There is no one right way to teach your dog. If it works, it works, but if it’s not working, stop! That being said, I think sit is almost a useless command, and down is significantly more important, yet almost every dog struggles with it. Why? Because we don’t’ ask our dogs to do it enough. Down is a position that is more natural to a dog versus a sit, and it’s also a position where I would take a long, deep breath and prepare for a rest. Sit is a pit stop at best. Be honest here, is your dog be