With the puppy in the "sit" position, next to you and on your left side, show him 
the treat....about his eye level, use the command "Down" and then letting his nose 
follow the treat, lower your hand  towards the floor and the puppy's toes. He 
should follow the treat to the floor..... at least, that's the idea! Common handler 
mistakes are: lowering the treat too fast and lowering, but holding the treat too 
far in front of the pup, causing him to get up and go towards it. 

Sometimes you have to put your free hand on his rump ( if you have a 
"popper-upper") or give a gentle pressure downward at the shoulder to get them 
started. If he's still not getting the idea, you can use your free hand to "walk" his 
front feet out until he gets the idea. As SOON as he is down, give him the treat 
and praise, praise, Praise! Remember to get in the habit of only saying the 
command "Down" once..... don't be a broken record. 

After your pup is consistently going to the down position, you can practice the 
Down/Stay..... all you have to do is use the same formula as you used for the 
Sit/Stay. 

* Hint - it's best to do this either inside when it's hot or cold outside, so that 
both of you will be in a comfortable place. Nobody likes to sit or lie on cold, wet 
ground or out in the broiling sun. Prime yourself for success by using that big, ole 
human brain's common sense! 

Next.... teaching the "COME"

These articles are written by Sandra Fikes 
of 
Kalahari Rhodesian Ridgebacks

KalahariRR@webtv.net