Down/Stay
The third and final stay position! Since we’ve already learned sit/stay and stand/stay, the down stay should be an easy addition to their skill set. We will use the down command and the downward leash pressure that we taught last week to build duration in the down.
One thing to keep in mind as we work on the stay, is how we’ve taught the dog to down. Currently, the dog has always entered the down position from the sit. To make sure we keep things clear for our dogs, until we teach them other ways to get to the down, we will always go via the sit. This will make more sense as we go on.
Days 1 & 2
- Start with the dog sitting in heel position, and your leash in walking position.
- Command your dog to down.
- The dog should go down reliably by the time they start the down/stay, but if they miss this command, give the down correction to get them into a down before starting the stay.
- Place the palm of your right hand in front of the dog’s face and give the command “Stay.”
- Step off with your right foot, and stand directly in front of your dog, facing them.
- After a few seconds, walk counterclockwise around your dog to return to heel position.
- Do an “Exercise Finish”
- Repeat, adding duration to the stay until your dog can sit in front of you for 60 consecutive seconds.
What if my dog breaks position?
If your dog sits, pivots, or crawls, use the down correction to replace the dog back into a down. Do not repeat the command to sit, down or stay. If your dog stands, or leaves the stay, replace him in the correct spot, use the sit correction to get them into a sit first, then a down correction to get them into a down.
Days 3 & 4
Follow the same instructions as previous days, but go 3 feet away from your dog instead of standing directly in front of them.
Days 5 & 6
Follow same instructions as previous days, but go 6 feet away from your dog instead of 3 feet.