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Training Your Dog The “Down” Command For A Dog Show
from:Training your dog for a dog show means many hours of detailed training instructions. One of the most basic of commands that the judges look for is the simple “Down” command. When you give the Down signal, your right hand and arm should be raised quickly. Show your dog the palm of your right hand with your arm just about shoulder high. Many handlers give their dogs poor signals and wonder why their dogs fail to respond. Don't bend your wrist backward over your shoulder, as the dog will ignore this type of signal. Get your hand in plain view where your dog can see it.
Usually in the Open Class at a show, the judge will instruct the handler to Drop his dog opposite the jump or himself. This means that the dog will cover about half the distance before he is Dropped. Very few dogs ever Drop opposite the specified object. Study your dog thoroughly, and practice with him until you can Drop him exactly where you want him. To get your dog to Drop at a certain point, you will have to run up to him quickly the second he takes that extra step. As he does, say "No," and repeat the Down signal.
If the dog ignores you, go stand in front of him, have him Down, and Sit. He will get the message and behave himself. Be sure to praise him in a happy tone of voice. Although the regulations say the most important part of the exercise is the fast Drop, it follows that if you can Drop your dog at any specific point during a Recall, it proves that he is fast and accurate.
Your dog will learn this exercise very quickly, so be sure not to overdo it. If you practice it too frequently, he will start to slow down, anticipating the Drop. When this happens, call him in quickly without dropping him. Do not practice the exercise every day. Practice dropping your dog in different locations, and increase or decrease the distance between you to vary the routine. If after the Drop the dog starts to walk in slowly in response to your call, go up to him, put your finger in the ring of his collar and give him a quick pull toward you as you say "Come" and run backwards. You might have to repeat this two or three times, but it is a very effective way to get a dog to move fast.
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