Advanced Training: Moving Beyond the Basics
Now that your dog has nailed the essentials like “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” it’s time to kick things up a notch. Advanced training doesn’t just refine their skills; it challenges them mentally and physically, keeping them sharp and focused. Plus, it’s a rewarding experience for both of you! These next steps will help your dog develop even more self-control and discipline while strengthening the bond you share.
Leash Training and Walking Politely
There’s something special about a calm, peaceful walk with your dog. But if your dog constantly pulls on the leash, walks can become a frustrating tug-of-war. Leash training is all about teaching your dog to stay calm and focused during walks, making the experience enjoyable for both of you. A well-trained dog on a leash isn’t just easier to walk—it’s also safer for everyone.
1. Loose Leash Walking: Teaching Your Dog Not to Pull
Dogs love to explore, and pulling on the leash is their way of speeding up the process. But with loose leash walking, your dog learns that staying close to you is the key to moving forward. It takes some patience, but the payoff is worth it—smooth, relaxed walks without the constant pulling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Loose Leash Walking:
- Start with the Right Equipment: Opt for a standard 4-6 foot leash and a comfortable harness or flat collar. Steer clear of retractable leashes, as they tend to encourage pulling.
- Reward for Staying Close: As soon as your dog walks beside you without pulling, say “yes” or use a clicker, and give them a treat. Reward frequently at first to reinforce that staying near you is a win.
- Stop When They Pull: If your dog pulls ahead, simply stop walking. No need to tug back—just stand still. When the leash is slack again, start walking. This teaches your dog that pulling gets them nowhere.
- Change Directions: If your dog keeps pulling, change directions suddenly. This helps refocus their attention on you and keeps them engaged instead of plowing forward.
Common Owner Challenge:
“My dog pulls as soon as they see another dog or person.”
Solution: Distractions can make even the best-trained dog forget their manners. Start in quieter areas to practice leash walking, gradually moving to places with more distractions. Each time they stay calm, offer praise and rewards to reinforce their good behavior.
2. Focus and Distractions: Keeping Your Dog’s Attention During Walks
Walks aren’t just about physical exercise—they’re also an opportunity to practice focus and obedience in a distracting environment. Teaching your dog to maintain their attention on you, even when there are other dogs, people, or interesting smells around, is key to a successful walk.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Focus:
- Use a Marker Word or Clicker: Start in a low-distraction area and practice getting your dog’s attention by saying their name or using a cue like “look.” When they make eye contact with you, say “yes” or click, and reward them immediately.
- Increase Distractions Gradually: Once your dog consistently responds in calm environments, practice in more distracting locations. Begin with small distractions, like walking near other people, and gradually build up to busier settings like parks or pet stores.
- Reward Focus Consistently: During walks, use frequent rewards to reinforce eye contact and attention. This helps your dog learn that focusing on you, rather than distractions, is rewarding.
Common Owner Challenge:
“My dog is always distracted on walks and ignores me.”
- Solution: Use high-value treats or toys to capture your dog’s attention. If they’re highly distracted, move to a quieter area and gradually work on increasing their focus in more distracting places. Short, focused sessions are better than trying to fix everything at once.
7.2 Off-Leash Training: Building Reliable Recall in Any Environment
Off-leash training is one of the most advanced skills you can teach your dog, and it can give them a greater sense of freedom. However, it requires a lot of trust and a rock-solid recall command. Reliable recall means your dog will come back to you no matter the distractions, whether they’re at the park or running after a squirrel.
3. Reliable Recall: Ensuring Your Dog Always Comes Back
A strong recall command is not only convenient, but it can also save your dog’s life in dangerous situations. Recall should be practiced in a variety of environments to ensure your dog responds, even with distractions around.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Recall:
- Start in a Controlled Environment: Begin recall training in your home or backyard, where there are minimal distractions. Use a long leash for safety, and call your dog using a happy, excited voice. Say “come” and immediately reward them with a high-value treat when they reach you.
- Add Distractions Gradually: Once your dog is responding consistently at home, move to a more distracting environment, like a fenced park. Use the long leash to give your dog freedom, but ensure you can control the situation if needed.
