How to Teach Your Dog the Center Command!

[@guitarnatedawg]

I started working on this command 5 days ago with my 4.5 month old GSD. It's now one of his favorite positions when we're not formally training. I'll be cooking in the kitchen and suddenly he's in center position. It's cute and cracks me up. From one Nate to another, thanks for all the great content. All the videos and the book have been such a huge help to building this little guy up into what will be an amazing adult dog.

[@Rina-sv5ui]

My gsd puppy does the same! 😅

[@NateSchoemer]

@@guitarnatedawg Thanks, I appreciate that and my dogs all do that as well. 😂 They love it!

[@mariahdaugherty3303]

That last pretty boy was so excited 😂😂😂❤

[@Rudelherz]

When he kissed that puppy, I subscribed :D

[@NateSchoemer]

Yay! Thanks, I really appreciate that and the support! :)

[@beastmode599]

Same aha

[@balduberdriver]

My GM is 1y old, I started the sniffles technique and this ,works like a charm.Thanks

[@gavinfortin1584]

My 7yo Rottweiler has taken to it very well. She did it without a treat after less than 15 reps. What a fun command

[@kitty_1960]

I literally just started this yesterday with my Belgian Mal and he’s doing great! Thank you for the awesome tutorial. I’m going to try and upload a video right now.

[@فرشادزنجانی]

Im your iranian student and i wanna you know this that your videos helped me alot and i appreciate it... your sence, your patient is brilliant❤❤❤

[@ckokomo808]

Thanks for your easy and caring instructions. My wife and I found and rescued a border collie! She’s wonderful but has tons of energy. Luckily we live on a farm so she has space to run around. These videos have helped her with commands and have been great mental stimulation for her. We’re currently working on “heel” so came to this video to learn “center”. I’ve also been working through your “basic obedience” series. Thank you again for all your guidance!

[@NateSchoemer]

That's so awesome! Thanks for sharing and I'm happy the videos are helpful.

[@susanhughes4069]

So I’ve started doing this series a bit out of order, I hope that’s ok. Anyway, centre is going really well. Most times now, no cue is needed most of the time yay. She’s walking really well but very excited so she jumps up quite a bit but is turning really well. It works really well when we’re out too, gets her focus back quickly. Thanks Nate 😁

[@NateSchoemer]

Yay! That's great, and yes, you can do the advanced series out of order. :)

[@fc-nn5jy]

I watched this video a few days ago. Came back to say that this worked so quickly and easily!!. My gsd male who is 2 years old, caught on really quickly. thank you for this video. You've made it really simple for both my fur baby and i to understand.

[@NateSchoemer]

Fantastic! I'm happy you found success with you pup! Thanks for sharing. :)

[@Nomadicfieldcraft]

you make it look so easy again. Perfect explanation for a drill i never thought of . Thanks for the class Nate 🙏

[@NateSchoemer]

My pleasure. Thanks again for watching and commenting. 😁🐶

[@TodobienconCali_star]

Thank you for this video! I have a German shepherd, I'm so excited to have him master this exersice!

[@MrNotech]

Hi Nate I just found your channel recently and I wanted to let you know how awesome it is and how much I appreciate your no-nonsense, straight to the point guidance in these videos. I have watched pretty much all your uploads and can’t wait to start training with my puppy when I get him. Do you have a video on how to teach the jumping ‘center’ variation which you do sometimes with Ari? That looks like a lot of fun.

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks! She started doing that on her own and I just rewarded her for it. You can guide the dog into the position, but something like the jumping into position is often determined by how enthusiastic and motivated the dog is about the training. :)

[@calliebeck6181]

Incredible teaching! Awesome video! Thank you for sharing!

[@jessicamiranda5470]

Just want to say how thankful I am for all your videos. I have a lot of books but seeing it in action is a lot easier!

[@NateSchoemer]

You are so welcome! Thanks for commenting. :)

[@truegrizzlesfan2292]

Nate I am working on this command. I am doing the food lure similar as I did for the heel position. I haven't name the command yet. Today my puppy did the heel position without the physical cue. Your training definitely works!!!! I truly study your videos. People think I am crazy. LoL but I enjoy learning. Love the fact she learning. I have a 10 seconds video of her doing the heel position without using a cue.

