Expanding Your Dog’s Skillset Beyond The Basics

Teaching advanced obedience commands helps enhance your dog’s focus, confidence, and overall behavior.

Many dog owners are familiar with basic obedience commands like “come,” “sit,” “down,” “place,” and “heel,” but did you know that there are countless other commands you can teach your dog to enhance their skills, focus, and behavior? These advanced obedience commands not only provide mental stimulation but also promote better communication between you and your dog, creating a more balanced and well-behaved companion.

Learn more about the basics at our blog, The First 5 Commands Every Dog Should Learn for a Well-Behaved Companion.

Advanced Obedience Commands for a Well-Behaved Dog

When your dog has mastered the basics, it’s time to take their training to the next level. Commands like “leave it,” “watch,” “stand,” “settle,” and “through” help improve impulse control, focus, and overall behavior. “Leave it” is especially useful for preventing your dog from picking up harmful objects or engaging in undesirable behaviors. The “watch” command can help redirect your dog’s attention when they become distracted, making them more responsive during walks or in busy environments.

Denise Bozenski, owner of Fetch This Canine, says, “These advanced commands give dogs the ability to make better choices and increase their confidence. It’s about having clear communication and more control in everyday situations.”

Learn more about Denise HERE!

Why Advanced Obedience Commands Matter

Introducing more complex commands can be an excellent way to deepen your dog’s understanding of what you want from them. For example, the “stand” command is useful for grooming or vet visits, as it encourages your dog to stand still when needed. “Settle” is a great command to use for calming your dog when they are overly excited or anxious. It creates a mental space for relaxation, which can be invaluable in high-energy situations.

Denise adds, “When you teach a dog to settle or calm themselves, you’re providing them with tools to handle stress and excitement. These commands help them find balance in an otherwise chaotic world.”

Learn about the most important command, recall, at our blog, Recall Training That Works: How to Get a Reliable 'Come'.

5 Advanced Obedience Commands to Teach Your Dog

Leave It

The “leave it” command is crucial for preventing unwanted behavior, especially when your dog tries to pick up or engage with things they shouldn’t, like trash, hazardous items, or food on the ground. Teaching your dog to leave an item alone helps ensure they’re safe and reduces the likelihood of them ingesting something harmful.

Denise says, “I always tell dog owners that ‘leave it’ is a lifesaver, particularly when you’re in public spaces or on walks. It’s a critical skill for your dog’s safety.”

Watch

This command is a great way to regain your dog’s focus when they become distracted. Whether you're on a walk or in an environment with lots of stimuli, the “watch” command directs your dog’s attention back to you. For reactive dogs, this command can be a game-changer. By redirecting their attention to you, it helps them stay calm and focused instead of reacting to triggers like other dogs or loud noises.

Denise explains, “The ‘watch’ command is essential in keeping your dog focused and in tune with you, no matter the environment. For reactive dogs, it’s especially useful in preventing over-reactions to external stimuli.”

Stand

Teaching your dog to “stand” is especially useful in situations where they need to remain still, such as grooming or veterinary appointments. Unlike “sit,” which may not always be ideal in certain settings, “stand” encourages your dog to remain upright, which can be more comfortable and functional for both the dog and the handler.

Denise shares, “This command is especially helpful for getting your dog into position for medical exams or just standing still when necessary. It’s a great addition to your dog’s skillset.”

Settle

The “settle” command teaches your dog how to calm down and relax in a specific spot. It’s incredibly helpful when your dog is overexcited, anxious, or needs to chill after a high-energy activity. The “settle” command can be used in various situations, such as when your dog is overstimulated or when guests arrive at the door.

Denise says, “Teaching your dog to settle is about giving them tools to handle excitement and anxiety. It’s an essential command for creating calm in their lives.”

Through

The “through” command is particularly great for nervous dogs or those with anxiety. By teaching your dog to walk through your legs and sit, you're creating a safe space for them to feel close to you. This command is ideal for helping nervous or reactive dogs feel secure in their environment. It also allows you to keep them focused on you, especially in stressful or distracting situations.

Denise explains, “The 'through' command is a fantastic way to offer reassurance to a nervous dog. By guiding them through your legs, you’re giving them a moment of closeness and safety, which can really help them build confidence.”

The Importance of Balanced Training

Incorporating advanced commands into your dog’s routine is an excellent way to keep them engaged and well-behaved. Balanced training, which combines positive reinforcement with corrections when necessary, helps address unwanted behaviors while encouraging good habits. The key is to maintain patience and consistency while teaching these new commands so that your dog can thrive in any environment. “Consistency is key,” says Denise. “The more you practice, the clearer the communication becomes for your dog.”

Read our blog, How E-Collars Enhance Balanced & Holistic Dog Training, to learn how e-collars can help take your dog's training to the next level.

How to Introduce New Commands

Introducing new commands should be done in a slow, methodical manner, building on the foundation of basic obedience. Keep training sessions short and positive, using a mix of rewards like treats, praise, or even a favorite toy. Start in a quiet environment with minimal distractions before gradually adding complexity by introducing the commands in different settings, such as at the park or on a busy street.

Ready to take your dog’s training to the next level? Don’t stop at the basics—unlock your dog’s full potential with advanced obedience commands that build focus, confidence, and better behavior. Contact Fetch This Canine today and start transforming your dog’s training journey! Get started HERE!

FAQs

When should I start teaching my dog advanced commands?

It’s best to start teaching advanced commands once your dog has a solid understanding of basic obedience. Most dogs are ready to learn more complex skills around 6 months of age, though this varies depending on the dog’s maturity and temperament.

How long does it take to teach an advanced command?

The time it takes to teach an advanced command depends on your dog’s learning pace, consistency in practice, and the difficulty of the command. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to master a new skill.

Can these advanced commands help with behavioral issues?

Yes! Advanced obedience commands help with impulse control, focus, and overall behavior. By teaching your dog to follow commands like “leave it” or “settle,” you’re providing them with tools to make better decisions and manage distractions in their environment.