Top 6 Fun and Effective Advanced Dog Training Techniques to Transform Your Dog’s Skills
If you’re here, chances are your dog has already mastered the basics—commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” are second nature by now. But what’s next? If you’re ready to push beyond simple obedience and unlock your dog’s full potential, you’ve come to the right place.
Not quite there yet? No worries! [Click here] for a guide to nailing the basics before diving into more advanced techniques and tricks to teach your dog.
For those ready to move forward, this guide is packed with 6 fun and effective advanced training techniques that will challenge and engage your dog quite a bit for at least a few weeks from now on. From scent discrimination to a flawless impulse control, these exercises will transform your dog’s behavior and who knows, you might even enjoy training your dog these skills. Let’s get started!
1. Scent Discrimination: Because Finding Your Keys Beats Fetch

Let’s take things up a notch and dive into something way cooler than fetch—scent discrimination. Yes, you’re about to unlock your dog’s inner detective skills. Imagine the possibilities: finding your keys when you’re late, sniffing out your socks in a mountain of laundry, or locating that lost TV remote just in time for your Netflix binge.
Or who knows… maybe one day, they’ll even help crack a crime scene!
How to Teach It:
- Step 1: Start with two objects—one that smells like you (think a sock) and another that’s neutral (like a clean rag). Let your dog sniff both.
- Step 2: Hide the object with your scent and give the command “find it.” When they locate it, reward it with their favorite treat—this is a big deal!
- Step 3: Gradually increase the number of objects they have to search through so they learn to discriminate between scents. Soon, they’ll be able to find that specific sock in a pile of laundry.
Why It’s Fun: Dogs love using their noses. This taps into their natural abilities, making it both mentally stimulating and rewarding. Plus, you can use this as an awesome party trick: “Hey, check it out! My dog can find my wallet!”
Training Challenge: Start hiding objects in tougher spots—under a couch cushion or behind a door. The harder it gets, the more engaged your dog becomes. Soon enough, they’ll be solving mysteries like a four-legged Sherlock Holmes.
2. Remote Cues: Because Your Dog Can Do More Than Sit Next to You

You’ve mastered “sit” and “stay” with your dog glued to your side. Cool. Now, let’s spice it up. What if you could give these commands from across the park—or even from another room?
Enter remote cues. Your dog can already follow basic commands, but now it’s time for distance work. Imagine standing at one end of the yard and your dog, at the other, obeying every signal you give.
How to Teach It:
- Step 1: Start close. Practice commands like “sit” and “down” while your dog is right in front of you. Use clear hand signals alongside your verbal commands.
- Step 2: Gradually take a few steps back after each successful command. Reward them every time they respond to your signal, even if it’s just a couple of feet away.
- Step 3: Keep extending the distance. Soon, your dog will follow commands from across the park or even respond when you call from the next room.
Why It’s Fun: Remote cues make your dog look like a genius to everyone around. Whether at a park, during off-leash time, or in a busy area, your dog’s ability to respond to your distant hand signal will blow people’s minds. It also gives you serious peace of mind in unpredictable environments.
Training Challenge: Test this in new, distracting environments—try a crowded park, a dog beach, or near a playground. The goal is to have your dog’s focus locked in on you, no matter what’s going on around them.
3. Object Retrieval: Because Your Dog Can Do More Than Chase a Ball

Now, let’s teach your dog how to retrieve specific objects by name. Let’s say you’re on the couch, too comfy to move, and your dog fetches your slippers, glasses, or even the remote. This is advanced object retrieval, and it’s both useful and impressive.
How to Teach It:
- Step 1: Start with one object, like their favorite toy. Give it a name—“ball,” for instance. Each time they bring it back, use the name. “Get the ball!” Praise them when they do it right.
- Step 2: Introduce new objects, one at a time. Each object gets its own name—“slippers,” “remote,” and “blanket.”
- Step 3: Challenge them by asking for specific items. “Bring the blanket.” When they choose correctly, jackpot-level praise and rewards.
Why It’s Fun: Watching your dog dash off, find the exact object you asked for, and return with it like a pro—it’s magical. Also, it’s ridiculously practical when you need something and don’t want to move (like that TV remote you always lose).
Training Challenge: Try linking retrieval commands into sequences. “Get the ball, now the blanket, and then the remote.” Your dog will be a multitasking genius in no time.
4. Impulse Control: Because Ignoring a Squirrel Is Next-Level Cool

