Leonard also had trouble with "down". He wouldn't do it no matter what and on the day of the final test I took some chopped up hot dogs with me to bribe him. We went through the obstacle course and on the "down stations" I had him sit and then gave the "down" hand signal cupping the hot dog. He went down so fast! I was shouting OMG he went down so loud that I think everyone in the store heard and they all congratulated us afterwards. Something clicked and he still goes "down" to get his treats for being a good boy outside.
Puppy training ?
Frodo is having a hard time in obedience class… the trainer says he is just timid and bashful… but the little booger isn’t cooperating. We have mastered “sit” and “watch me” pretty consistently now… but I cannot get a down for the life of me! He’ll sit and dip his head down… but the rest of him won’t follow no matter how I maneuver the treat. He won’t take treats in class…. No matter what we try- spits on them… or worse rolls around on the treat like he is putting on perfume! The trainer laughs so hard saying she has never seen that and trying to video it… I’m afraid he is going to be the class clown! He will take the biljac PB and Nana treats at home sometimes but not in class. He has refused all offerings including a beef rawhide in school! He walks loose leash well so we are progressing… but I am stumped on finding a way to reward him enough for cooperation! Today for his homework I sliced up fresh baked ham into pieces… worked well for a “sit” but no go on “down”- Any ideas for treats or training? The pitbulls in his class get it on the first try… but not my boy! I’m going to have to get a bumper sticker that says my basset failed puppy obedience school