[@truegrizzlesfan2292]

@ Nate, she can do the center command without the food luring. She sometimes get confused with the center command with the heel position. However, when I correct her. she goes in center position on 2nd try. Smartest dog I ever own. We still a working progress. She love learning new command. Your technique is the best. Once you understand the science. Sky the limited. I am like a big kid at candy store. I am going to teach her to walk in center position too. However we at the first stage.

[@NateSchoemer]

Awesome! I'm happy to hear that you're making such progress. :)

[@elainelucke]

Great video. I taught this by accident & we call it Bingo. Don’t know why😅. I can walk forward but we have a hard time going backwards. I am gonna try that down move. Thanks

[@PatriciaMarie100]

Love this guy

[@ziyadtarek2717]

Thank you! good instruction !

[@NateSchoemer]

My pleasure and thanks for watching!

[@CassidyShatzky]

Thank you for these videos and for all of your dog training advice! I’ve successfully taught my 8 month old border collie / poodle mix to find center position. I am noticing, however, that the more commands I introduce to her (find heel position, come to my right side, front, etc) the more she gets confused, and is increasingly prone to mistakes. I’ll say ‘center’ and she’ll go into heel, I’ll say ‘nope’ and she then usually finds the correct position. Can you recommend a technique to introduce new behaviors to her WITHOUT creating confusion for the dog and undermining what she already knows? Thank you!

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks, Brian! When a dog is first learning a bunch of different commands, they may start to mix them up. If that's the case, then do more reps with the help of the physical cue. We remove the help of the physical cue when the dog is going into the commanded position on the command alone.

[@CassidyShatzky]

@@NateSchoemer Thanks Nate, that makes a lot of sense. When introducing new behaviors, I’ll take a step back on the old ones and re-introduce the physical prompt for extra guidance until she’s fluent. A simple verbal nudge usually gets her to find the right position, so she’s not far off. Thanks again for your videos - a great resource which I consult often!

[@Oksanalari]

I absolutely love your clear, easy to follow videos. Thank you so much Nate for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. I have 14 weeks old working cocker spaniel and he loves training sessions. Do you have a recommended list of 'starter' commands and the order they must be taught. I believe some commands could be building blocks for others. Thank you.

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks! I always follow the same process with each dog that I train. In regard to the science part, keep in mind that when you are training your dog the science is always the same; what varies between each dog are things like motivation, perseverance, intelligence, temperament, disposition, etc. Being able to adjust for each dog’s specific needs is considered the art of dog training. Because of this, not all techniques work on all dogs; and as a result, you have to be able to adjust accordingly. For example; a dog with a very high level of perseverance will continue to work through a difficult task to get a reward-while other dogs may give up early. I explain all of this in detail in my dog training manual available here: amzn.to/2P2tyQH I hope this helps and thanks for the support. Cheers!

[@azaraV3]

My dog is a golden shepherd, and I can’t wait to teach him this

[@AnnainAwe]

I’m going to start working on this one with Phoenix. 1) I think it will be fun 2) I anticipate it will be easy with the foundation we already have 3) it will add Variety when I give him a series of commands just to check on whether or not he is focused and ready to “go to work” 4) DIY Service Animal Training: mobility assistance: I want to teach Phoenix to pull a sulky. I have yet to find a video that teaches a dog to follow verbal instructions for directions, left, right, forward… what little is out there is about as clear as mud OR it is heavily verbatious with continuous repeating of a single command. I figure from the center command I can be hands-on and up close teaching him directions. I can literally lore and reward the “right” command as he follows the lure and crosses in front of my right leg. Same with the left. I don’t really want to use the words right and left. ???What WORDS would you recommend as alternate words??? Daphne Lewis has two words she uses but I can’t get them to stick in my mind.

[@NateSchoemer]

I think this would be fun to teach your dog as well and the dogs usually love it. I also think this could help you teach your dog directions. You can use left or right or whatever word that you like. Remember it's what the word predicts that adds the value to the dog, not the word itself. 😁🐶🐕

[@TWG2009]

Thanks it was a lot of help

[@NateSchoemer]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@beardeddude2613]

I really like your style of training! Thanks for all you do!

