How to Teach ANY Dog to Lie Down on Command. Episode 21

Today we are going to be working on the down command. When teaching the down command the end goal is to get the dog to lay down on the verbal command alone. Meaning, you do not have to point or lure the dog into the down when this series is complete. The simple steps are listed below.
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Step 1: Teaching you dog the markers
Video: • How to get more FOCUS ...
Step 2: Shape desired behaviors using LURING and LEASh PRESSURE
Videos: • Using Luring & Chasing...
• Speed Up Your Dogs Tra...
Step 3: Name the behaviors
Once we have our dog performing the action with our physical cue, it is then time to name the command. Remember, you must say the name of the command and then show your dog the physical signal. A common mistake that most people make is when they decide to name the command, they will say the command while they are giving the dog the physical cue. If you pair your physical with your verbal, the physical will override the verbal and become the cue for the behavior.
An example of this could be as simple as saying “Good boy” (or the marker that trainers would prefer, “yes”) simultaneously to feeding the dog the reward. By mixing these two actions together, the verbal cue no longer has relevance in the dog’s mind.
If we want the dog to learn the verbal command, then it is important to make sure that the verbal precedes the physical by a split second. It must be predictable to the dog. So the process becomes: command, motivate, mark, and reward, in that order. So you say sit, then you lift your hand. Once the dog's butt hits the ground, you mark and then reward. You will continue to use the physical cues until the dog beats you to it. Meaning, if you say sit and before you lift your hand -the dog is already sitting.
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[@ashleyp5498]

Can’t wait to try this I like the method rather than pulling down with leash or pulling their legs forward

[@cheyneturbyfill4727]

I’be been working with Tuck our 9 week old English retriever and was having a difficult time teaching him down… until I ran across your video, after 15 minutes I had him laying down on command, thank you! I would say “down” just as he started to lay and using the marker “yes” along with a treat as he came to a rest. Again, thank you for sharing your skills!

[@davidnava9211]

I'm so glad I found you, I'm getting a pitbull soon and I wanted to be the best owner I could be and I feel like that's possible, with your amazing videos I've been watching all of them nonstop

[@NateSchoemer]

Awesome! Thank you for watching, I appreciate it and I'm happy the videos are helpful. :)

[@Merciii.]

Did you get it?

[@Ian_277]

You're a genius I swear, I have a Belgian malinois that I've been training using your videos its more active than ever

[@NateSchoemer]

That's awesome! I'm happy you're getting great results with your Malinois! :)

[@michelehemlokhexwhite4310]

Malinois are fantastic to train. I wish I had one to work with lol

[@itsikadiv3457]

This is my first ever comment on KZbin and you truly deserve this. We've been working with 2 dog trainers so far with our puppy and his obedience is quite good right now. Yet, I've found your videos informative and I learn something new from each and every one of them. Your ability to share and deliver your knowledge through videos is incredible. Thank you very much for that!

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks Itsik, That's really awesome! I'm happy the videos have helped and I appreciate the support! Cheers!

[@frankygoestocanada]

I was going to say exactly the same thing! I totally agree with that. And that's why I recommand your channel to a lot of peoples and shared some videos of yours to a few of them! But I have an important question for you Nate: My dog is going pretty well with the training but today my (female) dog is 15 weeks old and I was at my friend's place and he gave both dog a beef bone to both of them. When it was time to leave, my puppy growl at me and even tried to bite me when I tried to take the bone away from her. And she did the same this morning with my wife because she wanted to prevent the puppy from destroying her own little bed. What in the world do you do when such a thing happen? My reflexe was to grab her with both hands each side by the collar and shouting a loud "NO" to her, but it might not be a good idea! I would like to know what to do the next time it happen please. I think that this kind of event happen to a lot of people so your answer (or video) would probably help a lot of people! 😊 Thanks for your very good work!

[@kimkim2454]

Used these videos as soon as we got our 8wk old GSP, they are fool proof, amazing! Thanks for this invaluable info

[@NateSchoemer]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@lauriee5200]

