Before you begin training your deaf dog "down", you want to be sure your dog has a "sit" that you can lure from. If you haven't taught a sit command, please see our sit video

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Step 1: Put your dog into a sit. 

Step 2: Place a high value/smelly treat in front of the dogs nose. When you have their attention, take the treat and lower it to the ground, luring your dog. (If you find that your dog is not going towards the ground, lessen your criteria and reward for any downward motions, like a movement of the paw.)

Step 3: As the dog begins to lay down, give your hand signal. You'll see in the video that our sign is two fingers in a downward motion. 

Step 4: Continue the luring until your dog seems comfortable and then start to fade out your treats. Give your signals without a treat. If your dog follows your command, reward them!

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Remember to keep these sessions short - even just a few minutes at a time, to keep things interesting for the dog. Always end sessions on a high note, and set your dog up to succeed. If you find yourself, or your dog getting frustrated, take a break and try again later.

 

While these methods have worked for us, it is important to remember that every dog is different and what works for one, may not work for another.

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