The "Down" command

• 1). Place a favorite food treat in the palm of your hand. Make sure the dog knows you have the treat.
  
  
• 2). Clench the treat in your hand, say "down" and point to the floor.
  
  
• 3). Hold the treat at arm's length and pass it by the dog's nose as you slowly lower your hand.
  
  The dog's natural curiosity and interest will cause him to put his nose near the treat.
  
  Placing a hand on the animal's hindquarters might aide in learning the behavior.
  
  
• 4). Repeat the word "down." Do not give the dog the treat until he lies down. Reward him with the treat immediately.
  
  
• 5). Verbally praise each successful performance with a "atta boy" or similar phrase.
  
  Always use the same phrase and tone of voice for positive feedback. Do not use this sound for any other reason.
  
  
• 6). Repeat this technique several times during each training session. Multiple sessions each day are recommended. Continue training until the dog has mastered this command.
  
  

The "Side" command

• 1). Place your dog in a down position.
  
  
• 2). Encourage the dog to roll on his side by holding a treat near his mouth and rotating it around his head. It doesn't matter which side, but many dogs have a tendency to always roll in one direction. Experiment with other motions and rewards to find what best motivates.
  
  As the dog rolls over, speak the "side" command and use a hand signal that suggests rolling over.
  
  Mark a successful behavior with your "atta boy" voice.
  
  
• 3). Continue practicing daily until the dog performs this behavior on command.
  
  
• 4). Merge the two commands. Ask the dog to perform a "down," then a "side." Reward both behaviors individually, and gradually shorten the time between commands.
  
  

The "Back" Command

• 1). Command the dog to perform "down" and "side."
  
  
• 2). Encourage the dog to roll onto his back by holding a treat over his shoulder or scratching his belly. Experiment with what works best for your dog. As the dog rolls onto his back, use the "back" command.
  
  
• 3). Add this command to your daily training until the dog performs it successfully. Chain the "down," "side" and "back" commands together, and reward all three individually.
  
  

The "Up" command

• 1). Place the dog in the "back" position.
  
  
• 2). Hold a treat in your hand, and be sure the dog knows you have it.
  
  
• 3). Move your hand to the opposite side from where he rolled and lift your hand in the air. The dog will naturally follow the treat, complete his roll and stand. Use the "up" command.
  
  
• 4). Reward successful behavior with a treat or vocal praise.
  
  
• 5). Add this command to your daily training routine.
  
  

The "Roll Over" command

• 1). Command your dog to perform "down," "over," "back" and "up" in sequence. Begin the sequence with a "roll over" command.
  
  
• 2). Gradually speed up the command sequence until it flows together. Reduce the intermediate commands and treats, and reward the animal when the entire behavior is completed.
  
  
• 3). Add this routine to your daily training. You may also want to make the "down' command a separate behavior.