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks! :)

[@miket0088]

INFO APPRECIATED.

[@JohnGilbert49]

Great video and easy to implement. My question is why teach this or better still what is its practical use?

[@irmareyes9754]

I would like to know if you still have your tv series on TV ?? Thanks ☺️ I saw one about a week ago but I have not seen it lately unfortunately.. only on my IPhone 📲

[@TheKebabShack]

That’s so awesome. Really looking forward to training my German Shephard pup

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks and I'm sure you'll do great with your pup! :)

[@unknown27669]

Hello Nate, I live in Australia and have an Australian kelpie. She's a medium sized working dog, shes learns commands very quickly, She's very intelligent and alert. Her only main issues are pulling on the lead and being aggressive around men and other dogs (except at the dog park) She's never bitten anyone or any dog but is just over protective and a bit scared. She listens to commands perfectly in the back yard, she knows heel, sit, lie down, wait and much more, but as soon as I put her harness on and open the gate she won't respond to treats or listen to any commands and pulls like crazy. Shes very energetic and when shes too exited she won't listen at all, I think her over excitement is the root of the problem. How do I get her to calm down and listen to me , not just in the backyard or when there are no people, but in public?

[@NateSchoemer]

check out the videos below and let me know if you have any follow-up questions. If she's fearful, then this video should help give you some understanding of canine fear and how to handle it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXKp6uHmZ2oeJI Because of the fear, you want to also work on building her confidence: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goTEcmSJo79sZrM Next is understanding how to take the obedience from the house to other (and often more difficult) environments: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iITXiqGFr6aWh5I If you haven't done loose leash walking then you should start that as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2jdpaaiZZ6Xhas Last is getting reliability with the commands: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIHOiGaJjMefnK8

[@janoagnes939]

Hi Nate, Thank you for the videos, I am absolutely loving them. 😊 We tried the center training, but my 2 years old lab is better in going backward than forward. Previously I taught her peekaboo, when she is in between my legs, looking up, and placing 1 paw on my leg. I think it may confuses her and going forward is really challenging for her. Do you have any tip how can I make it easier for her? :) Thanks is advance

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks! It's really about creating a physical cue that guarantees the dog will do the behavior. If you can't do it with food, you can try using the leash to guide your dog. However, if your dog will go to the center command backward, I would just reward that, as it sounds pretty cool. Lol!

[@janoagnes939]

@@NateSchoemer Cool, thanks Nate one more time! Yesterday we practiced again, and she even managed to make it in both ways, plus accidentally she stepped on both of my feet so we were able to make some fun trick, walking on my feet 😀 Checking your videos, training is so much fun, and we both truly enjoy it 😊

[@RR-fg3fg]

Hi Nate! This is extremely helpful. Was able to teach my 1 year gsd within couple of days/weeks to do center and walk between legs. How would you teach to get out of center position ? Would you use same approach with treats to move the dog out of the center to sit position ?

[@NateSchoemer]

That's awesome. Nice work! Yes, I like to teach them to transition from the center to either a sit-front or heel position. You can also release them from the center position with the release word or terminal marker.

[@wendyanderson7625]

Nate, I did this with my coonhound when he was a puppy but he grew and grew... and I am only 5 ft. My inside seam only 27 inches and his shoulder hight at least 26". I get him to Centre just come behind and Down with his head there. Any other alternative? I have balance/mobility problems and he is training as service dog.

[@suhaylett]

Hi Nate, Did you start by saying 'centre' when he was in the center position or are you saying it before you start luring?

[@NateSchoemer]

Hi! The command always comes before the lure. Look at it this way, the command is the question. After you give your dog the question, then you provide the answer, which is the lure. Continue this process until the dog gives you the answer before you provide it for them. This is why it's important to give a half-second pause after the command.