Impulse control separates the pros from the amateurs. Sure, your dog might sit patiently while you hold a treat, but what happens when there’s a squirrel darting by or a rogue pizza crust on the sidewalk… or even during a romantic dinner night?
Advanced impulse control teaches your dog to resist these temptations—even when their instincts tell them to dive right in.
How to Teach It:
- Step 1: Begin with simple distractions. Place a treat on the ground and tell your dog to “leave it.” Reward them after they resist for a few seconds.
- Step 2: Gradually increase the level of temptation. Try a toy, or another dog nearby, or food that’s even more irresistible.
- Step 3: Build up to real-world distractions. Practice outside with squirrels, food trucks, or other dogs running by. The idea is to have your dog pause and choose to listen to you, no matter what’s happening around them.
Why It’s Fun: Nothing makes you feel more in control than watching your dog stay put when a squirrel crosses their path or another dog barks nearby. Plus, the looks on other people’s faces when your dog calmly ignores a distraction are priceless.
Training Challenge: Once your dog’s got the hang of it, test them in a real-world setting like a busy park, crowded cafe, or outdoor market. See if they can keep their cool while life swirls around them.
5. Directional Commands: Because Your Dog Can Move Like a Pro Athlete

Let’s turn your dog into a master of directional movement. Not only can they sit and stay on command, but now they can move left, right, or away based on your signals—kind of like a professional athlete following plays.
How to Teach It:
- Step 1: Use a target stick or lure to guide your dog left or right while giving a verbal cue (“left” or “right”).
- Step 2: Slowly increase the distance between you and your dog. Start close, then step back, using hand signals to send them left, right, or even forward.
- Step 3: Incorporate obstacles, like cones or poles, so your dog learns to follow directions through an agility-like course.
Why It’s Fun: You’ll feel like you’re commanding a superhero as your dog flawlessly weaves through obstacles or responds to your hand signals from across the yard. It’s visually impressive and mentally stimulating for your dog.
Training Challenge: Take it to an agility course or set up an obstacle course in your yard. Work on sending your dog left, right, and forward with nothing but your hand signals. It’s like being the coach of an elite sports team.
6. Boundary Training: The Simple Step by Step Guide
This one’s for the pros. Imagine leaving the front door open while you unload groceries, and your dog knows they can’t step past a certain point. Boundary training teaches your dog to respect invisible lines, with no fences or barriers actually required.
Step 1: Pick the Spot
Decide where you want your dog to stop. Is it the front door? The kitchen? Maybe the couch? Start with one area so it’s clear and easy to follow.
Step 2: Mark the Line
Since your dog can’t see an invisible line (they’re smart, but not that smart), make it obvious at first. Use painter’s tape, a rug, or even a line of objects to show where the boundary is. This helps them figure out what you’re asking.
Step 3: Show Them the Rules
Put your dog on a leash and walk them toward the line. When they reach it, stop and use a clear command like “wait” or “stay.” If they try to move past, gently pull them back. When they stop where you want, praise them like crazy—treats, pets, happy voice, the works.
Step 4: Practice a Little Every Day
Consistency is everything. Practice this a few times a day, but keep it short and sweet. Over time, take away the visual markers and see if they still follow the rule.
Step 5: Add Real-Life Distractions
Here’s where it gets real. Start testing them with distractions—like someone knocking on the door or a toy rolling by. If they stick to the boundary, reward them. If not, no big deal—just reset and try again.
Step 6: Go Off-Leash
When your dog can handle the boundary with distractions while on a leash, it’s time to try it leash-free. Stay close at first, but keep the rewards coming when they listen.
Bonus Tip: Just Be Patient

Dogs don’t learn this overnight. Keep it positive, practice daily, and celebrate the wins. And before you know it, your dog will respect those invisible boundaries like a pro, and you’ll finally have some peace of mind—even on grocery day!
Also, try it with different scenarios—an open front door, a yard with no fence, or even teaching them to stay out of specific rooms (like the kitchen). The ultimate goal? A dog that knows boundaries no matter the situation… A cool, successful dog.
Conclusion:
Congratulations—you’ve entered the world of advanced training! By working through these next-level techniques, you’re not just teaching your dog new tricks, you’re unlocking their full potential and deepening your connection. Whether it’s retrieving specific objects, responding to cues from a distance, or resisting temptations that would make any dog flinch, you’re showing your dog just how brilliant they can be.
Remember, advanced training is a journey, not a destination. The more you practice, the more your dog’s skills and confidence will grow. So grab some treats, keep the training fun, and enjoy every breakthrough as your dog becomes a true canine genius.