Goal

Puppy learns the down position by moving their front feet forward.

Set Up

• Paw Pad will not be used for introduction to down
• A non-skid surface
• Puppy off leash
• Bait bag with several treats

Procedure

1. The puppy may need to be in front of the handler for ease of teaching the down position. The handler might find it easier to kneel or crouch when teaching the down.  
2. With the puppy in sit position and multiple pieces of kibble in your hand, get the puppy’s attention with the food. The lure needs to be kept on the puppy's nose so the puppy can follow it.
3. Slowly move your hand in a straight line to the floor. As the puppy lowers his body, reward him. (If the lure is too far in front of the puppy, he will stand to reach the kibble. If the lure is moved too fast, the puppy won’t be able to follow the lure.)
4. Once the puppy is in the down position, many treats should be given in rapid succession.
5. After 10 seconds, lure back up into a sit, so that the process of the down position can be repeated.
6. Once the puppy has had multiple successes of foundational down from the sit position, the puppy should be lured into a down position from a stand.
7. The down hand cue can be introduced once the puppy has had several successful sessions of going into the down from a sit and stand positions. The hand cue is done with the right hand, flat palm facing down in a downward motion. Kibble can be tucked under the thumb for the first initial hand signals.