Teaching a bouncy pup "down" & managing pup alone with my wrist broken

[Pisky]

Our homework from puppy class this week was to teach "down". We didn't manage it once in the class as everytime we lured the nose down with food (from sit position) the bottom sprang back up!

Sit we mastered a few weeks ago now really quickly.

I think once we find what works she will be fab as has learnt other things v quick (cocker spaniel) but struggling with this one.

Also the kids go back to school tmrw and I have broken my wrist - (right hand - sods law) so can't get lead on by myself. Pup will only go toilet on lead as otherwise dissapears into bushes to play/ eat things it shouldn't. Woul it be ok leaving lead on all day? Just worried about leaving alone with lead on. Any other ideas?

Also tips for one handed lead training as will pull lots... ad not sure how to manage lead + treats in one hand!

[alp]

Pisky - I have no advice about the broken wrist! But as your pup is still young and walks will still need to be short having some walks missed won't be too much of a bother.

For 'down' I guess you mean 'lie down' if so...our pup didn't understand at all so we were taught to sit on floor and make bridge with our legs and guide pup through with treat on nose - they have no choice but to get into the down position to follow the treat under the bridge. It only took a few attempts back home for her to understand what I was trying to achieve.

I hope you can understand what I mean!

Good Luck!

[Pisky]

Thanks Alp - have tried that and it works After 2-3 goes through legs now she has got it don't seem to need the bridge anymore.

Managed ok so far today getting lead on one handed - decided to risk it as she wasn't happy trailing it around. She seemed to realise she had to sit very still for me. (She also keeps licking my fingers that are poking out of the cast as if that will help make them better :) )

Kids home in 30mins so will be ok then.

[alp]

Great! Glad it worked and you managed to work out what I was going on about!