.Using a treat to enforce a command.
To effective pass the command, you can employ the treat approach.
Here is how you can do it.
Place the treat between two fingers and place it in front of your dog so that the person is watching him. Try not to keep it near your dog’s face. Otherwise, it might stick.
3.Demonstrations
Say “set” and hammer your hand on the floor. Make sure you do not force it but use enough strength. Most dogs lay down promptly. If your dog does not sit down quickly, gradually take the treat away from your dog. Now, carefully place your other hand on your dog’s lower back and apply a little weight – do not force it.
4.Rewarding
Reward your dog and give the treat. If it responds, you must offer a treat. That treat will make the command stick in his head.
5.Rehash as much as possible.
Remember that forcing your dog to lay down on command may be 20 min training. Anyway, it can lead to compulsive behavior. Use your judgment as a mentor and owner. If your dog does not seem to respond to the teaching, you may need to apply a different strategy.
Final Thought
This is a simple method, and almost all dog breeds will show a response. However, do more research, be it on the internet or visit the local trainer for more advice and tips. For the case, you can reference the pets4rehome for more approaches and some information about dogs including the best diet for your canine.