Bark University Advanced Thursday Class

Bark University Advanced Class 

Dog Training Goals and Curriculum:

The objective of the Bark University Advanced Class is to strengthen foundational obedience by introducing controlled distractions, increasing the difficulty of stay and recall, and refining leash manners in real-world scenarios. The focus is on improving impulse control, maintaining engagement amidst distractions, and advancing obedience reliability. Students typically move on to CGC Expert after 6-8 sessions of consistent progress.

Milestones to Advance to CGC Expert Level (6-8 Sessions):

1. Impulse Control/Focus:

   • Place/Settle: Holds position with moderate distractions and distance.
   • Reaction to Distractions: Remains composed in response to auditory and visual stimuli.
   • Supervised Separation: Can remain with a trainer for 60 seconds without distress.

2. Manners:

   • Reaction to Another Dog: Walks past a neutral dog without reaction (treats allowed).
   • Recall: Returns to the owner from 15-20 feet away.
   • Stay: Maintains position while the owner walks 10 feet away and around the dog.

3. Out for a Walk:

   • Heel: Walks in heel position for 5-10 continuous steps with automatic sits, turns, and sporadic rewards (no luring).
   • Loose Leash Walking: Moves past mild distractions while maintaining a loose leash (treats permitted).

Skills Taught in Advanced Classes:

✅ Strengthening Distance, Duration, & Distraction in All Commands
✅ Eliminating Luring for Mastered Behaviors
✅ Heel & Loose Leash Walking with Distractions (Outdoor Practice in Parking Lot)
✅ Heel Through a Crowd (2-3 People)
✅ Controlled Reaction to Sudden Noises & Visual Stimuli
✅ Neutral Dog Encounters – Maintaining Calm Engagement
✅ Recall with Distractions (Food/Toys on Floor)
✅ Place/Settle with Distractions
✅ Self-Soothing Techniques
✅ Supervised Separation – Calm for 1 Minute
✅ Stay with Distractions (Walk Around Stay, Out of Sight Stay, & Stay with People/Dog Distractions)
✅ Engaging in Training Games to Reinforce Skills

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