06/04/2026
WEEKLY TRAINING CHALLENGE: MIDDLE
This week's challenge is teaching your dog the "Middle" position.
Middle is when your dog moves between your legs and faces the same direction as you. While it looks like a fun trick, it's actually a valuable skill that builds engagement, confidence, focus, and body awareness.
How to Teach It:
• Hold treats in both hands.
• Use one hand to lure your dog around and behind your legs.
• As they reach behind you, switch to your other hand and lure them forward through the space between your legs.
• The moment your dog is standing between your legs facing forward, mark and reward.
• Give several treats in a row in that position so your dog learns that being in the middle is highly rewarding.
Once your dog is confidently finding the position:
• Start saying your cue word ("Middle" or "Center") before you begin the lure.
• Gradually reduce the hand lure into a simple hand signal.
• Toss a treat away to reset, then cue "Middle" and encourage your dog to return to position on their own.
• As your dog improves, begin taking a few steps together before rewarding.
Why teach Middle?
✔ Builds engagement and focus
✔ Increases confidence
✔ Creates a safe position in busy environments
✔ Strengthens your relationship with your dog
✔ Provides a fun and practical skill
📸 Challenge Time!
Practice for 5 minutes a day this week and post a photo or video of your dog's progress in the comments. We'd love to see everyone's Middle position coming along!
Who's joining this week's challenge? 👇🐾
