Premier MannersMinder Instruction Manual page 29

Method Two: Make a Tunnel
For dogs that really don't like to lie down, you can
try the tunnel variation. Start with both you and Fido
sitting on the floor. Raise your knees so that you've
made a little tunnel and hold the treat under your
tunnel but protruding out a little. Fido will have to
bow down and reach into the tunnel. At first, he'll
just bow. Reward him for this a bunch of times.
Then, gradually shape the behavior in steps by
moving the treat further under the tunnel so that
Fido has to reach further into the tunnel. If he runs
around to the other side to get the treat, then you've
moved through the step too soon and put the treat
too far into your tunnel.
Eventually, he will magically bow low enough and then lie down. When he lies down imme-
diately several times in a row, you can switch to the "L" pattern method.
Adding the Cue Word "Down"
At any point when Fido's predictably lying down with the hand signal or on his own, add
the cue word, "Down" right before you give the visual signal or before you know he's
going to lie down. Make sure you say the cue distinctly but in a happy voice. Give a treat
immediately when he lies down. When you can say the verbal cue while holding perfectly
still, your dog knows the "Down" cue.
Troubleshooting
• You hold the treat out too far and lure your dog into a stand rather than into a down.
• You went on to the next step too soon. For instance, when using the "L" pattern method,
you start drawing the treat out along the ground too soon.
• Fido isn't comfortable on the surface. Start on a comfortable surface such as a rug.
Later train on more difficult surfaces such as a hardwood floor or concrete.
Chapter 7: Down
29
The Tunnel
For dogs that really don't like to lie
down, try the tunnel variation.