OBEDIENCEDOWN

Down is a favourite trick, a trick that may someday save a life!
And a trick that you can have fun with.
Tory is in a down/head down/left cross/stay.
count one, two, three and crossyou're out
And now he is perfoming a very simple trick that we saw a human perform on wrestling, which we rarely watch, but you never know were you will get an idea.

This, of course, is a simple obedience down/stay, on a plank.
Down can be a part of the enjoyment of training. It has no adverse effects on a growing body, so do not hesitate to play down with puppy.
Down is not a first trick in obedience, but it should be. Taught on lead with downward pressure on the lead, it is awfully basic.
But take it a step further.
It is pretty reasuring if you know that you can step over junior without him jumping up. Down/stay carried a 'step' further. Consider that if junior jumps up you may get hurt, but worse, what if you are carrying something heavy or hot or sharp, junior may get hurt. And deaf dogs, particularly, are easily startled.

Tory and Patches are placed in a down/stay every day. It is that important,
right up there with come and watch me.