30 minute down? (puppy obedience)

[mlopezvega]

I just started my puppy kindergarden classes last week and our trainer asked us to do the "down time" also, but it was only for a few minutes at a time. Five times at a "session" . I would think that 1/2 hour would be unbearable for a puppy. It is hard for a puppy to concentrate on any one thing for that long.

My trainer told me that the purpose to this is to "massage" the puppy to a laying down position to relax him, while showing him that no matter what position he is in, you would never hurt him. This is also used as "bonding" time between you and your puppy. And that this would help in the basic principal of the "Stay command" She suggested doing this after a "training session" (listed below).

During our first class she outlined the course to us so we would know what to expect. There will be puppy socialization, teaching your puppy his name, Sit command, the Stay command, and walking on a leash.

 

[Boxer_21]

30 MINUTES!!!

If our instructor told me to put Riley, who is almost 6 months old now, in a "30 minute down" in all honesty, I would not do it. Maybe if you started at a couple of minutes and worked your way up to 30 I would, but not all once. I think 30 minutes is to much for Riley all at once, let alone a younger pup!!! Heck I can't even sit still for 30 minutes!!!

 

[Siamas]

Thank you for all your posts on this matter. I have continued to do 30 minute downs with Seamus, I dont harm him physically in any way. He is actually doing it on his own now, he is 11 weeks old.

The only and I stress ONLY time I am doing this which is now about 2-3 times a week is when he is completely out of control , biting, and just not listening. It is really helping him sooo much, he has become the sweetest friendliest little guy and I just love him to pieces. And the people we see in the Park and out and about just cant believe how sweet and gentle our little guy is.

I use a gentle leader collar on him, but only for a couple hours a day, and never when we go out for a walk. For 11 wks old, my puppy (YES IM GONNA BRAG!! LOL)) Is sitting, doing down, doing a sit stay at the door, he's almost got shake down!!! : ) And even when it's bed time and I tell him to go lay down, well.... he does it!!

I got Seamus at a very young 5 weeks old, and was told that it was terrible that he is going to have behavior problems. Well it hasnt happened, he's growning up to be very friendly, with both people and other dogs, we socialize him daily.

I'm going to keep doing the downs with him when he's out of control, which I said wasnt very often. I'd rather be able to handle my puppy now, then to not be able to when he's full grown. (Vet says 95 lbs)

Thanks again for all your words of Wisdom. I've read all the books mentioned in this post and the forum, and I live by "The Dog Listener"

I think I'm doing an awesome job with my baby!!

Patricia