Problems with Command to lie down

[bizzylizzy]

Hi, - just wondered if the "down" command is particularly difficult for dogs to grasp or if I'm missing something?  Humphrey's pretty good at sit and stay etc but just can't seem to grasp "down". I started originally with him in sitting position and used a treat to lure him into down and was hoping he'd eventually react to just the verbal and hand signal but I have to more or less touch the floor with my hand before he reacts, if at all, -? most of the time he just sits there looking confused, (or is it stubborn ). He's pretty good at everything else, will sit and wait well and I'm happy with his recall etc but I really would eventually like to get him to lie down at distance, (for safety's sake, we have tractors and all sorts appearingnoutnof nowhere)  as he's off the lead most of the time, but can't even think about that til he's got this right. I don't know if my expectations are too high (he's just over 7 months), or whether I've got it wrong? Any suggestions gratefully received! Thanks.

[Patp]

Never been able to get Jinley to do it, especially outside!  Cant you just concentrate on stop, stay and sit - rather than making it a battle of wills?  Personally if there is machinery close by I would rather a dog stay standing so that it is in view, especially in long grass.

[bizzylizzy]

That's a good point Pat, I suppose a "sit" would do it but sometimes a down is useful. Not to worry, I wouldn't stress him with it but was just curious, my old GSD used to be great but maybe  its just not a spaniel " attribute" 

[elaine.e]

Some dogs don't like doing a down, perhaps because they feel uncomfortable, especially if you practice on a slippery floor. Or they're just not happy doing a down.

My first two both had really good downs and down stays, including a good emergency stop and distance down stay. William prefers to sit and makes a real song and dance about doing a down, which might be because he has a back problem. Louis does a lightning quick down, practically throws himself on the ground, but isn't as quick to sit

I wouldn't worry too much about it. If he does a reliable emergency stop and stay in any position that would be good enough for me

[daw]

I've only managed down with one of mine- the others preferred sit/stay. BUT corgis always get it... seems to me it's comes naturally to herding dogs whereas cockers tend to have that why-should-I? attitide.   

[bizzylizzy]

Yes, Daw, I think that's probably it! Still, Spaniels can probably do lots of things corgis can't (except maybe sit in a real throne! , so lets be thankful that they are, what they are!

[daw]

  A world without doesn't bear thinking about!

[jennycockerspaniel]

Penny goes down easily but she does like to roll over and show off  especially at class

[lescef]

Just wondering - if you are luring him down with a treat and he does it, but then you ask him but don't offer the treat then he could be saying 'where's the treaty then?' Maddie is very like that. I'll ask her to do something and I can wait for ages until she decides she will cooperate. You should only ask once, then wait until they do as asked,  provided you know they understand the command.
I think we used to use our hand to the floor for a long time. Sit is a more natural position for a spaniel so down will take longer. An emergency sit is just as good. I believe that's what gun dogs do anyway.

[PollySpaull]

Monty picked up everything really quickly and easily apart from down! He will do it now but have to use my hand to lure him down. He doesn't like to stay there for very long either! But will happily sit stay for ages!

[Karma]

Having helped in puppy classes for a while, there are a small, but significant, number of puppies (of all breeds) who struggle with down.
Are you using a clicker?  That can help capture the precise position you want him to be in. 
Another tactic can be to sit on the floor with your knees slightly raised and attempt to lure the pup through - again clicking as they lay down. 

[Murphys Law]

It took over a month before Millie got the down command even though Murphy was doing a perfect down next to her. I used a treat to get her to lie down and the instant she hit the floor I said 'down'. I think it can be hard for some to learn this as Millie is usually very quick in picking this up.

[bizzylizzy]

Thank you everybody! Its reassuring to know Humphrey's in good company, -we'll carry on including it in his training but I shan't get too uptight if it doesn't work. Our lovely boys and girls obviously find lying down a bit unnatural - its too hard to wriggle and wag  tails!!   
Xx

[AlanT]

My wife trained Arcie to "down". She does it every time she feeds him. Stands there with the bowl until he does it.

No "down" no bowl.

This works really well.

[MacTavish Boys]

When Hamish wants his ball thrown, he lies down, never sits,  if i stop to talk to somebody, he will go up to them and drop the ball at their feet. Men, woman, children of any age, he is not fussy, as long as the ball gets thrown
stephanie, George and Hamish xxx