Distance Control Training with your dog

Controlling your dog at a distance to go back, left and right takes patience and methodical training. It’s not something you can rush. The first element of distance control training is a good stop. I can work on this with you and your dog to ensure this crucial command is secure. Once your dog comes to a sharp stop, give them time to refocus before you restart. Today, I was working with a client and their Springer Spaniel. The handler was in too much of a hurry to give the directional command after the stop and it confused the dog. When they are in training mode, when there isn’t birds falling all around them, take this time to slow down and teach commands in a methodical manner.

When distance control training, think about what your dog can see. At a considerable distance from you and sometimes in thick cover, your hand commands need to be very clear. Lots of handlers use only their dominant hand to send their dogs back. This means they use their right hand to send the dog left, so the dog circles round right first. Instead, use a push with the left hand to swing the dog left. Accentuate these commands with the movement of your body to elongate the directional command for your dog. Make it easy for your dog to see what you want them to do.

In order to remember distance commands, I encourage my clients to think of a clock face. Imagine your dog is at 12 o’ clock. Putting your arms at 12 o’ clock will send them back. Your arms in a straight line to the left or right, at quarter to/past, will send them out in a straight line, left or right. If you are looking for a diagonal retrieve, use five to/past or ten to/past. Remember, if you are confused, your dog will be too, so use this picture to keep your commands consistent on your distance control training.

Posted: May 24, 2019