Successful advanced dog training

I got several emailed questions from readers after I mentioned Vance’s great behavior off leash. Readers Sarah and Pam wanted to know how I’d been so successful with the advanced dog training level and Nate and Rachel asked what the first step in off leash training was.

If you’re ready to step up to advanced dog training, with Vance our first step was the long lead–that way, we knew that he’d be safe and couldn’t run off, but we could get really far away from him.

Then, it’s important to train a rock-solid recall. Your dog should always come when called, no matter the circumstances. For us, that required lots of treats and lots of practice in different situations. We started in the backyard, then moved to the front yard (which is unfenced and has lots of squirrel visitors). Then, we went to a local park during a time when there weren’t a lot of other people there. Then, we went back to the same park on a Saturday. And finally, we went to the local dog park.

At each location, we practiced the come command until Vance dropped whatever he was doing to come running. It didn’t hurt that we were using his absolute favorite dog treats, but we also kept a tennis ball at our feet which helps catch his attention in an instant. Use whatever your dog is most attentive to and lots of rewards.

Now, Vance comes when called at the dog park even when he’s playing with his favorite pals. I’ve been asked more than once if I’m a dog trainer, but the truth is, I just relied on this book. It made things really easy.

So, that’s the most important step in advanced dog training–training a rock solid recall–and how to do it. How likely is your dog to come when called?