Lie down command

[turnbull]

This is about Robbie, A 1 yr. beagle rescue. We are working on commands, he's doing fairly well with sit and come, especially with food rewards. When we work on Lie Down, I start with SIt, then go to Lie down, as instructed, his rump goes up right away. He gets his front legs and face down, eager for the treat, but rear just stays up. If I try to rest my hand on his back (near rump), he wheels around. He's quite eager to please, especially if food is involved, but we're definately getting our wires crossed with this one. All help appreciated ! He has several issues to be dealt with, but I'll start with this question !

 

Thanks very much, Pam

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Hello turnbull,

Welcome to the forums. Sounds like you are doing a great job with your boy so far!

 

With rumps in the air, we have several options to give a try. I will list several:

 

-You can keep on trying by luring but trying to pull the treat away very sloowly.

-You can keep on trying but providing clear feedback. Mark the rump up with an "oops!", withdraw the treat and restart from the get-go with asking your dog to sit again. Rinse and repeat until that rump goes down. When it does, mark with your click/verbal marker and reward with a jackpot of treats.

-Trying at a time your dog is more tired can help at times.

-You can try in an area where your dog has history of lying down, such as on a specific mat or a favorite sleeping place.

-You can try to train sitting down on the floor with one leg bent as to form a "bridge." Use your food lure to guide him under. With your legs in the way, he may be more likely to keep his rump down. Then gradually, practice farther from your legs.

-You can try to train it under a low table as if getting him to crawl under.

-You can try to train it by capturing. Simply sit down and wait for your dog to tire and lie down. Click and treat when he lies down, then start adding the cue.

-You can try through shaping. Click and reward progressive elbow bends until your dog flops on the ground.

 

Also, it may be worthy troubleshooting some reasons why your dog might be reluctant to lie down. Is the floor too cold? Can it be his hips are hurting? Is he reluctant to lie down on certain surfaces? etc.

 

Hope this helps, happy training!

Adrienne

[turnbull]

Thank you, Adrienne.

we will work on lie down, trying your ideas. I'm sure one or the mixture will get through. I don't think he's having any physical problems with his hips, he leaps, climbs up and down 5' snow banks, when we're out "walking", etc. The floors are cold, but then again, he does like to stretch out like a frog on the snow.. Of course that's HIS choice, not being asked to do it. We'll take those things into consideration when looking for good places to practice.

I will let you know how we get along,

Pam

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Awww dogs are so cute when they lie down "froggy style," aren't they!

You're very welcome.

Yes, keep us posted on how it goes!

Best,

Adrienne

[JMFS]

What about capturing the behavior as a "bow?" Do you think that would help Robbie distinguish between bow and down? Ever since getting her solid on it, Gertie's all about bowing these days, offering it for everything now. When I tell her good bow, now down, she slides into down. Robbie made me think of that with his rump up in the air (I think this is one of the cutest things they do).