Completing a board and train program is a big milestone—but it doesn’t have to be the end of your training journey. In fact, once your dog has mastered the basics, that strong foundation opens the door to advanced skills, deeper focus, and a tighter bond between you and your pup.
At Innovative K9 Academy, we believe that great training is about more than just sit, stay, and heel. Whether you’re aiming for flawless off-leash control, sport dog skills, or just a more responsive companion, advanced training can take your dog from well-behaved to truly impressive.
Why Continue Training After Board and Train?
After completing a board and train Utah program, your dog returns home with solid obedience skills and structure. But just like athletes or musicians, dogs need ongoing practice to maintain—and improve—their performance. Advanced training keeps your dog mentally engaged, physically active, and continually learning.
It’s also a great way to strengthen your role as a leader. When you show your dog that learning never ends, they’ll continue to look to you for guidance—and enjoy every minute of it.
Advanced Obedience: Taking Things Up a Notch
Basic obedience lays the groundwork for safety and good manners. Advanced obedience builds precision, reliability, and responsiveness in higher-pressure situations.
Some of the skills we focus on in our dog training Utah programs include:
- Off-leash heel through distractions
- Down from a distance
- Recall with real-world reliability
- Advanced “place” duration with movement around them
- Off-leash long stays in public settings
These skillsaren’t just about showing off—they’re incredibly useful for outdoor adventures, crowded parks, or high-traffic environments.
E-Collar Training: Safe, Subtle, and Effective
We proudly integrate modern e-collar training into our advanced programs. Contrary to outdated myths, today’s e-collars are not punishment tools. They’re communication devices that allow for precise, gentle cues—especially useful in off-leash settings. When introduced correctly, they help refine obedience and increase your dog’s freedom while keeping everyone safe.
Our team specializes in e-collar conditioning and ensures every dog—and owner—feels confident using them.
Specialty Training Paths
Advanced obedience isn’t the only direction you can go. Many of our clients explore specialty paths depending on their lifestyle and goals:
- Agility: Great for active dogs who love to jump, climb, and problem-solve.
- Protection sports or personal defense: For dogs with the right temperament and drive.
- Service or therapy work foundations: For well-mannered dogs with a calm demeanor.
- Trick training and games: For mental stimulation and fun bonding experiences.
These options keep your dog sharp and give you both something new to tackle together.
Continued Group Classes & Private Coaching
Graduates of our board and train programs are welcome to attend follow-up group classes where we focus on fine-tuning and advancing skills. These sessions offer real-world distractions, socialization, and ongoing coaching.
We also provide one-on-one sessions for dogs working toward specific goals, whether it’s mastering public access behaviors or prepping for a competition.
Through every phase, our experienced trainers guide both you and your dog to ensure your progress doesn’t plateau.
Your Dog’s Potential Doesn’t End with Basic Obedience
Whether you’re dreaming of stress-free hikes, public outings without worry, or simply deeper trust and respect from your dog, advanced training is the next step. With the right plan and professional support, your dog is capable of far more than you might expect.
At Innovative K9 Academy, we offer personalized dog training Salt Lake City options that grow with your dog’s needs. Let us help you unlock your dog’s full potential—and have a blast doing it.