Every dog trainer and dog owner knows that no two dogs learn at exactly the same pace. Some breeze through basic commands like "sit" and "stay," while others need a bit more time to grasp the fundamentals. If you've found yourself in a dog training class that feels like it’s not quite the right fit for your dog's current skill level, don't worry—there are ways to level up the experience and challenge your dog even in a beginner class.
Tailoring Any Training Class to Your Dog
Let’s start with a common scenario: You’ve signed up for a group training class like Real World Manners, an entry-level class designed for beginners. Maybe your dog already knows some commands, while other dogs in the class are starting from scratch. It’s easy to feel like you’re in the wrong place, but the truth is, you can adapt nearly any training class to your dog's current abilities.
A client recently shared a similar experience. His dog already had a solid foundation of commands, but in the class, some dogs had just been adopted and were still learning the basics. He felt his dog was too advanced for the course. Together, we discussed how to take his dog’s training to the next level—even within this basic class—by making small but significant adjustments.
Adding Challenge Through Distance, Distraction, and Duration
Here’s how you can make basic commands more challenging for your dog, no matter what class you’re in:
- Distance: If your dog can reliably perform a command like "sit" or "stay" right next to you, try giving the command from across the room or even while walking away. Increasing the distance forces your dog to rely on your cues without the security of having you close by.
- Distractions: Most dogs find new environments stimulating, and even a simple "sit" can become more difficult when there are other dogs, people, or noises around. Use these distractions as an opportunity to reinforce focus and self-control in your dog. If your dog performs well in quiet settings, practice commands near other dogs or in busy environments to push them further.
- Duration: Does your dog sit immediately when asked but only hold the position for a couple of seconds? Work on increasing the time your dog can maintain commands like "sit," "down," or "stay." Gradually extending the duration before giving your release cue helps build your dog’s patience and impulse control.
By incorporating these elements, you’re adding layers of complexity to even the most basic commands, helping your dog refine their skills and become more reliable in real-world scenarios.
Why New Environments Matter
Even if your dog seems advanced in familiar settings, new environments can "unlevel" their skills. A training class filled with unfamiliar dogs and people, with all kinds of new smells and sounds, is a perfect place to expose your dog to distractions they wouldn't encounter at home.
In the case of our client, simply being in a new environment with new dogs was enough to push his dog’s boundaries. His dog wasn’t necessarily "too advanced" for the class—it was just that the challenges had shifted. The class provided a chance to practice known commands in a more stimulating setting, which is crucial for helping dogs generalize their learning.
Don’t Underestimate the Basics
Even if your dog has mastered commands in a quiet environment, training is about so much more than performing commands in isolation. It’s about reinforcing behaviors in different contexts, under different conditions, and with varying levels of distraction. That’s what makes a well-trained dog reliable in any situation.
By taking what might seem like a basic class and adapting it to your dog’s level, you’re ensuring that your dog’s training remains dynamic and effective. It's also important to remember that being in a class with a range of skill levels can be beneficial for both you and your dog. Seeing how other dogs learn, and understanding how they handle challenges, can provide new insights and techniques for your own training journey.
How to Know When to Move Up
Of course, there may come a time when you do need to move up to a more advanced class. If your dog consistently performs well despite the added challenges of distance, distraction, and duration—and if you’ve tested their skills in different environments—it might be time to advance to the next level. But until then, don’t rush. There’s a lot of value in refining the basics, especially in stimulating environments where your dog’s focus is tested.
The next time you feel your dog has outgrown their training class, take a moment to see how you can level up the experience by adding layers of challenge. Not only will this make training more engaging for your dog, but it will also help them become more reliable and adaptable, no matter the setting. And remember, each class offers unique opportunities to strengthen your dog’s skills, even if the material seems basic at first glance.
Ultimately, training is a lifelong journey. By pushing your dog in new ways and embracing the learning process, you’re setting them up for long-term success.