How to Train Your Dog to Stop at a Distance

Start by choosing a spot for training that your pup is familiar with and is relatively quiet.

Have your dog keep his focus on you. To do this, stand in front of him and giving him your full attention by looking him in the eyes.

Using a treat, have your dog lay or sit down. Give it to him when he does. Repeat this step until he will remain in position for several seconds at a time.

Practice this until your dog will remain laying down or sitting in place for a minute or two, using treats to reward him.

Now add in a verbal cue such as "stop" and a hand signal such as the one used by traffic cops to indicate 'stop'. While asking your pup to lie down, give the cues, rewarding him when he gets it right.

Start backing away from your pup, increasing the distance each time and rewarding him for stopping and staying. It will take a while for him to completely figure out what you want, but using plenty of praise and treats will speed up the process.

Start with your dog in a standing position and back up a step or two. Give him the 'down' command and hand signal. When he does so, say "Yes" and give him a treat. Repeat this step until he has mastered it.

Now take a couple more steps back and repeat the command and hand signal. Once again, the second he complies, be sure to reward him with a treat and praise. If he tries to walk up to you first, go back to step one and repeat it until you can back up more than a step or two.

Now that you have your pup staying in place as you walk back a little, it's time to introduce him to a more exaggerated version of your visual commands. With your dog in a standing position, walk back a few feet and way and instead of just using your hand, try giving your "down" command and bending over at the waist at the same time as you hold your hand in the stop position. This will make it easier for your dog to see what you want and comply. Be sure to treat him when he does.

At this point, you should start making the distance between you larger and larger, giving your pup plenty of time to get used to the distance and complying with your commands. If he balks, go back to a shorter distance until he will do what you want from any distance where he can still see or hear you. If he can't hear you, try using a whistle to get his attention.

Keep practicing this until your pup no longer needs treats to comply and will stop on command. This includes both verbal and visual commands. Just remember to make the most out of your training sessions, make it as much fun as possible.

Start by having an assistant hold your dog on a short leash. Stand in front of him and have him sit using both verbal and visual signals. You can use the sit command or start right away using your 'down' command to help avoid confusion. Give him a treat when he does what's asked.

Now it's time for you to back up a coupon of paces and give the commands again. If he tries to walk forward, have your assistant gently pull him back. If he won't go back, have your assistant use a treat to lure him back and then walk right up to him, make him sit and give him another treat.

Repeat this training process until he does exactly what you tell him to every time. Be patient and reward him each time he gets it right. There is no point in trying to move further apart until your pup will do what he is told at 2 paces.

Once he has mastered the command at 2 paces, you can slowly start to expand the distance between the two of you. Be sure to reward him with treats when he does it right.

Now you need to repeat the process, having disposed of your assistant. Start with shorter distances at first until you can get your pup to stop and lay down at any distance. This is going to take a little time so be patient, the results will be well-worth the effort.