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Module 3: Down
Harder than sit because it's a vulnerable position. Patience pays.
5 min read Beginner
Course progress0%
From sit
Treat at nose, lower slowly straight to the floor between paws, then slide outward. Elbows touch floor = mark + reward.
Capture method
If luring fails, ignore the dog with a treat in hand. Mark + reward any time they offer a down on their own.
Common stuck point
Sliding into a 'play-bow' instead of full down. Don't reward the partial. Lower hand more slowly.
Key takeaways
- ★Slow lure, floor + outward
- ★Capture if luring fails
- ★Don't reward play-bows
Lesson checklist
Action items to put this module into practice.
- 10 lured downs
- Capture 5 voluntary downs
- Add verbal cue after 30 reps