Intermediate obedience training builds upon the foundation established in basic obedience training and introduces more advanced commands and behaviors.
Here are some elements commonly included in intermediate obedience training:
Extended Duration: Commands learned in basic obedience, such as sit, stay, and down, are practiced for longer durations, gradually increasing the time your dog is expected to hold the position.
Distance: Dogs are taught to respond to commands from a distance. This involves gradually moving away from your dog while giving commands and expecting them to obey even when you’re not in close proximity.
Distraction Training: Dogs are trained to respond to commands despite distractions. Training sessions take place in environments with increasing levels of distraction, helping dogs learn to focus and obey commands even in challenging situations.
Heeling with Turns and Changes of Pace: Dogs learn to walk politely on a loose leash while navigating turns, changes of pace, and other obstacles. Heeling exercises become more complex, requiring greater precision and responsiveness from the dog.
Advanced Recall: Dogs practice coming when called in various environments and situations, including with distractions present. Emphasis is placed on achieving a swift and reliable response to the recall command.
Stay with Distance and Distractions: Dogs are trained to stay in place despite distance and distractions. This involves gradually increasing the distance between the dog and the handler while maintaining the stay command and introducing distractions to test the dog’s focus and obedience.
Proofing Behaviors: Commands learned in basic obedience are “proofed” to ensure reliability in real-life scenarios. This involves practicing commands in different locations, with various distractions, and in different contexts to solidify the dog’s understanding and response.
