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Dog A-Z > B > Basic training > Down
• Ask your dog to sit and show him the treat in your hand.
• Slowly move your hand down towards the ground in front of him (just in front of his feet), as you use the command "down".
• He should follow your hand with his nose and lay down. Give him the treat and praise.
If you have trouble getting him to lie down in this way, put an object such as a coffee table or a chair between you and your dog and try again. He will have to lie down to get under the barrier to get the treat. Remove the barrier when he gets the hang of it.
Do not push or force his back down as he will push against you and may hurt his back.