how do you train a down in a recall?

[kimspencer]

My daughter is in 4-H and has a 5 year old husky/lab mix that is required to do a down during a recall at the local 4-h dog show this year. He is familiar with sit, down, stay, wait, heel, front, and come- but we are at a loss to know how to teach him to begin a recall, down, and front at the end. Our local trainer who works with 4-H does not seem to be familar with the task. Any ideas?

[kay9]

im not quite sure i understand what you mean either. but if i understand it right you want the dog to come to you and stop mid come and lay down? okay first teach the dog to freeze. first you walk the dog and then mid walk turn and face the dog put ur hand right in front of the dogs face and tell it to stay (this is done very fast) then walk away. reward release repeat. this is going to teach the dog how to freeze after he understands the concept of it you can call him and stop him mid walk with a stay. after he masters this you can add the down. hope this helps

[turb065]

First post is good also teach your dog to drop from front on. Stand your dog go away from it about 2 steps and give your drop command facing the dog, then progress the distance, once your up to your recal distance, add the come and give the drop signal. It is also easier to teach this if your dog doesnt come in like a rocket on recall, if you can slow them down it is better. this is a hard excercise to teach in australia it is not assesed till 3rd level of trials, so good luck