I commented on this video this past weekend…having trouble with my dog not going down without the luring into the down position. I read thru the comments & Nate’s replies…most of which we’re recommending using the leash training…OMG IT LITERALLY WORKED WITHIN 5 MINUTES!!!!!!! I was concerned about using the leash training for this bc we hadn’t used the leash for training prior to this & I thought my dog wouldn’t get it. Let me tell you all…he did NOT like that pressure on the leash gently pulling him down!!!!!! I am seriously in shock!!! PLEASE READ: My daughter is heading back to college soon & wanted to be sure my 7 mo HUGE rescue puppy was more well behaved before leaving. So she spent a lot of time looking for a trainer on KZbin for me to use. Im a single disabled mom of 2 & she knows I have a LOT on my plate. So we’ve both been working with my pup on getting on his bed (he already knew sit, stay & come). She’s been out of town for the past 4 days….I wanted to surprise her by teaching my pup a new command while she was gone. I was getting very frustrated that he would NOT go down without the lure. I CANNOT believe how well he knows the down command now after using the leash…he even throws his whole body weight down like Nate was describing with the German Shepherd in this video!! I can’t wait to show my daughter when she gets home today!! I’ve been trying to resist telling her when we’ve talked while she’s been out of town!! So all this to tell you Nate-you just really don’t know how important your work is…it’s so much more than training a dog. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your generosity!! I’m now looking for a video teaching my pup to heel…I’ve watched a few of the videos about it but it kinda seems that those are more for like dog competitions…any suggestions for your best basic heel training? Thank you again Nate! You’re the BEST!!!!!!

[@toohardanouar]

Your videos are amazing, I have already teached my dog 2 commands and that's only thanks to your tutorials! Keep up the great work, thank you sir 😁

[@NateSchoemer]

Awesome! Thank you! I'm happy the videos are helping. :)

[@radoambinintsoarakotondrab8386]

I can't believe all the videos you share here are for free ! Thank you ! I use all you technics and it work very well to my 4 months old Malinois from Madagascar ! I'll share the video in your facebook group ! Thank you so much !

[@NateSchoemer]

Awesome! Thank you! I'm happy the videos are helping! :)

[@AmyRothstein-wd4xo]

Thanks so much I never got my dog to lay down until I watched this video and it only took a couple of trys!!!

[@James-kb5mx]

I taught my 7 month old border collie/golden retriever cross to lie down in 45 minutes using this method!

[@irethabodnar3970]

Worked the first day with our new 9 month pit!

[@Karatosa]

Thank you I have a 3 month old Cane Corso.I tried your method worked like a charm.

[@NateSchoemer]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing and I'm happy the video was helpful. :)

[@tonitosco7224]

Exemplary example! I learn every day something more looking all your ways of doing. Thanks a lot Nate!

[@NateSchoemer]

Thank you, Toni! I appreciate that!

[@tonitosco7224]

@@NateSchoemer we all thanks you for sharing your know how 🙏🏻

[@fludrbywest3886]

Got it 🙌🏼

[@NateSchoemer]

Nice! Thanks for sharing! :)

[@zahedsubhan7676]

Good job as ever. For some reason, a few dogs have problems with down. Sometimes luring under my leg works with these pups. So, sit up against a wall and raise one leg so that the dog can pass underneath. Once the dog has done it a few times, move your leg lower so that there is less space..

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks for the tip, Zahed! 😁🙏🐶🐕

[@jaidaabshire4778]

I introduced the lay down to my 3 month old goldendoodle puppy two days ago and then I incorporated these hand signals and this method today and she can now lay down and come up to a sit and lay down again! She did it consistently for a long time. LOVE THIS TRAINER THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@NateSchoemer]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing. :)

[@nikhileshvazhayil9230]

I am interested watching your videos.. now I am thinking to buy a puppy n try ur training's.... All ur videos are awesome.. especially playlist basic obedience training.. u are trying both way leash preassure n rewards type .. thanks bro...

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks, Nikhilesh! I appreciate that! I'm sure you'd do really well with a new pup! :)

[@jonnamaestro]

Arih is a different breed. You have done an amazing job on her its incredible to watch!

[@NateSchoemer]

Thank you so much! She's always been my little superstar. :)

[@jonnamaestro]

@@NateSchoemer im trying to do the same on my Ari :) hope u dont mind i named my dog after yours but its a male (Ari is a male name in norway)

[@ariannafiorenza6789]

My 8 week old German Shepherd was struggling with down and I think I was confusing him because I was pulling the food away from him, so thank you for the advice it works perfectly.

[@NateSchoemer]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing and I'm happy the video was helpful. :)

[@erised-san]

Hey Nate love watching your vids to learn more I have been trying to understand why my dog lays down awkwardly whenever I lure him into a down it’s like his but stays stiff and he doesn’t lay down all the way it’s hard to explain. The weird thing is he would gl down but it’s like his back would be a little arched and he wouldn’t lay down flat. After seeing how you lure him I see it’s because of how I was luring. I remember seeing a video on instagram of somebody luring the dog and they would lure the treat down towards the dogs body instead of straight down to the ground. Im going to try your way and see what happens!

