Problems with Command to lie down

[BobnDot]

Our two both sit and sit/stay very well but have a slight problem with the down.

Milly will go down but after a few seconds boredom seems to set in and she'll stretch her back legs out while lowering her head between her front paws, eyes looking up with a definite "treat required" expression 

Chaz does the opposite, he goes down and then rolls onto his back, rear legs stretched out and starts pawing the air with his front paws. I think I'm the cause of this as he really didn't like his paws being handled as a puppy so I used to play with his front paws to get him used to them being handled     (Usually to the tune Patty-cake, patty-cake, baker's man……)

Bob.

[its.sme]

Bea will go down but only when she is bored , not very helpfull in classes but she was of the opinion " I've done what you asked for twice, now don't ask me again"   

I can get her in the down position but this usually results in her Singing, barking and then a quick Zoomie.

Needles to say I prefer a stand to a down 

[EmmaRose]

Rory still gives me the "seriously can't i just sit look!"  whereas Pippa has always been happy to go into a down.

A tip I picked up at training class was that when you move on from luring them into down with your hand and they begin to pick up a hand signal/cue always give them their treat by putting it on the floor between their paws, as often leaning down to give them their treat directly can cause them to get up and stretch up to meet you halfway.

[bizzylizzy]

These replies have really made me laugh! We're all united in the fruitless persuit of getting a spaniel to voluntarily  lie down!!! They've banded together! - its a Cocker Conspiracy!!!