Puppy down!

Down?  Off?  Lay?  Rest? Settle? Lie down? Drop? And the list probably continues…

Look at that list.  You may wonder why I grouped all of those commands together. The point is, are you being consistent with your commands?  What are you trying to convey to your dog?  

I use the command “Down” to mean that I want my dog to get into a relaxed down position on one hip. This is useful when about to execute a “Down. Stay” because the dog is in a more settled position – not spring loaded as though he’s anxious to pop up.  

I’ve used the command “Drop” to mean collapse quickly into the down position so that the dog is upright like a sphinx.  (This is used in

Down stay

advanced obedience when doing a drop on recall.  You want your dog to be able to get up quickly when you call him out of that position.)  

All dogs down stay

I use “Lie down” when Ronan and I are sheep herding and he is challenged to follow my command immediately because he is afraid his sheep are getting away. The rules about commands in herding are totally different than in obedience.  There are very different objectives in herding.  In obedience you and your dog are expected to perform commands as accurately as possible and points are lost for not properly executing them.   In herding you are really working on controlling the dog so he doesn’t progress further.  If the dog doesn’t actually lie down on command you are not penalized!  Often in herding things change at a moment’s notice (sheep get away) and it’s all about maintaining control (of the sheep through the dog).  A little confusing, I know…)

Down stay

So why did I put “Off” on the list?  Because I often see someone trying to correct their dog for jumping using the command “Get Down”. Can you imagine how the dog can be confused if he hears that and “Down” should mean “Lie Down”???  Just some food for thought, as the saying goes!!!

Try to be clear and not confuse your dogs!  Dogs can learn so many (hundreds if not thousands) of commands.  Remember KISS?  (keep it simple, stupid!) Humans are confusing by nature.  Let’s help our dogs as best as we can!

Hugs to the pups!

Stacie & Ronan