Puppy Challenges

Intermediate Puppy

Attention & Engagement

Hand Targets - 3 for 1

  • Showcase your puppy doing 3 hand targets in a row for one reward

  • You can vary how many hand targets you do for each “set” during your session, but you have to do at least two repetitions where the dog does 3 hand targets for one reward

  • Your dog should look like they are having a good time

Impulse Control

It’s Me Or the Cookie - Food On The Floor

  • Showcase your puppy looking at you instead of a treat you place on the floor or in a bowl on the floor

  • This should be an assumed leave-it, not a leave-it cue

  • Reward your puppy a variety of ways: delivering the treat to them, releasing to the treat in your hand, or giving them a different treat

Station Training

Proofing “Go To Mat” - 30 Second Duration & Send Form 6 Feet

  • Showcase your dog staying on the mat for 30 seconds while you stand still, only rewarding after the 30 seconds are over

  • Showcase your dog sending to the mat while you stand 6 feet away from the mat.

  • You can combine these aspects together, or do them separately

Sit, Down & Stand

Proofing Sits & Downs - 30 Second Duration

  • Showcase your puppy sitting for 30 seconds before you mark and reward

  • Showcase your puppy laying down for 30 seconds before you mark and reward

  • Stand still and stay close to your puppy. You can praise them if you want.

Recall

It’s Me Or The Cookie - Bowl Games

  • Showcase your puppy being released/recalling past an empty food bowl with the food bowl off to the side

  • Your puppy can be on or off leash, but they should be in a fenced in area or on a long line for safety

  • Your puppy should look like they are excited and having fun recalling to you

Focused Walking

Loose Leash Walking Games - Figure 8’s

  • Showcase your puppy engaging in the “Figure 8’s” game indoors or outdoors for a minimum of 3 laps

  • You can move backwards away from your puppy or have them moving beside you or a mix of both

  • Your puppy should look happy and connected to you, and you should be moving together. Your leash can be dragging on the ground or loosely held in your hand.

Bonus Skill

Paws Up!

  • Showcase your puppy putting their front paws on a perch or similar object

  • Showcase your puppy starting to rotate by moving their back feet side to side with luring