Puppy Down...Training Episodes

[Tywaknya'sBABY]

Ok Me and Me'Shyla have been to 3 OB classes thus far. She's great with her commands and loves to show off. However (take deep breath) when we're at home reviewing what we learned she has this habit of "falling out" as a child would do when having a temper tantrum.

When she's in "sit" and I try to adjust her front legs to show her "lay" she rolls over on her back and starts kicking at my arms with this big grin on her face. Training at home has begun to be a nightmare as we don't seem to accomplish anything.

I've tried getting her tired but i dunno. I've tried walking away and coming back but she's persistant on the falling out thing. It's like whenever i touch her she thinks it's time for a belly rub and rolls over.

P.S. she also does this when she knows its time for mommy to go to work and doesn't want to go to her kennel.

[brunie's mom]

Not sure why you need to be adjusting her front leg to do a "down" command??

From a sit, take a treat and lure it in front of her nose, past her chest and down along the ground...sort of an "L" shape.

If she starts goofing off and trying to roll, get her up and walk her in a tight circle and try again.

Are you practicing on leash?
How long are you practicing. I think with a young pup, I would only be doing a couple of repeats and move on. Always end on a positive note.

Gina

[Tywaknya'sBABY]

My trainer suggested holding her butt down and moving her front legs because when i do the L thing she just gets up and goes for the treat. I'll put her back in sit and start over and she does the same thing.

With her we only do about 3-5 minutes of this about 4 times a day on leash.
I'll try the tight circle. THANKS

[brunie's mom]

MMMM???? Maybe your timing is off? I've always taught pups down this way. I think by having to touch her, you are causing the rolling and goofing off.

Practice her sit, and then bring out the treat at her nose level and quickly come down to the ground and out. She really should not have time to be standing up, if you are timing it right.

It really is hard to know what is happening on the internet

Gina

[Tywaknya'sBABY]

Originally Posted by brunie's mom

I think by having to touch her, you are causing the rolling and goofing off.

I think so too.

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by Tywaknya'sBABY

P.S. she also does this when she knows its time for mommy to go to work and doesn't want to go to her kennel.

And what do you do when she does this?

Assuming she knows the command, if she were my dog, after I gave her the crate commane in a happy tone and she did this, my hand would FLY to her collar and I'd drag her butt over to her crate and haul her into it. Then, as soon as she was in the crate, I'd tell her Good crate! in an admiring, happy tone, give her her biscuit, and leave for work.

[Tywaknya'sBABY]

LOL @ Angelbunny

That's pretty much how it goes but we haven't done the command yet. As soon as she see's me put dress shoes on (vs. tennis shoes She can tell if she's going too or not) She high tails it under my bed. When I pull her from under there shes on her back playing. She'll try to put her weight against me when I put her in the kennel.

Great way to back up your command!

[damp]

Originally Posted by Tywaknya'sBABY

I've tried getting her tired but i dunno. I've tried walking away and coming back but she's persistant on the falling out thing. It's like whenever i touch her she thinks it's time for a belly rub and rolls over.

P.S. she also does this when she knows its time for mommy to go to work and doesn't want to go to her kennel.

How old is she?

I think she has figured out, that she can avoid and deny a command with this behaviour (and perhaps even get rewarded? since it's so cute )
It's simply a milder version of aversion, than a growl or a nip/bite and should not be tolerated and perhaps also a sign of insecurity.
If she know the commands, correct her.
If she does so in the learning/teaching face, you have to motivate her and keep her in drive.
Use food or toy, you bodylaunguage and a happy voice!

[mrrsteelers]

We learned a neat way to help on "down" for dogs that go part way or crawl.(without touching them) Stretch your leg out straight to make a "bridge" Hold a treat so the dog has to go under your leg and pretty much has to lay down to get it.

[Tywaknya'sBABY]

She's 5 months. As you all know it's not cute when company is over and she's falling out like a spoiled brat. (I don't have any kids ) I know your right DAMP. I need to nip this in the bud now and I know the solution begins with me.

I tried the leg up/bridge thing. She did it once so there's hope for us yet.

[mrrsteelers]

Glad it worked (credit goes to the teacher at our puppy soc. class) keep it up. You won't need to use your leg very long.

[zorro13]

mrrsteelers: Hey, that's a good idea--that leg/bridge thing. I will remember that one.

[Tywaknya'sBABY]

It worked

She did lay yesterday without my leg up in a bridge. We're working on making it prettier right now she kind of dives for the treat and ends up in a lay position.

Thanks!

[spoiledbabies3]

Originally Posted by Tywaknya'sBABY

She did lay yesterday without my leg up in a bridge. We're working on making it prettier right now she kind of dives for the treat and ends up in a lay position.

GREAT! Down was hard for Deja Vu also. I think she didn't like "not being in charge"...LOL... The others we had difficulty with when 1st learning them were wait, stay and stand. For some reason, her little "wiggle bum" has great difficulty with being still. Good luck with training...just lots and lots of practice...she'll get it!