The 'Down' Command Prerequisites:  Leadership, Foundation , Heel, Sit, Stay, Stand 1.  Have your dog heel and sit a few times as a warm-up. 2.  Place your dog in the sit position. 3.  Kneel next your dog on your left knee. 4.  Place your left arm across the top of the dog's back (with your arm bent at the elbow) and grasp the dog's collar at the back of his neck. 5.  Give the 'down' command, and reach across your body with your right arm and gently sweep the dog's front legs forward as you apply gentle leaning pressure into your left arm.   6.  As soon as the dog is down, praise warmly, but calmly. You may need to give the stay command. 7.  Heel the dog forward a few steps, and repeat. 8.  Repeat 10 times per day. Alternate method: 1.  Have your dog heel and sit a few times as a warm-up. 2.  Place your dog in the sit position. 3.  Facing forward from the heel position, drop your leash until the 'bend' in the line is about 6 inches from the ground. 4.  Lift your left foot and step into the bend in the leash - IN SLOW MOTION, apply gentle, steady, forward/downward pressure as you step.  Once your foot is on the ground, stand on the leash until the dog goes down. 5.  Praise and repeat.