Bark University Intermediate Class

Bark University Intermediate Class 

Dog Training Goals and Curriculum:

The objective for the Bark University intermediate Class is to advance skills learned in Level 1 by integrating leash walking (loose leash and heel), introducing the 3D’s (Distance, Duration, Distraction) into existing skills, and developing handling, polite greetings, and settling behaviors. The pace remains steady to ensure progress, with students typically advancing after 6-8 sessions.

Milestones to Advance to Advanced Level (6-8 Sessions):

1. Impulse Control/Focus:

   • Name Game/Check-Ins: Maintains focus while walking, even with moderate distractions.
   • Leave It: Ignores tossed treats.
   • Stay: Holds position at a threshold and at the end of a 10-foot leash.

2. Manners:

   • Sit for Pets: Sits calmly to be petted by the trainer (treat reinforcement allowed).
   • Accepts Grooming: Tolerates handling of paws, ears, and gentle brushing.

3. Out for a Walk:

   • Loose Leash Walking: Walks 10 feet with minimal leash tension (luring allowed).
   • Heel: Moves into heel position and walks 3-4 steps while maintaining position (luring allowed).

Skills Taught in Intermediate Classes:

1. Leash Walking:

   • Heel: Sits in heel position and practices short walks with automatic sits and turns.
   • Loose Leash Walking: Introduces verbal cues and redirection; integrates “leave it” while walking.

2. Impulse Control and Focus:

   • Name Game/Check-Ins: Practices focus while walking with visual and auditory distractions.
   • Stay at Thresholds and Distance: Builds duration and distance control.
   • Leave Its: Progresses to ignoring thrown treats.

3. Settling and Recall:

   • Place/Settle: Introduced with a duration of 20-30 seconds.
   • Recall: Introduces long-line practice.

4. Manners and Handling:

   • Sit for Pets: Encourages polite sitting during trainer interaction.
   • Accepting Grooming: Tolerates gentle paw/ear handling and brushing.
   • Supervised Separation/Out of Sight Stay: Begins introductory training for calmness during short separations.

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