The "Down" command is usually the second command that you will teach your puppy or dog. The "Sit" command is generally the first command taught.

As with all exercises the first thing to do is to attach a leash to your dog. This assures that you have complete control of your puppy and that he will be forced to pay attention to you instead of wandering off to do whatever comes to his mind. Place several very small treats within your reach. Stand or sit with your dog sitting at your left side. Hold the leash in your left hand or put your hand through the handle of the leash. With your right hand pick up one treat. With the treat securely in your fist allow your dog to smell it. DO NOT allow your dog to grab the treat from your hand. Once you are sure that you have his attention hold your treat hand approximately one inch from your dog's nose. Very slowly move the treat down between your dog's paws toward the floor and out directly in front of your dog as you give him the command "Down". You should be making a large L. Be patient and allow him to figure out what you want him to do. As your dog's head goes down following the treat GENTLY push on his shoulders with your left hand. Push in the direction that he is already leaning. If you have problems with your dog's rear coming up as the front goes down place your left arm down your dog's back parallel with his spine and gently push as you make the capital "L" with your treat.

Once his body is in the reclining position with his elbows resting on the floor give him his treat and lots of PRAISE. Walk him into a stand and repeat the same exercise ten times giving him a treat and PRAISE each time. With each day make the time between his going into the "Down" and the time that you give him the treat a little longer until he is reclining in the "Down" position for ten to fifteen seconds before he gets his treat. After doing the above exercise everyday for about a week hold the treat in front of him but do not move your hand when you give him the "Down" command. Give him the treat and lots of PRAISE a few seconds after he is completely in the down position. After your dog is reliably going down you should quit showing him the treat and just give him the "Down" command. Give him lots of PRAISE every time he does the down but a treat only two or three times out of the ten exercises. Continue to ALWAYS give lots of PRAISE anytime your dog obeys your commands. Give treats occasionally to keep your dog interested and to keep training an enjoyable experience for both or you.