When training a dog, it is a good idea to categorize the level of training the dog has completed. I use the similar terminology that hunting dog trainers use. I see people ask novice dogs to do advanced skills and get upset because they think the dog is “disobeying”. If you know the level, then your immediate expectations will determine what is probable and what is impossible.
Three Levels
i.) Well Started: Basic on leash obedience; mannerly in the home. You love your dog and your dog loves you.
ii.) Partly Trained: At least 16 months old; demonstration of some control off leash; will respond to voice, hand and basic whistle signals; will work well with a loose leash in public, up to 30 feet away; beginning levels of demonstrable Handler/ Dog Engagement.
iii.) Fully Trained: Three years old +; demonstrates off leash obedience up to 100 yards away with distractions (for most breeds); no Manners problems at home or in public; all skills have are connected to a Drive; demonstration of proper Handler and Dog Engagement and work well together as a team; each capable family member (Ex. we wouldn’t expect an infant child to be able to do any of this) can get good results; an understanding is acquired to maintain a reasonable level of performance into the future. Your trained dog does what is expected and reasonable of its breed.
There is nothing wrong with a dog being at an earlier level of accomplishment. But how do you get your dog to the next level?
Here are the tests I use, in ascending order
Proper precision and demonstration of drive
Smooth performance of skills
Fast performance of skills
Ability to perform “under load”, meaning in a real-world circumstance.
Once a skill can pass each of these tests, it is time to train for the next level. Some dog owners don’t have the time to move swiftly through these levels because of time limitations. That is fine. Some dogs and breeds can’t make it all the way to the third level. For example, I do not expect even the best Bloodhound to obey commands, off leash, at 100 yards. The goals do need to meet the abilities of the dog, especially when dealing with specialty breeds. So, the above levels are arbitrary in a way and must be adjusted so the training fits the dog rather than the dog fitting the training. But for many pet dogs, the three levels do apply, and most can do them all. Some breeds were created to more easily accomplish these benchmarks.
Based upon these benchmarks, where is your dog? And do you want your dog to be able to do the next level?
Plan accordingly.