Beyond Canine Basics: Advanced Dog Training Methods

Maybe your new furry friend has been home for a while. You have worked through the dog training basics with ease and he or she is a pro. You utter the word sit and your pup’s hindquarters hit the floor. You speak his or her name and she is at your side. Great! Now what? The training process is far from over. Now you can move into more advanced dog training.

All the basic dog training you have focused on will create a basis for future lessons. Before you begin furthering your dog’s education, practice through the basic commands. If he or she executes them flawlessly, it is time to move on. This is the time to iron out any confusion or “weak” commands so that you are both ready for more complicated studies.

Human or canine should not view even advance dog training as a chore, if you keep it interesting. Make a game out of the process and maintain a high level of enthusiasm, without overexciting of course. Spicing up each session with a fun game will prevent you, and your dog, from growing bored. A bored dog is not going to be willing to give you his or her complete attention that will greatly hinder learning.

Food is a great motivator when it comes to dog training. Experiment with a variety of treats to figure out which your pup prefers. It can also help to cycle through different kinds of dog treats. Using the same flavor or type over and over might make your dog sick of that particular kind.  Try to choose treats that are not overly fatty as well to avoid unhealthy weight gain. Also, remember you can cut treats into pieces so they go further. Save yourself money and save your dog a few pounds this way.

How do you make a game out of advance dog training? Get creative! Dog’s love to chase and run and these are two activities easily incorporated into training. Reinforce what he or she already knows in a new way. Enlist the help of a friend or family member to practice a back and forth game. This will work on the dog’s recall and teach your pup to respond to voices other than your own.

Each person should stand a good distance apart, nine to eleven yards ideally.  Always play this energetic game in a safe area, such as a fenced in yard. Any place your dog will not wander away or find itself in a dangerous situation. Avoid open areas near busy streets. Take turns calling the dog to you and putting him or her into a sit stay. Then, at uneven intervals, have your partner call the dog and repeat the process. As your dog learns this basic dog training game, spread further apart for more of a challenge. Eventually, you could incorporate a third person. If you want, take the game indoors and play throughout different rooms, so the dog cannot see who is calling.

Get creative with training to keep each lesson fresh and interesting. Even basic dog training can be a fun experience! Do not let your dog grow bored (or you frustrated) with the same old advanced dog training techniques.  Your dog will love to play and not even realize he is practicing commands in the process!

Copyright Danny Taylor