The Down cue force your dog to 100% submit to you. So it may take some work to develop a reliable down with your dog. young dogs not really stay in that position for long times so be patient and build the tolerance  patiently.

let your dog  figure out what you like him to do & praise good progress

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Shaping the Down cue

(don't say down yet) 

 

1.  Start with your dog sitting or standing in front of you

2.  Hold treats in your hand and hold your hand close to your dog’s nose 

3.  Lower the treat straight down towards the floor

4.  Your dog will follow the treat and lay down on the floor.  Give him time to figure it out don't rush him.

5.  when he lay down say good and let him have a treat between his front leg before he get up.   

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Adding the Down Cue

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1. When your dog is lured into a Down position 95% of the time and fairly easily, then, you may move to the next step, saying the cue  

2. Say Down and start luring your dog into the Down position, when he lay down say good,and put the treat between his front leg before he get up    

       

WORK ON DOWN IN THE HEEL POSITION , AS WELL

WORK ON DOWN WHEN THE DOG IS ON HIS BED