[@stellapgrealestate]

Hey Nate, do you happen to have a video for teaching the "front" position? Thanks :)

[@NateSchoemer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqapdmp-l7R5fbM :)

[@The72dws72]

I can’t center with my Great Dane 🤣 Great Videos! You had me when you kissed the puppy 🐶Subscribed

[@NateSchoemer]

Lol! Thanks, and yes, it would be difficult to do the center with a great dane! Lol! If you can, be sure to join my new Facebook group to continue learning how to train your dog with direct support from me and the rest of the community. :) facebook.com/groups/NateSchoemers/

[@AnnainAwe]

If I had a Great Dane, and a small adventures child... I think I would train the great Dane to ~put my child “in the saddle”~ with something similar to the center command. Provided my Great Dane was finished growing and wouldn’t be injured. If the child was very small I might have to teach the Great Dane to crawl before hand😜🤣

[@cristijurcan4616]

Hi, Nate! Thank you for this video! I have a question tho, is there any reason the dog should be guided by your right side? I walk my dog on the right, should I teach him center from the left side then? Thank you! Cheers!

[@NateSchoemer]

Yes, it's best to guide them to the center on the opposite side of the heel position. This helps prevent the dog from accidentally going into the center position when you call them to heel and vice versa. Cheers!

[@cristijurcan4616]

@@NateSchoemer yes, it makes totally sense now, thank you for your time explaining all these things!! Very very helpful so far!

[@alyssacook2440]

This video is great! Me and my dog have been working on this well… were stuggling with center walking backwards though. He just sits… any suggestions?

[@NateSchoemer]

First try teaching him how to walk backwards. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3fPd6B5nM2Krrc

[@lisacarter7339]

I just started training my two-year-old Lab who’s a Rescue. He seems to be very uncomfortable in the Center position and he refuses to walk forward. Any suggestions to make him more relaxed?

[@NateSchoemer]

@@lisacarter7339 It’s common for some dogs to take time to feel comfortable in the center position. Start by encouraging your dog to simply pass through your legs completely. Once that becomes easier, have him stay in the position briefly while providing continuous treats and petting. Gradually increase the duration as he becomes more confident. When you begin walking with him in the center position, return to continuous reinforcement, rewarding him with treats for every step forward. Focus on small, achievable steps-these short wins will set you up for success. Wait to introduce the verbal command until he can hold the position with confidence. Patience is key. Hope this helps! Cheers!

[@jjeremy_B]

How do you get the dog to face you while you walk backwards. And what could I call it 'front' or face?

[@NateSchoemer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqapdmp-l7R5fbM

[@jjeremy_B]

Thank you! much appreciated 👍

[@yotov1525]

Hey, great video thanks a lot! My dog doesn’t seem to get the command without the luring. Does this command(and all types of commands with luring, or where the dog has to go to some place) take more time to learn than sit, lay or paw commands?

[@NateSchoemer]

yes, more complicated commands will take a dog longer to learn. It also depends on your timing and delivery. Cheers!

[@douglasazo]

My dog confuses center with through (weave) and she doesn't really feel all that comfortable with staying there unless I'm shoving treats in her mouth. The second I try to pet her she flinches or scoots away in front of me. (Arih and Charlie are amazing!)

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks! On occasions mine will confuse weave with center as well. As you continue to practice it though, your dog should get better and more comfortable with the action. Also, don't feel bad giving lots of treats in the beginning. We need to use continual reinforcement when the dog is still learning the behavior. Once they know it, then you can start spacing out the rewards. I hope this helps and be sure to join my new Facebook group to continue learning how to train your dog with direct support from me and the rest of the community. :) facebook.com/groups/NateSchoemers/

[@mackenziebennett263]

I wish I was tall enough for this, he will weave but has to crouch down, do you think this is still possible?

[@NateSchoemer]

You won't know unless you give it a shot; just be sure to let me know how it goes. :)

[@JimMccumber]

Me Cleo and Ruckus love your videos ! I re potty trained my puppy in 3 days watching your potty training. I can’t wait to do this with my dogs !

[@agnesyll]

This looks like a fun trick to teach my dog during pandemic. And also a great way to get my leggings covered in white fur 🤣🤣🤣

[@NateSchoemer]

Lol!

[@tranducminhquan]

Good

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks! :)

[@JoshuaXiong]

Nice.

[@RAPPIEMYBABY]

I LOVE this, but sadly I'm beyond clumsy so I trip or step on my dog 😅 but it makes me smile watching others doing it

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks! :)

[@ST225SAS]

Been doing this with my 1 yr old American staffy. He's picked it up so quickly. I tempt him with carrot sticks. Even stubborn bull breeds can learn to do this 😅

[@kaitlynnmcmillan7831]

What if you are walking your dog on a leash? Does it not get tangled in your legs?

