Sorry for such a basic question...

I gather idealy a dog should do a flat on their side down in a competition... mine will do that but might move to look up or shift their body into a 'down'. If they are in a 'down' they most likely will keep that possition although my girl might flop over into a flat down.

THis year we hope to try  entering a few pre-beginners and try practice goes in beginners... Could you tell me how this is scored?  Thanks.

There is no "ideal"down position. Some dogs are happy lying flat & others lying on one side with their head & shoulders raised like a lazy Sphinx position so to speak

I've had dogs that have done both

The marking is down to the judge Some will mark rolling from one hip to another & also raising the head & shoulders from the flat & vica versa & others like me ;) only mark if the down actually has "daylight"underneath(ie raises the body off the ground. IMHO this is correct & I think you will find most judges think the same

My breed most often do the total sphinx/frog position out of choice, and may roll onto their side eventually, but only after quite some time, not the length of time at training.

Your dog should feel comfortable , then it is least likely to break, so I think watching how your dog prefers to lie down will give you a clue which position you shoudl encourage him/her to adopt during down stays.

Mind you for my youngest that wwould be rolled over onto her back

LOL My JD does his down stay with one back leg raised flashing his "bits" Don't know why he does it but he often falls asleep in the same postion !

flynns ideal is rolled up,with his back legs out.
if i put him into a flat,he ALWAYS breaks,(sits right up) even if its hot & he wants to go flat!!!!:rolleyes:

(if hes not happy)what he will then do is possibly roll up to sphinxy down,or just lay his head on the floor (if hes chilled out),occassionly he may go flat (his choice)if hes very very very  relaxed

they shouldnt get marked from going to one down to another,AS long as they keep lying down as they do it. ie dont raise their bum off the floor when rolling up,or their front off.

OH thanks ever one. I tnought it had to be like playing sleeping logs!

Okay I will ask them which possition they prefer and let them choose.