[@jamessamson9411]

Nate - I’ve watched easily 100 hours of training videos and you are by far the best out there, the girls and I are big fans. I have so many questions for my situation - my main question would be: I got two puppies at the same time. I’m working on crating one dog for about a minute while I work with the other, then switch them out. When I reward the dog that’s training, I reward the other as well for being patient and helpful. Do you think this is my best option? Is there a different method you recommend? Thank you in advance for your help and feedback!! We have restarted training completely to mirror your methods.

[@lucym22]

These videos you make are extremely helpful, thank you. Is training a dog at 9 months too old? My dog knows basic commands, but I want to improve on them further and teach them more. Thank you.

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks! 9 months is not too old to start training. In fact, you can start training a dog at any age. :)

[@nicolerivero5440]

My dog does not like laying down, not in cars, not on command, and he hates people beds. He listens to all other commands just fine. But, his hard headed is about laying down. Thanks for the video!

[@NateSchoemer]

Lol! Thanks for sharing. :)

[@olivrose9226]

So iv just started trying to get my pup to down position. She comes, sits spins and shakes great so far but down is the one she just can't get easily. From sit she just stands n trys every angle at my palm to get the treat BUT lay down haha she's very small only abt 3 lbs and very energetic and easily distracted. Working on the focusing on me part still. I like the leash pressure idea!

[@TheKebabShack]

10:05 damn that is impressive

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks! Arih is my little rockstar! :)

[@mohsenrafieian7301]

Thank you for the educational series. Can you have a video of how to teach playing dead please. Thank you

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks! Yes, that's going to be in my trick series. :)

[@vmahalin08]

Top notch videos and advice as always. One question, in this video any reason why you are not breaking down your command into 4 parts as in Down, physical cue, Mark and reward? Thank you

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks! You must not have watched the full video. I start by teaching the dog the physical cue. Once they know that, then I add the command.

[@shanemaher8990]

I would love to see Nate command this puppy to sit or sit down without treats because all they are doing is following these commands because they know they are getting a treat, love to see without a treat.

[@NateSchoemer]

Jump to 9:24 in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kF7bYWiBj7-So7s Then watch this video to learn how to space out rewards: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2Oyc6Kmqcunj9U

[@shanemaher8990]

@@NateSchoemer Will have a look now, keep up the great content, love it

[@cardmstr]

I’m loving your teaching style and content, but I haven’t seen anything yet about name recognition and how a dogs name can be guaranteed to get their attention. I’d love to see your method and thoughts on a puppy’s name and how it can be used.

[@NateSchoemer]

Hi Spencer, Thanks! I posted a video answering your question in my KZbin Facebook group. You can get access to the group here: facebook.com/groups/NateSchoemers Thanks!

[@navi5121]

I need to retrain my dog. He's a yorkie and has behavioral issues like, being aggressive around other dogs (this is new 95% he's fine but then sometimes he bites me in the process of taking him away from another dog) doesn't come when I call him while we're outside, at home he listens. He's very smart but stubborn.

[@IAMGiftbearer]

What your little red dog was doing is exactly what my previous dog did. She would never stay down for more than 1-3 seconds without standing or sticking her butt up. The only difference is that she did not have the same level of treat motivation yours has. She would eventually lose focus before I could really get her conditioned. She had very high prey drive for small animals like squirrels or possums but she'd lose interest in food after awhile if it was something dead that she hadn't killed herself.

[@lauriee5200]

Nate my 21 yo daughter found your series for me! I have a 7 mo rescue (golden/rottweiler mix) who we believe did not have any time with mom after birth…entire litter was found at about 5 weeks. He had some behavior problems at first but I was still able to teach him sit, stay, come before starting your series. Im now working on the down command & he definitely knows the cue (I am making 100% sure I’m giving the command BEFORE the physical cue & marking BEFORE rewarding!!!) but will NOT go down on command. It’s like he’s waiting for the physical cue before he’ll go down. I read thru the comments & saw your recommendation for leash training with this command so am going to try that! 2 questions I have: 1-Is it better to ask questions in your FB group or on your KZbin videos? 2-with the leash training, is it better to use a collar or harness?? He is much more used to a harness(he is a BIG dog & for me having more control of him, a harness definitely works better) but not sure if using a harness will be as effective??

[@michelehemlokhexwhite4310]

As a trainer myself, I find collar and leash better than harness. Harness puts the dog in control, leash puts the trainer in control. Harness tends to trigger dogs push/pull reflex (ie, you scratch a dog's bum, the push toward the stimuli). Harnesses are for pulling stuff, and trigger dogs to keep moving forward. This is, of course, imho, and Nate may have a different perspective. I see he hadn't answered, though; so I did. Best of luck. Go with what works for you.

