Teaching the Down Command

Down, sometimes referred to as the Down Stay command, is a strong control command. Down is an essential command for all types of working and non-working dogs. The command can be used in a boat, hide, or field. I find it very useful after the hunt, to check the dog for injuries or removing burrs. The following is an in-depth overview of the Down command. Also, check out Tom Dokken's video below for a visual guide to teaching the down command.

The correct position for the Down or Down Stay is for the dog to be flat on the ground with the dog’s head between the front legs. The dog should remain still and not be allowed to move. Your dog should already be trained to sit and walk to heel on the lead. I find a training table to be very useful in teaching the command. Other required equipment you need is a training collar, short lead, check cord, whistle, heel stick, and a SportDOG® E-Collar.

While the dog is on a short lead, drop the lead beside the dog. With your left hand, press down on the back of the dog's neck. With your right

Lift the dog's front legs forwards and give the command 'down'. If the dog tries to lift its back end, stop this by pressing on the lower back area with one hand while keeping the head down with the other. Hold the dog in this position for 30 seconds. Praise the dog calmly but don't get it overly excited. The dog should stay flat on the ground. Repeat the 'down' command with each correction. The dog will learn that no pressure is applied as long as it stays in the down position.

After the dog has remained in the down position for a short while, give the 'come' command and with the short lead walk the dog at heel. The 'come' command should be given to release the dog from down every time. Repeat these steps several times or until the dog remains down without correction from the handler. Eventually the handler can remove his hands from the dog and stand over the dog.

Here is when the e-collar can be incorporated. Always consult your SportDOG manual or SportDOG directly if you have any questions concerning the use of your collar. The e-collar can be placed on the dog’s neck in a reverse manner. The unit should be placed on the back of the dog’s neck. Always use the lightest correction to achieve the desired effect. By reversing the collar, the stimulus is felt on the back of the neck. This replaces the tap of the stick or the force of the handler.

The dog now must go 'down' on command and not be forcibly placed. With the dog sitting at heel, run the long lead from the dog's collar under the handler's left foot and hold it in the left hand. With the stick in your right hand, give the 'down' command. Raise your right hand vertically as a visual signal to the dog.

At the same time, sharply tug the lead upwards pulling the dog to the ground. If the dog attempts to get up, swiftly correct the dog with the stick. Here the e-collar can again be useful. A second handler might be needed to operate the collar. Handler #1 is fully occupied with the lead and stick. If the dog resists the upward jerk on the lead, an immediate correction with the E-Collar to the back of the neck supersedes the tap of the stick. This is a valuable transition for the dog off lead and at a distance.

When the dog has mastered the 'down' command on the lead, it is time to teach him the 'down' from a distance. With the dog on the check cord, in an enclosed garage or fenced garden. Drop the lead and allow the dog to be several yards from the handler. When the dog is not expecting it, give the command 'down' and raise your right arm vertically. The dog should obey the command immediately. If the dog fails to obey the command after correction, as in all aspects of training, go a step backward and repeat the training until the dog has mastered the step.

Take your time training the 'down' command; always remember the dog must understand what you want it to do. Always quickly correct any refusal or mistakes made by the dog if it fails to correctly perform the command 'down'. Again praise the dog when the dog does well, but do not overpraise and excite the dog. The dog must obey the command 'down' every time without hesitation.

Good luck with your training and happy hunting,

About Gary

Gary Sheffer has been hunting upland game for 15 years. Training Labradors and German shorthaired pointers for upland hunting is my speciality. Whether hunting pheasant or quail in Indiana, it is a great feeling to see a dog that I’ve trained point a bird and then retrieve it.