Bichon Frise Training And Different Methods To Teach The Down Command
Bichon frise training involves teaching your furry friend several tricks and commands such as the down command. While the said command is common among many dog owners, it ought to be known by all, specifically by first-time owners that this command is essential in a lot of ways. With down command, it would be more easy for you to control and keep him safe in some circumstances. Moreover, the down command also serves as groundwork for many other advanced commands or tricks such as roll over and crawl.
There is more than one way to teach your dog how to stay down. Depending on your dog’s personality, you need to identify which technique works best for him. Below are a few ways on how you can effectively teach your dog to obey the down command:
Method 1
When your pet has already mastered the sit command, have him sit first then hold a treat in front of her nose. Once her attention is focused on the treat, lower it to the ground bit by bit. Naturally, your adorable pet will follow the treat with his eyes and as soon as his gaze is lowered on the floor, your hand that’s holding the treat must move forward (away from your pet) so that he has to lower himself toward the treat.
When your dog starts to move towards the down position, give the command “down”. This is to associate the verbal command “down” with him laying down. The instant his belly touches the ground and the legs out at the front, reward him with praise and of course with that treat.
Method 2
Follow the first method but if he walks instead of lower himself towards the treat, place your hand at the withers to prevent him from standing or running.
Method 3
This method doesn’t require a bait but the aid of a leash instead. With your dog on sit position, stand or kneel alongside your pet. Say the command “down” then guide your dog towards the position by holding the leash and gently yanking it downwards. You may also need to place your hand at the withers and guide him down or lift and stretch his front legs in front of him. As soon as he is in the down position, reward with treat or praise to let him know that you are pleased with what he did.
Much like when teaching other bichon frise training commands, there are some points you need to take into account.
- Getting desirable results does not happen overnight. Your dog may need a lot of repetition before he can figure out what he’s supposed to do so you have to be very patient.
- During the initial phase of training, it must be done in an area where there are less distractions however when he has mastered the command, add something to it like practicing the command in several spots with different people.
- While this command is best taught when your dog is in sit position, teach him to obey the command also when he is standing, walking or running.
- Delicious treat is the most effective bait, however, it is important to decrease the use of treat to prevent him from becoming treat dependent that will only respond to the command when there’s a treat present.