[@lizhibbard3887]

Hi Nate, love these videos. I have a 4 month old Lakeland Terrier and I’m struggling to get him to obey down and to stop him biting and chewing me! I think I need to rewatch your videos and train myself first 😂. I don’t want him to get fat so would appreciate your advice on what/quantity you give him as a reward and if this training is best when he’s hungry and taken from his meal allowance. Thanks in advance Liz 🇬🇧

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks! Yes, I use meal time for training time and I use the dogs food for the training or I use freeze-dried dog food. :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hafHfHd7aJdpndU

[@lizhibbard3887]

@@NateSchoemer ah thank you

[@fireandice1677]

Hi again Nate! I noticed that you were using your terminal marker and then bringing the reward to your puppy. Were you meaning to do that? Should you have been using the continuation marker instead? If this was intentional, how come you were bringing the reward to the puppy instead of letting him jump up to come get it? Thanks!

[@NateSchoemer]

Just think of what the word predicts. Continuation marker predicts a reward, while the terminal marker predicts a release and reward. I only move back to encourage the dog to come and get the reward in the beginning when I am conditioning them to the marker. Once they know it is a release and reward, then you no longer have to make them come get the reward, you can hand it directly to them if you like. so if I say down and my dog lays down, I can then say free and hand the food to my dog. At that point my dog knows they can get up from the down position. I hope this helps!

[@csevel]

I am so glad I found your videos! I have a 12 weeks old Staffordshire Bull Terrier. He knows his markers well but I'm struggling with the 'down' position as he does not understand from sit to down even with a caged hand and tilt upwards. He just gets up. and barks as he just doesn't understand what I'd like him to do. I don't want him to get frustrated or move the reward along the ground or too far away. Can I try to physically manipulate him down or will this just confuse him more? Thanks in advance.

[@NateSchoemer]

I would suggest trying leash pressure training. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b32bpX5torh3Z5I

[@csevel]

@@NateSchoemer Just when I thought he wouldn't get it..it clicked..Thank you!

[@lancesullins8859]

Great video! I'm finding I'm a little bit stuck on the verbal. I think my dog has been conditioned to the markers, I can reliably get her to perform the behavior, but after 3 dedicated sessions (~10 min) the verbal isn't seeming to connect with her. I've watched this video for the third time, gonna stick with it and be patient.

[@lancesullins8859]

Oh, and yeah... I totally did the point and 'dowwwwwwwwnnnnn' before, haha!

[@NateSchoemer]

Lol! Don't feel bad, most people make that same mistake in the beginning. :) Yes, be patient and stick with the training, as each. dog learns at a different speed. Thanks for the comment and for supporting the channel.

[@danylaley]

@Nate Schoemer, I've seen in some videos you use the word "no" when dogs fail to perform a behavior. Do you have any videos on how to use this "no" cue?

[@NateSchoemer]

Just keep in mind that each word means what it predicts to the dog. You can see one example here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWbMdWubg51smNE

[@jimraj68]

great video - can you explain the FREE command/statement

[@NateSchoemer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXSxm6uKo9ibbrs

[@jimraj68]

Happy New Year - and appreciate what you do and the time you take out to help us.

[@forestwalker]

With my boxer puppy it feels like his legs are stiff straight and he tends to pop backwards when I put my hand like you're saying. He does the sit fine.

[@NateSchoemer]

You may need to give your pup a little more guidance. Try implementing the leash cue: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b32bpX5torh3Z5I

[@NathanJohnnyVilla]

Do u have to use a mat like that to get them to lay down fast to the floor

[@JannGuldhammer]

NEVER give the treat in the mouch allways on the ground or podium. If you reach for the mouth, then the dog vill get up. If you always feed on the ground, between the paws, then she learn it very fast.

[@timmorton9265]

What do you reward the dog with

[@keenen-tazewilliams6226]

Love your videos but almost can't use them cause my dog has lil to no perseverance and won't work that hard for a treat or affirmation despite trying multiple types of treats. How do you train a dog thats not fueled by either type of reward.

[@NateSchoemer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnTFYoxua8qMeLM

[@hermannvelandia3408]

Hello Nate, I would like to know why my dog stands up after he receives his reward. I give him the command he sits, then I give my continuation marker and then the reward and as soon he gets the reward he stands up. Thanks for your help

[@NateSchoemer]

Good question! Check out my video on how to teach the stay command. Before teaching the stay, you have to also teach your dog leash pressure: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b32bpX5torh3Z5I kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWbMdWubg51smNE

[@facundomunoz6113]

My dog follows the physical cue perfectly, but no matter how much I try, he never seems to go down without it

[@HPY36]

Hi Nate. Great series, thanks. My French Bulldog isn’t motivated by food. Treats gets his attention but the amount will get out of hand in a session. If I use a toy as reward he just wants to play and not return the toy. He is 5 years old. Any advice?

