WOOF UNIVERSITY, LLC

Troubleshooting
What to do if your dog will not Down
Down
Down is useful for when your dog needs to relax in place for an extended period of time.

TROUBLESHOOTING
​Work on this exercise when your dog is tired,
not when they are full of energy.
Check that the surface is comfortable.
Some dogs will not lay down on a cold, hard floor.
Practice with no other pets in the room.
Some dogs will not lay down on cue with other dogs around.
Break the steps down further.
Bring the treat straight down between their front paws. When they bend their head down to the ground, give them a treat for that several times. Then, start the bottom of the L and when they dip their elbow(s), give them a treat for that several times. Then, bring the treat out a little bit farther and give it to them for getting a little bit closer to laying Down. Continue until they are all the way Down.
Use furniture to help.
With your dog on a sofa, bring the treat down in the "L" pattern to the floor in front of the sofa. Your dog will have to look over the edge of the sofa for the treat, and they will end up laying down!
Even if you are frustrated, do not let your dog see it!
Some dogs get nervous when their person gets frustrated, and they will shut down. Stop if you are getting frustrated and try again later.
​