Reward in Position

Here is the move that makes a down stick: for the first week, deliver every treat down at floor level, right between the front paws — never up at the dog's face.

Why it matters: dogs repeat whatever pays. Treat them up high and you accidentally reward the head lifting and the body popping up. Treat them low and you teach the opposite — that staying flat is what earns the reward. The position itself becomes the paycheck.