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks! Use leash pressure and then reinforce with rewards. Leash Pressure: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b32bpX5torh3Z5I kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnTFYoxua8qMeLM

[@HPY36]

@@NateSchoemer thanks. Much appreciated

[@ilakkiyanilaks9303]

Thank you Nate, your videos are really helpful. I have a 8month old gsd puppy, I feel she is unmotivated during training. She knows most of the basic commands, but she takes few seconds to complete those. She thinks a lot whether to do or not. She is not so motivated for food or toy. Should I feed her before training or after training?

[@NateSchoemer]

I would suggest using training time as feeding time. It should help increase her motivation when she realizes that she has to work for her food. If you need to speed up your commands, then keep in mind that speed is based on motivation. The more motivated they are, the faster they'll perform the command. They can be motivated to access something pleasant or motivated to prevent something unpleasant. I prefer to speed up commands by positively increasing the motivation. You can do this by using the terminal marker more often. This will teach them that the faster they perform the behavior, the faster they will be released to get the toy or food. Dogs will also often match out speeds, so try doing the physical cue faster than normal. I'll also be putting a video on this subject up in the future. I hope this helps and thanks for supporting the channel. :)

[@brookemiller6205]

My pup scratches and bites my hands until I give him the treat. I don’t give in but it’s hard not to get frustrated and want to give up. Any tips?

[@bertiesbriminos-in4wd]

my dog is a HUGE puppy and he's 10 months old and hes been standing while hes trying to get the treat and I am doing the exact thing your doing and hes not doing it can you help me?

[@lucian7280]

I have an 10 weeks old Yorkshire Terrier and he won't lay down. Every time I'm trying it the way you do, he is just bending down his head. Do you have any advice for me?

[@adithya_k93]

Do I use sit command, to get him from down state to sit position or up helps him to understand better?

[@NateSchoemer]

I use sit, but you can use up, if you like. Either would be fine. :)

[@arriolrose8566]

My Belgian Malinois is 9 weeks and he bites me whenever I get that close to him hunched down. 😞 He also bites my hands and has a hard time letting go. I am still learning how to train him.

[@NateSchoemer]

That's extra common with Malinois. Stay patient and consistent and you'll get there. :)

[@jclarkefitness_]

After all this practice when do you put a name to the command? Also they should not move until you free them?

[@NateSchoemer]

I name the command when I know I can get the dog to do the behavior every time with the physical cue. Once I start naming the command, I will use my terminal marker. If I want to reinforce the stay, then I will either mark with the continuation marker or I will not mark the behavior at all. You can learn about my markers in my basic obedience series. You can also learn about the stay command in that series. I hope this helps and thanks for supporting the channel.:) kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZSbmYtqoah6n7s

[@jclarkefitness_]

@@NateSchoemer Thank you your channel is very helpful

[@1114alejandro]

Hi nate! I have been teaching my Dalmatian puppy the down command. I did start to notice that when I say down, she tries to look at my hands as soon as she hears the command, but my hands are behind my back. So I put my hands behind my back, say down, wait 1 second, then guide her down, mark as soon as elbows hit the ground, wait 1 second, then give her the food. She only seems to go down when she knows I have the food in my hand. What am I doing wrong?

[@NateSchoemer]

Try using leash pressure to teach the command. Say the command, then apply the pressure. Once in the position, release the pressure; mark and reward. 😁👍

[@pavly1961]

How can I make my dog's leg be like that malinois you have at the end. My dog's legs are all over the place, he is still a puppy just 3 months. He preforms the physical cue exactly how I want but when he tries the verbal his back legs are folded and tucked and all of that. I made sure to only reward him in physical cue when he does it how i want, but he still doesn't seem to get it..?? What should I do please help I've been trying for a while with no progress he still fails to do it correctly

[@NateSchoemer]

Sounds like you need more repetitions or you can use a shaping box.

[@bradendennis3959]

What are the treats you use??!

[@henrikm.christensen1251]

I suggest enhancing the audio using a headset

[@franklinmichael671]

My dog will readily sit and and lay down, but will only lay down with hand signals.

[@NateSchoemer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZKoZ4SGaM6fgdk :)

[@franklinmichael671]

@@NateSchoemer Awesome, thanks haha. I was in the process of training my 2 month old Aussie shepherd when I found your channel, I was just using the yes marker but now I just started from scratch teaching her both yes and free, making sure she gets the difference before moving on. Love the channel, really helpful tool in training my puppy, thanks!

