[NAGDU] Obedience and "down"

[Andy B.]

Hi,

 

I am having a slight issue with the down command, especially in daily
obedience. It appears that he gets bored with the idea, then does nothing to
respond. Usually a light to moderate leash correction fixes the problem for
that instance of the down command. However, subsequent ones require harsher
corrections, or giving him a break for a while. We can usually get through
4-5 exercise routines before he gets bored with it. Here is what I normally
do each day:

Heal-come-set 3 times, sit-down 4 times, 3 sets of rest, sit-down 4 more
times (he gets bored here), heal-come-sit 3 times, then sit-down a few more
times, and wrap it up with a few rests or sit-downs. What is the best way to
get him interested in doing this again? A high collar correction was
recommended for every instance of disobedience, and for extra measure of
discipline, give him a high collar even if he does what is required, but my
mind still thinks it is a little harsh. How do you get over this problem? He
also falls out of perfect form. Is there a way I can enforce good obedience
form? For example, when he sits, most of the time he sits facing me and
slightly to the left of my left shoulder. When he lays down, he sticks his
butt out so his head is pointed at me, and lays on his left side so he can
look at me. He should be on the left at all times, not in these weird
positions.