Training Terms
Distance
How far the dog is from the handler, target, trigger, or location while performing.
In Review — Pending Editorial ApprovalWhat It Means in Practice
Distance is increased gradually — the handler asks for the behaviour at increasing distances from themselves or from a trigger.
What It Does Not Always Mean
Distance is not about pushing the dog away. It is about helping the dog perform reliably at varying distances.
Why Context Matters
Distance is particularly important for recall, stay, and reactivity work. Dogs may perform well at close range but struggle at distance.
Commonly Confused With
Duration
Duration is how long the dog maintains a behaviour. Distance is how far the dog is from the handler or trigger.
Distraction
Distraction is environmental competition for attention. Distance is physical separation.
Examples
- 1A handler builds distance in a stay by stepping one step away, then two.
- 2A handler practises recall at increasing distances in a safe environment.