Dogs And Repeating Commands

I was working with a Dachshund puppy yesterday. Second lesson. The pup was having trouble doing the Down command (we are using food, so at the very basic level). 

First question from the owner was if it was OK to repeat a command. Yes, of course. This isn't an obedience competition, you are there to help the dog understand and learn. 

The next step was showing her that she was accidentally signaling the wrong things to the puppy when doing the commands, which was making it harder for her dog to learn exactly what we were trying to teach. A few small adjustments, and the dog figured it out. Success!

So, even owners need to be given guidance, it isn't just the dog.

Plan accordingly.