- Practice in Different Locations: The more varied the environments you practice in, the stronger your dog’s recall will be. Call your dog from different distances and distractions, and reward them generously when they respond.
Common Owner Challenge:
“My dog only comes when they feel like it.”
- Solution: Always make recall rewarding by using their favorite treats or toys. Never scold your dog for coming late—this creates a negative association with returning to you. Instead, reward them every time they come, even if it took a bit longer.
4. Off-Leash Freedom: Transitioning Safely from Leash to Off-Leash
Before transitioning to off-leash, your dog should have mastered recall in various environments with a long leash. Off-leash training should be done in a safe, enclosed space until you’re confident in your dog’s ability to respond every time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Off-Leash Transition:
- Test in an Enclosed Area: Start by practicing off-leash recall in a fenced area, like a dog park or backyard. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog while practicing the “come” command.
- Gradually Reduce the Use of Treats: As your dog becomes more reliable off-leash, you can begin to reduce the frequency of treats, but continue offering praise or play as a reward.
- Monitor Behavior Closely: Always keep an eye on your dog’s body language and behavior. If they become too distracted or ignore recall, go back to using a long leash and increase practice in high-distraction environments.
Common Owner Challenge:
“I’m nervous about letting my dog off-leash.”
- Solution: Start slow and always in a secure area. Build confidence through gradual practice, ensuring your dog’s recall is reliable before allowing complete off-leash freedom.
Tricks and Games: Fun and Mental Stimulation
Training doesn’t always have to be serious—teaching tricks and playing games are excellent ways to keep your dog mentally stimulated. These activities challenge their problem-solving abilities and reinforce obedience, all while providing a fun bonding experience.
1. Teaching Fun Tricks
Teaching tricks is a great way to engage your dog’s mind and strengthen your bond. It’s also a great confidence booster for your dog, as they learn new skills and receive rewards for their hard work. Tricks like “roll over,” “shake,” or “play dead” can be taught in a fun and positive way.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching “Roll Over”:
- Start with “Down”: Begin with your dog in the “down” position.
- Lure the Roll: Hold a treat near your dog’s nose and slowly move it toward their shoulder. As they follow the treat, their body will naturally start to roll.
- Mark and Reward: Once they’ve completed the roll, immediately say “yes” or click and give them the treat.
- Practice and Add the Verbal Cue: Repeat the process until your dog is consistently rolling over. Then, add the verbal cue “roll over” just before you move the treat.
Common Owner Challenge:
“My dog gets halfway through the roll and stops.”
- Solution: Break the trick into smaller steps. First, reward your dog for turning onto their side, then gradually build up to the full roll.
2. Games for Mental Stimulation
Training isn’t just about commands—it’s also about keeping your dog’s mind active and engaged. Games like hide-and-seek, puzzle toys, and scent work tap into your dog’s natural instincts and provide the mental stimulation they need to stay happy and well-behaved. Plus, they’re a fun way to bond and prevent boredom, which can often lead to unwanted behaviors.
Popular Games for Dogs:
- Hide-and-Seek: This classic game is perfect for keeping your dog engaged. Ask them to “stay” while you hide in another room. Call their name, and when they find you, shower them with praise, treats, or a favorite toy.
- Scent Work: Hide treats or toys around the house or yard, and let your dog’s nose do the work. This game taps into their natural hunting instincts and provides an enriching mental workout.
- Puzzle Toys: Interactive toys that require your dog to solve a problem to get a treat are perfect for keeping them occupied, especially when you’re busy or away. These toys challenge your dog’s mind and reward their persistence.
Common Owner Challenge: “My dog loses interest in games quickly.”
Solution: This is a common issue, but there’s an easy fix! Keep the games short and rewarding. Rotate different toys and games regularly to keep them exciting. Always end the session on a high note—quitting while your dog is still eager leaves them excited for the next time.
Wrap-Up
Advanced training isn’t just about obedience—it’s about keeping your dog mentally and physically stimulated. Whether you’re working on leash manners, off-leash recall, or just having fun with games and tricks, you’re helping your dog grow into a calm, well-behaved pup. And remember, every new game, skill, or trick strengthens your bond and deepens their trust in you.