[@NateSchoemer]

It could, you just have to practice good leash management. :)

[@emmasdailyweeklyvlogs8569]

Question: at what age would you recommend teaching your dog this? I have a 12 week old pitbull. I would like to teach her this. Thank you!

[@allisongibbons9788]

I’m really excited to teach this but my puppy is having a hard time with luring in general. He’s constantly jumping around and pawing at my hand when I’m trying to lure. He doesn’t seem to understand just walking is what I’m asking him to do hah. And if I lift to get his head in that more upright position then he really jumps more. Any advice?

[@NateSchoemer]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Allison. I would say to only give the reward when your puppy is doing what you like. I would also suggest watching my basic obedience series starting on episode 2. The series was designed to watch in order, so many of your questions would be answered. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZSbmYtqoah6n7s

[@TammyLarsonlivelaughlove]

My 7 month has almost got it

[@chubby2phat387]

How do I get my dog to keep,that eye contact on me?

[@JoshuaXiong]

Odd to not make the dog go to the left side as you would do in heel.

[@cecilebraillie4471]

I've started teaching my dog this for about 2 minutes a day. I'm on day 3 and he's still confused about going around my leg.

[@alyxiabonnett426]

What do you do when you’re dog is too tall and you’re too short

[@NateSchoemer]

Don't teach the center command. Lol!

[@JoshuaXiong]

2-3 days and my male Belgian Malinois was able to understood the center command quick.. we’re not walking together yet.

[@mihaeladog7187]

Did he kiss the puppy?😄

[@NateSchoemer]

Lol! Yes. :)

[@demhoes911]

Hi i had a few urgent questions could you please answer them?

[@NateSchoemer]

Yes, feel free to send them my way. NateSchoemer.com. Thanks!

[@nitinjoseph2876]

How much time a dog need to learn a command properly

[@NateSchoemer]

Depends on the dog and the trainer.

[@margaretmeaker2830]

I call it "bridge"..he really likes doing it.. Only thing he does it to.my visitors as well.. I have to warn.them ahead.. How do I actually teach him that he must only do it with me..🤔

[@NateSchoemer]

Haha! my dogs love this command as well. If you don't want him to do it to other people, then make it only a commanded behavior. Don't allow him to do the behavior unless you tell him to do it. This includes him offering the behavior to you. Hope this helps.

[@margaretmeaker2830]

@@NateSchoemer ok.. how do i not allow him to do it Making sure that we all keep our legs together.. lol..easier said then done ' he totally catches me sometimes. One minute I'm walking - next minute he's between my legs..lol And please elaborate more what you mean by "about him offering behaviour to you" Thanks for your time..

[@marissa4962]

My Australia shepherd is a puppy and when I try this she won’t move. She’s so lazy that she won’t even walk she’ll just sit there.

[@NateSchoemer]

I would suggest using leash pressure. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b32bpX5torh3Z5I

[@mariahdaugherty3303]

Maybe you could find a different thing that motivates her, maybe food isn't it for her!

[@adonismohtar]

You need a better angle shot.. you are showing what you are doing with your legs, the camera is in your chest.. 😌

[@vondakayshaeffer]

I've watched many of your videos and like your style of training. However, I do not see the benefit of the center. I've had more knee surgeries than I can count and I do not want my dogs between my feet. Everything else you teach is great. To me, center is just a tripping hazard.

[@SirDiezel]

What kind of treats are you giving. My dog loses interest in treats. Not high value enough...

[@NateSchoemer]

I like to use freeze dried dog food, High end kibble such as orijen, or chopped hot dogs. Those usually work for most dogs. :)

[@andreeaflueraru5008]

I give my dogs treats they do not get at all the time. like chicken. I have treats just for training

[@jardythomas]

Yeah it’s not that easy at all, I’ve been trying to teach my 1 year old mal this for about 2 weeks now and I have made zero progress

[@theo_connection2155]

You have to use treats they like

[@saint438]

I’d be afraid of stepping on the dogs paw.

[@NateSchoemer]

Do it barefoot then. :)