Read on to learn how to train your puppy to lie down the minute you ask, so that he stays quiet until you're ready to pay him attention.
All puppies and dogs are different and have different ways of learning.
Not all of them get it right first time, and some are a little slow to understand what we want from them.
That's why I've given 3 different ways of training your puppy to lie down.
If the first one doesn't work for you and your Cocker, you'll find another two options to try below.
However, I'm confident your puppy will get it right first time.
If your Cocker Spaniel doesn't get it right, don't worry; simply go back to the beginning and try again. Repeat as often as necessary until your puppy gets it right.
If he seems to be having some difficulty with this command, try the alternative techniques, option 2 or 3 below.
"To watch someone training a Cocker Spaniel puppy,
and to see the puppy respond positively,
can be an amazing and truly rewarding sight"
This exercise works well if your puppy kept sticking his bum up in the air while his nose was sniffing the treat on the floor!
If your puppy's tummy doesn't touch the floor when going through your knees, you may have to lower your legs slightly to encourage him to drop down further.
Put a treat on the floor about 30 cm in front of your puppy. Place your hand, palm down, over the treat.
Your puppy will try to sniff it and may try to get at it; don't let him have it.
As your Cocker's training progresses, begin to remove the treats from every other session. Offering him a treat every time he gets it right will teach him to follow commands only when food is offered.
Instead of treats, reward your puppy with extra praise and lots of cuddles!
When you feel your puppy has mastered the 'down' command, the next step is to use the vocal command on its own. After all, you won't always be able to sit down and raise your knees each time, will you?
If he doesn't get it, stand in front of him and show him that you have a treat in your hand. The treat might trigger a reaction from him.
Give him lots of enthusiastic praise, and eventually you should be able to remove the treat.
Note: If that doesn't work, go back to Option 1 and try again. He may now understand what you want from him and you'll be able to use that visual command instead.
If your puppy doesn't get it right first time don't get angry or upset.
Instead, take a break. Lighten up and play with him for a while. You can always try again later.
Last, but not least, training a puppy takes time, patience, and understanding. Be kind to your puppy (as if you'd be anything other than kind!) and help him to get it right.
Happy training!
Once your puppy is able to lie down the minute you ask him, you might want to progress to the next command.
'Down and Stay' is a command I think you'll find you use quite often.
I know I do!
Discover more puppy obedience training here.
Photo Credit for Train Your Puppy:
1. Copyright of About-Cocker-Spaniels.com
2. Hjordisv at Flickr.com