[@marksuliamon8551]

How long do I work with my 3 month old puppy to get the down command...work with him for 3 days ...he still is not reponding

[@NateSchoemer]

Each dog will learn at a different speed. Film yourself to make sure you are not pairing your verbal command with your physical cue.

[@MEMMS]

G’day Nate, AMAZING videos, my little Swiss shepherd has learnt SO much already, he’s 10 weeks old at the moment. One thing I CANNOY get him to do is lay down on verbal. I call down, then after I do the action with treat, he goes down and also touches my hand on the ground, I give continuation marker of “yes” and then allow him to take treat. If I just say down, he will not do anything until I then complete the action.... please help.... I’ve been trying this from 9 weeks old till now and he just won’t get it! I can get him to leave even his favourite treats on his paws and stay seated while I walk from one end of the house to the other but just won’t sit......

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks! It could be that you are paring your physical cue with your verbal command. However, it could also just be that your pup needs more repetitions. lastly, you can also try teaching the command with leash pressure. Often dogs learn much faster when taught leash pressure. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b32bpX5torh3Z5I

[@MEMMS]

@@NateSchoemer Thankyou so much for taking the time to reply. The verbal cues are definitely separated timing wise with physical. I might have to try leash pressure but now I’ve been thinking about it, maybe he does just need more time. Your videos maybe gave me the misleading impression that he will pick up everything in just a few sessions. Keep up the great content, I’ve been recommending you to everyone!!

[@harsharamachandran81]

Hey Nate, I thought when you use the terminal marker the dog was supposed to get to the reward. But you used free and took the reward to the dog in this video. I’m confused

[@NateSchoemer]

Hi, Harshavardhini! Just think of what the word predicts. Continuation marker only predicts a reward, while the terminal marker predicts a release and reward. If our dogs are not in a commanded position and we use the continuation marker, it doesn't make it a stay command. It's just telling them they are going to get a treat. For the terminal marker I only move back to encourage the dog to come and get the reward in the beginning when I am conditioning them to the marker. Once they know it is a release and reward, then you no longer have to make them come get the reward, you can hand it directly to them if you like. so if I say down and my dog lays down, I can then say free and hand the food to my dog. At that point my dog knows they can get up from the down position. I hope that helps and thank you for supporting my work, I really appreciate it.

[@aakashrajkumar2078]

Greetings nate , From where you learned to train dogs..please tell me

[@NateSchoemer]

Hi Aakash! Yes, I attended the Tom Rose School for professional dog trainers. It's an exceptional school! However, the school has recently been attacked by people trying to destroy the schools reputation by posting fake reviews on the school. I believe in the school so much that I even told Tom Rose that I would be honored to come back to help teach the 2021 April Professional course. you can see more about the school here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXyraZp3fcefgbc Tom Rose Website: www.tomrose.com/

[@aakashrajkumar2078]

@@NateSchoemer what program would be suitable for freshers.is financial aid available?if yes how much I can expect.As we have to take care of our own expenses what could be average living expenses at tom rose school per month.can you give me an idea?

[@sarawoodruff4357]

This one doesn't work on dachshunds. She's so short that no matter how I put my hand she never has to lie down to get it 😆

[@NateSchoemer]

Hahaha! Maybe the leach cue might help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b32bpX5torh3Z5I

[@vladtheinhaler146]

Same.. My pittbull puppy is so small it doesnt work. He'll grow tho lol

[@siobhanwestrop1968]

Hi my puppies lays down but pounces on my hand with her claws. If I try from a distance she jumps on me so I feel like she must think lay down is jump. And when I use the treat to lur her she jumps and lays. Can you give my any advise on how to fix this ? Thanks

[@NateSchoemer]

Yes, I would suggest using leash pressure training. :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnTFYoxua8qMeLM

[@siobhanwestrop1968]

Thank you ! Xx

[@HugDeeznueces]

What is the free command for??? I am confused 😢

[@kylabobo2065]

My dog is great at following the hand command when there is food involved. But she doesn’t do it other wise. Any suggestions?

[@NateSchoemer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qna4Z5qDlNh7j6s kzbin.info/www/bejne/kF7bYWiBj7-So7s Cheers!

[@aakashrajkumar2078]

Greetings Nate, I found all of your vedios useful. Actually u r my inspiration in teaching my 3 month rottweiler,but I am facing a problem in teaching him down command.he is going down when I m luring but he is not getting the verbel command. I will say "down" and a que and once he did it.. mark it with yes and reward him thats what I am doing, but I don't know where I went wrong..please help me to get through this..looking forward for your reply.

