Staffordshire bull terriers are loyal, energetic and affectionate dogs that make great companions. They are also very intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. One of the most useful commands you can teach your staffy is the “down command”, which instructs your dog to lie down on the floor. This command can help you calm your dog down, prevent unwanted jumping, and keep your dog safe in potentially dangerous situations.
In this article, we will show you how to teach your staffy the “down command” in a fun and engaging way, using positive reinforcement and some simple equipment.
What you need
- A clicker, a small device that makes a clicking sound when you press it. You can use this to mark the exact moment your dog performs the desired behaviour, and then reward your dog with a treat. This helps your dog associate the sound with the reward, and learn faster.
- A treat pouch, a small bag that you can attach to your belt or waistband, and fill with your dog’s favorite treats. This allows you to quickly and easily reward your dog without fumbling for treats in your pockets.
- A leash, a long cord that you can attach to your dog’s collar or harness, and use to control your dog’s movement and prevent distractions.
- A mat, a soft and comfortable surface that you can place on the floor, and use to encourage your dog to lie down. This can be a dog bed, a blanket, a towel, or anything else that your dog likes to lie on.
How to teach the Down Command
There are two main techniques you can use to teach your staffy the “down command”: the lure method and the capture method. You can use either one, or a combination of both, depending on what works best for your dog. Here is how they work:
The Lure Method
The lure method involves using a treat to guide your dog into the down position, and then rewarding your dog with the treat and a click. Here are the steps to follow:
- Start by attaching the leash to your dog’s collar or harness, and holding the leash in one hand. This will prevent your dog from wandering off or getting distracted.
- Hold a treat in your other hand, and show it to your dog. Your dog should be interested in the treat, and follow it with its nose.
- Slowly lower the treat to the floor, in front of your dog’s nose. Your dog should follow the treat with its nose, and lower its head to the floor.
- Once your dog’s head is on the floor, slowly move the treat along the floor, away from your dog’s nose. Your dog should follow the treat with its nose, and slide its front legs forward, until its chest and belly are on the floor.
- As soon as your dog is in the down position, click the clicker, and give your dog the treat. Praise your dog with a cheerful voice, and pet your dog gently.
- Repeat this process several times, until your dog is comfortable with the motion, and can lie down quickly and easily.
- Once your dog is able to lie down on cue, you can add the verbal command. Say “down” in a clear and firm voice, just before you lower the treat to the floor. Your dog should associate the word with the action, and lie down when you say it.
- Gradually fade out the treat, and use only the clicker and the verbal command to cue your dog. You can still reward your dog with a treat occasionally, but not every time. This will make your dog more motivated to perform the command, and less dependent on the treat.
The Capture Method
The capture method involves waiting for your dog to lie down on its own, and then rewarding your dog with a treat and a click. This way, your dog learns that lying down is a desirable behavior, and will do it more often. Here are the steps to follow:
- Start by attaching the leash to your dog’s collar or harness, and holding the leash in one hand. This will prevent your dog from wandering off or getting distracted.
- Have the clicker and the treat pouch ready, but do not show them to your dog. Your dog should not know that you are training it, and should act naturally.
- Wait for your dog to lie down on its own, without any prompting from you. This may take some time, so be patient and observant. Your dog may lie down for various reasons, such as resting, relaxing, or playing.
- As soon as your dog lies down, click the clicker, and give your dog a treat. Praise your dog with a cheerful voice, and pet your dog gently.
- Repeat this process every time your dog lies down on its own, until your dog learns that lying down earns a reward, and does it more frequently.
- Once your dog is lying down often, you can add the verbal command. Say “down” in a clear and firm voice, just as your dog is about to lie down. Your dog should associate the word with the action, and lie down when you say it.
- Gradually fade out the treat, and use only the clicker and the verbal command to cue your dog. You can still reward your dog with a treat occasionally, but not every time. This will make your dog more motivated to perform the command, and less dependent on the treat.
Conclusion
Teaching your staffy the “down command” is a fun and easy way to train your dog, and improve your bond with your dog. You can use either the lure method or the capture method, or a combination of both, depending on what works best for your dog.
Remember to use positive reinforcement, and reward your dog with a click and a treat every time your dog performs the desired behavior. Be patient, consistent, and encouraging, and your dog will learn the “down command” in no time. Once your dog masters the “down command”, you can use it to calm your dog down, prevent unwanted jumping, and keep your dog safe in potentially dangerous situations. You can also teach your dog other commands, such as “sit“, “stay”, and “come“, using the same methods. The more you train your dog, the more your dog will trust you, respect you, and love you.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your clicker, your treat pouch, and your mat, and start teaching your staffy the “down command” today. You and your dog will have a lot of fun, and you will be amazed by the results.
Last Updated on by Steven Cahill
