Commands at Distance - Training Challenge

Read more about Training Challenges here.

DISTANCE: Dogs learn differently than people. Even though a dog may understand sit or down, most dogs initially learn these and other commands while next to their owner. A critical component of thorough training involves teaching a dog that commands are also required when they are away from their owner. If your dog is across a street or road, a down may be wiser than a recall.

Rate your dog's ability with DISTANCE COMMANDS:

INTRODUCTORY STAGES: Dog reliably performs all commands when next to their owner, dog begins learning commands with the owner close but at various locations other than dog's side (behind dog, in front of dog).

BEGINNER: Dog needs help performing commands if owner is more than a few feet from dog.

INTERMEDIATE: Dog will perform commands at increasing distance, but reliability is not as solid as when owner is close to dog.

ADVANCED: Dog will perform commands reliably away from owner including around distractions.

Training Challenge : Assess your dog's current ability to perform commands at distance from you and work during this month toward the next level of achievement. If you're already advanced, work on further practicing these skills by challenging your dog in new environments and situations.