I agree with everything you guys say. Grasping a treat in my hand where she could smell and see, but not grab it, then pointing my finger directly in front of her nose to the floor worked for me. The gentle paw extension thing works well too. For my YLRD, (figure that one out) Star, learning "down" was the hardest command of all. Most trainers and behaviorists will say that is the case with most dogs. In that position, the dogs perceive that they are "least in control," and to their minds, in the most "vulnerable" position. I also have SUCH empathy for you! When your trainer told you "YOU have to have more control over your dog" I thought you must have had John as your trainer! Many of the trainers I know, for some strange reason, seem to get a kick out of belittling dogowners or dogs when they don't measure up. Geees, you're there to learn!! It really made me feel inadequate and stupid; like I was a bad Mom!! Or that my dog was dumb. If you feel uncomfortable with him, try another class where patience and instruction, not ridicule, are practiced. Actually, my Star is EXTREMELY intelligent; she knows what I want her to do and how to do it. She also was (is less so now) a VERY active, independent, curious and easily distracted puppy and adult. One day she would do down; no problem. Other sessions...forget about it. She was 6 months old when we 1st attended basic obedience. Still a puppy and easily distracted. So we practiced EVERY DAY, every chance I had to voice the down command I did. By the time advanced obedience came around (1 year old) she was much more receptive to commands and less distracted. Now at 2, I can give the down signal with a hand command from 30 feet and down she goes with a long down. Don't give up, and don't let the trainer intimidate you. Puppy training classes here go up to 6 months. Most schools/trainers by me do not even allow dogs under 6 months to attend basic classes; too easily distracted; get too tired with too much input in a short time. Like sending a toddler into a second grade class. They just don't have the attention span. If your class was a puppy class, I NEVER heard of puppy class teaching down!!! Some of the pups are only 10 weeks old!! That's for socializing, trust building and introduction to a few basics like "come" and "sit." If I had to do it again, I would start basic at 6 mos., repeat the class the next time offered, then advanced at one year. Be patient; I'm sure you'll do fine. Praise, praise praise and she'll come around! Boy, I did go on. Just tweeked a nerve!