Teaching down to Millie - any tips/advice

[Hedwards]

Hi all, Ive been unsuccessfully trying to teach Millie to 'lie' or 'down' what ever you want to call it for a while now, I've tried putting her into sit and then asking her to lower with a treat, but as the front end lowers the back end comes back up. I've tried doing it from standing up, tried treating her when she was already lying down and using the down command, just cant seem to get it.

She has been so good to train for everything else like heel, sit, stay, drop etc etc, just cant seem to get this!

my friend did say its all the more difficult when they're small - and she is definitely small!

 

[SplashofSoy]

my terrier pup took ages to get down, trainer at puppy class was almost defeated. Tried your method first as it had worked with sit and stand but not down. Only thing hich worked was squatting down with one leg out in front so it creates a low bridge type effect. encourage puppy through under leg with treat so he has to down, repeat until going down straightaway under leg then add command, repeat, then remove leg, Took my reasonably bright pup an age to get this and could only practice in very short bursts as my legs would go numb!

It is still not his strongest position and will occasionally plonk his bottom down in a sit sometimes with that look to say - will this not do?

 

[Spudlet]

Kneel on the floor with one leg stretched out beside you, and use a treat to lure her under the 'tunnel' you have created - she will have to lie down as long as you can get your leg low enough.

That's how I had to teach Henry (aka Mr Sticky-up Bottom Dog)

 

[Hedwards]

Thanks both, may have to borrow my brother, my ankles wouldnt hold up to that for very long - damn my stupidly small and weak ankles!! will give it a go tonight!

 

[Toffee44]

Kneel on the floor with one leg stretched out beside you, and use a treat to lure her under the 'tunnel' you have created - she will have to lie down as long as you can get your leg low enough.

That's how I had to teach Henry (aka Mr Sticky-up Bottom Dog)

Am sooooo tryin this tonight with Teal. Our problem is he will lie down sometimes bum up, but only if I put my hand of the floor and as soon as it comes back up so does he?? Any ideas??