[@NateSchoemer]

Greetings Aakash! You have to make sure the command is coming before the physical cue. Try filming yourself to make sure you are not pairing the physical with the verbal. Lastly, you may find more success using leash pressure to teach the command. Some dogs will always wait for the lure, but when you use leash pressure, that tends to fix the issue. I hope that helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b32bpX5torh3Z5I

[@aakashrajkumar2078]

@@NateSchoemer thanks Nate😍😍i will try and will get back to you

[@user-pc6dx2ck1c]

@nate shoemer why do you say free when you give the treat I thought that was for then know they can get up

[@NateSchoemer]

I use “free” as a terminal marker for the dogs that I train. When I say “free” I’m telling the dog that what they just did was the correct behavior and they are released from the position and I owe them a reward. Terminal marker = release + reward. I use the word “break” as a release word. This tells my dog my dogs they are released, but it doesn’t guarantee a reward. I hope that answers your question. 😁

[@user-pc6dx2ck1c]

@@NateSchoemer yea thanks

[@jackielee3086]

My 8 week old puppy is doing sit well but he does the down with the motivate but when i just provide the command he just doesnt get it and barks at me and gets upset that he is not getting his food. Please help!

[@NateSchoemer]

Keep helping with the physical cue until your puppy beats you to it. Meaning, you say the command, but before you can do the physical cue, the puppy beats you to the position. Just be sure you are saying the command before you give the physical cue. Cheers! :)

[@jackielee3086]

I thought after the terminal marker “free” you have to move back for the dog to get the reward from you. is that not always the case? As i see you arent always moving away after using “free” during the training in this video

[@NateSchoemer]

Hi, Jackie. Just think of what the word predicts. Continuation marker only predicts a reward, while the terminal marker predicts a release and reward. If our dogs are not in a commanded position and we use the continuation marker, it doesn't make it a stay command. It's just telling them they are going to get a treat. For the terminal marker I only move back to encourage the dog to come and get the reward in the beginning when I am conditioning them to the marker. Once they know it is a release and reward, then you no longer have to make them come get the reward, you can hand it directly to them if you like. so if I say down and my dog lays down, I can then say free and hand the food to my dog. At that point my dog knows they can get up from the down position. I hope that helps and thank you for supporting my work, I really appreciate it.

[@jackielee3086]

@@NateSchoemer Thank you! Also, do I always have to give a treat/reward? Because if I am outside with my dog I may not always have a tangible reward with me when I tell my dog to sit-stay. Unless, a praise statement like “nice” counts as a reward.

[@clarislee8801]

okay this worked!! but my puppy cant do it without treats

[@Andy_-sd5li]

I tell my dog to sit and when I try luring her into the down position she picks her butt up and won’t go down. What should I do? I try to gently push her down so she can get what I’m trying to do but she forces her butt up.

[@NateSchoemer]

try using leash pressure training and don't release and reward until she's in the correct position. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b32bpX5torh3Z5I

[@adamchristie7626]

What are you using for treats?

[@NateSchoemer]

The dogs kibble or this: www.arihandcharlies.com/

[@ashleynewman208]

What about for a dog that isnt food motivated?

[@NateSchoemer]

Most dog’s low food motivation is caused by a few things: Either the dog has been overfed, free-fed, given very high value food such as cooked steak, or sometimes just feeding out of a bowl can cause this. As a result, the dog just doesn’t care that much about getting fed as a reward. A common technique that we like to use to correct a lack of food drive is food deprivation. For this you will want to use mealtime as a training time. Bring the dog out and offer food to train, if the dog is not interested, no big deal, put the food away and try again at dinner. Again, if the dog is not interested, put the food away and try again the next day. Continue to do this until your dog is willing to work for the food. Be sure not to give the dog any food between training. The dog has to know that he will only get food that he works for. I’ve used this technique on dozens of dogs and it’s worked every time

[@heatherkreth3176]

Episode 20 is missing from the Playlist.

[@NateSchoemer]

Fixed. Thanks again for pointing that out to me. 😁🐶

[@clarislee8801]

my dog stands up whenever i bring my hsnd to the ground

[@poonambhatia8867]

When I try this,my pup tries to bite my hand.How do I sto0 the dog from biting my hand to get to the treat?

[@NateSchoemer]

If he's aggressively biting at the food, then a trick is to hold the food in your fist. if he tries biting at the food, then the hand stays closed. Once he's being gentle, then slowly start to open the hand. Instantly close it again, if he starts to bite too hard. Repeat until he knows that he needs to take the food nicely. The idea is basic cause and effect. I hope this helps!

[@sharkgaming518]

How long does it normally take until you stop giving the treats?

[@NateSchoemer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX28dIJvfrmgp80

[@sharkgaming518]

Thank you :)

[@craigewell]

my down will go down on sit command anticipate the down command . what do i do to correct this ?

