DOWN FROM THE SIDE

At any time you have your dog sitting correctly in the heel position, you may ask him to lie down. Your left hand will come up from your side, palm open, fingers together, and pointing directly towards the left.

Bring your hand from high above your dogs head, and slightly forward, so as to not come into his line of vision abruptly or close to his eyes, at the moment you give the voice command to down. Keep the signal open, and wait. Give him plenty of time to think about this command. After several seconds, and when it seems that he is no longer thinking about this command, repeat the signal and voice command. Wait once again, until you are sure he is no longer thinking about your request. Prefix your third request with "no", and issue your third command and hand signal. Keep this signal open as you bring your right arm forward, placing the lead under your left palm, and place your left thumb under the lead.

You'll have no tension on the collar; the lead will be under your palm, and over your thumb. Do not apply pressure. This will protect your face as you reach for his left leg with your left hand with the length of the lead in it. The right hand will have the lead at the half-length as it was during the heel. Now place the right hand on the dogs' right leg and gently lift to place his paws forward. Do not try to force him to lay down. If you place his feet just a few inches forward, follow through with the stay signal, stand up straight, and praise him.

Do not praise with your hand when he is in the down position. And as always, you may ask him to down straight. You might touch his shoulders with your middle finger and thumb gently between his shoulder blades, or the large muscle of his shoulder or rear legs to ask him to down straight.
At this time you may pat him. .