"Down" is fine for a static position. I teach that, too. As well as "Sit". Depends on the situation. "Sit" if I want to show that the beast is not yet of minimal hazard to the nearby person, or if there is no hazard to protect against. "Down" is to make the beast as small a perceived risk as possible. In my experience, my dogs like "sit" over "down"...no need to make them more uncomfortable than need be. In my experience, my dogs like "sit" over "down"...no need to make them more uncomfortable than need be.
But I also want to be able to keep the dog at my side, under tight verbal control, yet continue to move through pedestrian traffic. "Heel" is the command for that situation.
You know, eventually I'll probably learn to keep my mouth shut.
Why the hell I included " Heel" in the list of stupid commands, I don't know.
Of course I have a command for walking next to me, be hard to take the dog anywhere without it.
As for the "sit over down" I agree, but if there is only one command and you are a GOOD DOG when you do it, that'll work.
I use a descending whistle tone for that.
Picked that up from a hunter, it really impressed me when he did that whistle and all hid dogs just went flat.
I was talking to a forester who works for the forest cooperative that we do a lot of work for, today.
He was telling me that they had just had a policy meeting about what to do when they encounter people with loose dogs in the forests, that they run.
There are some strict leash rules here and the fine for not complying is $350
Oooops, said I, I just happen to have one of those loose dogs..
Gave the out of the truck whistle and Thais came running up from the truck, which was parked abot 500 meters away.
After he had visited with the forester I said " Bil" ( Danish for car) and he ran back and jumped in the truck.
I then explained to the forester how the truck is magnetic, so once in, he can't leave it till he hears the whistle.
I won't be having any trouble from him about my loose dog
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