[@NateSchoemer]

Try using leash pressure, This may make it more clear to your dog without having to correct the dog for the mistake. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b32bpX5torh3Z5I

[@DineshKumar865]

is luring or shaping box which one is best ??

[@NateSchoemer]

I always start with luring. I'll use the shaping box to fix the dog's position or execution of the command.

[@DineshKumar865]

@@NateSchoemer thank u for ur kind reply

[@marianlyons5130]

I am a trainer and have not gotten my golden doodle to lay down after more than several attempts. Ugh maybe i ,eed a better motivater.

[@NateSchoemer]

Try leash pressure. 😁

[@marianlyons5130]

Well, as fate would have it, my husband got her into a sit. I think it was my energy. I called her to be today with no treats to do a sit and a quick down and it worked! But she quickly rolled over for a belly scratch.

[@depellerinluc]

oh your audio

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks! This is an older video. If you watch some of my newer videos, you'll notice an improvement in the audio. :)

[@malena7362]

I have a weenie dog and I try to lure him to go down with the food but he only lowers his neck and then ends up standing up🥴! Idk what do to and when to reward. Please help

[@NateSchoemer]

Do what I explain two minutes into this video. Also, make sure you're holding your hand the correct way. If your hand is like a bowl on the ground, then the dog will eat out of it, as if it's a bowl. Make your hand a cave that the dog has to put his muzzle into, which will naturally bring the backend down. In addition, you can have a handful of food and give him one piece at a time until the dog lays down. Once your dog lays down, mark and open your hand, giving the pup the remainder of the food.

[@malena7362]

@@NateSchoemer I’ll definitely try this thank you. Sometimes he looks discouraged and ends up walking away . ☹️

[@malena7362]

@@NateSchoemer should I reward him even if his back end is up but lowers his neck ? And then if he fully sits down reward him multiple times . Im just not sure I was rewarding him at the wrong time and encouraging a half down if that makes sense .

[@kristismith5907]

I cannot get either if my dogs to go down

[@NateSchoemer]

Try using the leash pressure technique. You can learn about it in these two videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b32bpX5torh3Z5I kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnTFYoxua8qMeLM

[@aaanathema]

That seem easy when you have a Malinois. What about stupid, stubborn dogs like ShihTzu?

[@NateSchoemer]

In regard to the science part, keep in mind that when you are training your dog the science is always the same; what varies between each dog are things like motivation, perseverance, intelligence, temperament, disposition, etc. Being able to adjust for each dog’s specific needs is considered the art of dog training. Because of this, not all techniques work on all dogs; and as a result, you have to be able to adjust accordingly. For example; a dog with a very high level of perseverance will continue to work through a difficult task to get a reward-while other dogs may give up early.

[@aaanathema]

@@NateSchoemer Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I feel like the dog I write about is lacking will to learn, give up really easy, and - what's worst - she just looks at the food and do nothing. Even simple "paw" command took us like 100 tries before she gave a paw for the first time. Now she does it like 1/20 times we ask her. I have no patience for this dog - sometimes I feel like she knows exactly what to do, but play dumb.

[@kurtkjc1523]

What type of dog is he/she?

[@nightexe6070]

Everytime you say free, i wanna open my mouth and eat that treat

[@NateSchoemer]

Hahaha!

[@NathanJohnnyVilla]

I done this method at least 100 times and my dog still has 0 clue what it means

[@gregoryalee2457]

Hmm......I tried this with my 4 yr old and he didn't lie down to get the treat, he bent over.

[@victoriarenee1583]

My puppy paws my hand and scratches it up when I do this… am I doing wrong?

[@NateSchoemer]

Try teaching the pup leash pressure and then use that as the physical cue to teach the down command. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnTFYoxua8qMeLM

[@victoriarenee1583]

@@NateSchoemer Okay, thanks! ☺️

[@victoriarenee1583]

@@NateSchoemer I used the leash pressure method and it worked lots better! Thanks! ☺️

[@aliceparis837]

doesnt work

[@gracequintana5370]

my 8 week golden will not lay down!!

[@NateSchoemer]

Try leash pressure training. :)

[@MsKaryn]

Free???

[@mikemacdude]

Why you saying free?

[@lauriee5200]

I am currently using this training & highly recommend that you go to Nate’s “playlists” & scroll to the bottom..& start with. “Episode 1”…this series very much, in my opinion, builds from the last episode as you work thru the trainings…it’s not one that you can just watch one video & know how to do it. It’s a commitment but worth it for sure. Nate may have a better answer for you but this is just my experience…good luck & bring your patience to each training session!!!