The long down (or Sit on the Dog) exercise is something we teach each and every dog that comes through out basic obedience classes and lessons. It is the one exercise that makes dogs most livable, in my opinion. It establishes some basic manners and sets the tune for other training sessions.
Our short term goal: sit with the dog until they voluntarily lay down, and then hold that position for 30 consecutive minutes.
Simply drape the leash across a chair, and sit on the leash so that the dogs is on your left side. There should be enough slack in the leash that the dog could lie down directly at your side, but not more. For strong/rambunctious dogs, you will need to also hold the excess leash with your hands to keep it from sliding out from underneath of you.
Why are we doing this anyway?
- Teach the dog that we can and will make decisions for them. We can decide where we (dog and handler) are and how long we stay there.
- Teach the dog to settle. Once dogs are accustomed to this exercise, they will volunteer the down position quicker and quicker until it is almost immediate.
- Teach the dog to cope with being bored. They do not need to entertain themselves every moment of every day.
- Habituate the dog to different environments and distractions.
The Rules
- The dog must be on a leash.
- Do not command or lure the dog into a down.
- The dog is practicing being bored. No talking, touching, entertaining the dog during this time. Sleeping is allowed, chewing a bone or toy is not. This goes for you, and for other dogs and people as well.
- Do this exercise while you (the human) are doing some stationary activity. This should be part of everyday life. Watch TV, eat dinner, pay bills, read a book, etc.
Tips
- Practice this in a stationary chair, or bench, or sofa. No wheels.
- You may interrupt bad behavior (leash chewing, jumping into your lap, etc.).
- You may provide a bed or mat for your dog to lie on.
- You may train and exercise the dog beforehand so they are tired.
- The shorter the leash, the quicker they will choose the down position.
- Start somewhere quiet and familiar, then slowly add distractions.
Our long term goal: The dog learns to default to waiting patiently during down times. You will find the dog following you around the house and settling near you more often, even without prompting.