It cracks me up to hear about dogs getting on the table or counters! I really don't think either of mine could do it. But yay for the down!!! Once he got it that first time I'll bet the following ones were even easier for him to do.
I use praise and treats as well. I think it's more the tone of voice than what is actually said. I'm sure you could say "Oh what a dumb mutt you are! You stink so much!" and they wouldn't care if it was in the "happy" voice. Dogs are funny like that.
As for the 'down' and 'get down' I wouldn't think he'd get them confused because the hand signals with them are probably different. However, if you're really worried about it you could change 'get down' to 'off'. I've found that keeping the words as simple and short as possible works best.
Stay was the hardest thing I've taught my dogs to do. And I've taught Doppler how to wave and roll over. But Doppler is fairly reliable on stay. Virga isn't really. Although they will wait forever for dinner which is kind of surprising. But just remember, they're stubborn dogs. You just have to be more stubborn! Good luck!
I use praise and treats as well. I think it's more the tone of voice than what is actually said. I'm sure you could say "Oh what a dumb mutt you are! You stink so much!" and they wouldn't care if it was in the "happy" voice. Dogs are funny like that.
As for the 'down' and 'get down' I wouldn't think he'd get them confused because the hand signals with them are probably different. However, if you're really worried about it you could change 'get down' to 'off'. I've found that keeping the words as simple and short as possible works best.
Stay was the hardest thing I've taught my dogs to do. And I've taught Doppler how to wave and roll over. But Doppler is fairly reliable on stay. Virga isn't really. Although they will wait forever for dinner which is kind of surprising. But just remember, they're stubborn dogs. You just have to be more stubborn! Good luck!
