Quick Answer: Ask for a sit. Hold a treat at your dog's nose and slowly draw it straight down to the floor between their front paws. As their nose follows the treat to the floor, their elbows lower and they fold into a down. The instant elbows touch the floor — 'yes' and deliver the treat. Add the word 'down' once they're doing the motion reliably. 5-10 repetitions per session.
Step by Step
- Ask your dog to sit
- Hold a treat between your thumb and forefinger at nose level
- Slowly lower your hand straight down to the floor between their front paws
- Continue drawing the treat slowly along the floor away from them if needed
- The instant elbows contact the floor — 'yes' and treat
- Release with 'okay' and repeat
- Add 'down' as a verbal cue once movement is reliable
If They Keep Standing Up
Slow down the lure movement. Go slower than you think you need to. Many dogs pop up because the treat moved too fast for their body to follow. A completely vertical lure — straight down between front paws — works better than an angled movement.
End of Session Reward
A frozen lick mat after every training session builds positive association with working with you.
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