Down (At Side)

Down At Side describes a Down command given when dog is standing or sitting on handler’s left-hand side

  • Both front elbows touching ground

  • No “scooching”

    • Dog must lie down where they were when handler gave Down command

    • No rotating hindquarters: must face direction they were in when given command

    • Implied Stay

Command Signal:

  • Verbal: “Down”

  • Hand Signal: See video

Corrections:

  • Correct downward to encourage down toward ground

  • If dog wanders away, slowly and calmly walk toward dog, lead them back to where they were when you gave the command, and correct once they’re more or less in the same spot

Tips:

  • Give physical praise by petting top of dog’s head and back