Off and Down they are different behaviors in dog training. I teach clients to train a dog "Off" when a dog is jumping on a person or a good example is the countertop in a kitchen. Many times this gets mixed up with "Down".
When training a dog it is important to use the correct word.
A good example is when training a dog "Down" that is the behavior of the dog with the belly flat on the ground or a surface. You can confuse a dog by mixing these two up "Off " and "Down".
There are many ways to use "Down" and that is why having clear communication is important with your dog.
Here are some good examples of using "Down" .
Down for a veterinarian exam.
Down for husbandry task such as clipping back nails
Down as an emergency cue when dog is running of or towards a stranger.
Down at the store to stop the dog from jumping on guest.
There are many ways for using "Down" and once your dog becomes reliable, it's important to not confuse your dog by saying "Down" when you want the dog "Off " of an object.
I have a list of 25 uses for "Down" it is only one of the professional handouts that is included in my dog training packages.
In dog training I first get the behavior then when the dog is reliably giving the behavior then I name it.
I wish you well in your dog training!
Mecca Curtice, CCDT, CTDI
Behavior Specialist
Sheboygan, WI.
© Mecca Curtice, Mecca's All Breed Dog Training, LLC.
