Dog Trick Training - The "Middle" Cue

Does your dog seem more interested in everything else around you than actually paying attention to you? You're not alone! Many dog guardians struggle to keep their dogs' focus, especially when they're out and about with lots of distractions.

The "middle" trick might be exactly what you need. This brilliant cue teaches your dog to come and position themselves between your legs – and it's so much more than just a party trick. It's actually one of the most useful skills you can teach your dog for building engagement and focus.

Why "Middle" Is Such a Game-Changer

When your dog learns to come to "middle," you're teaching them that being close to you is the most rewarding place they can be. This creates incredible value around you, which is absolutely essential for good recall and loose lead walking.

I use this trick all the time with my clients and my own dog because it's practical in so many real-life situations – crossing busy roads, navigating through crowds, or simply getting your dog's attention back when they're distracted by something fascinating in the park.

Plus, most dogs absolutely love this trick once they get the hang of it. There's something about being tucked safely between your legs that many dogs find really rewarding and calming.

Before You Start

You'll need plenty of high-value treats – choose something your dog gets genuinely excited about, and make sure they're small enough to give quickly. I'd also recommend using a marker word like "good" or a clicker to help your dog understand exactly what they're being rewarded for.

Don't worry if your dog doesn't get this straight away – some dogs pick up tricks quickly, others need more time to process what you're asking. Both are completely normal, and we'll build this up step by step so your dog can succeed.

Step 1: Start Simple – Getting Behind You

Get your dog's attention and hold a treat close to their nose. Slowly lure them around to your side until they're standing behind you. The moment they reach that position, mark it with your "good" or click, then reward them.

Practice this about 5 times in each training session. Your dog is learning that following your hand and moving to this new position is worthwhile.

Step 2: Into the Middle Position

Once your dog happily follows you around behind you, it's time to encourage them between your legs. Use a treat in your other hand to guide them forward into the space between your legs.

As soon as they step into that middle position, mark and reward. After about 5 successful repetitions, try using just your hand movement without the treat visible – you want your dog to follow your hand movement, not just chase the food.

Step 3: Adding the Sit

When your dog can easily move around you and into the middle position, ask them to sit once they're there. Mark and reward the moment their bottom hits the ground.

Now you're practising the full sequence: around, between your legs, and sit. Keep your training sessions short – 5-10 minutes is plenty – and always finish on a successful repetition.

Step 4: Introducing the Cue Word

Only add your "middle" cue when your dog already knows what you want them to do. Say "middle" first, then give your hand signal. This teaches them that the word predicts what you're about to ask for.

Start practising in different rooms of your house, then gradually move to more distracting environments like the garden. Remember, if your dog struggles in a new location, don't panic – just go back to making the task easier and build up again.

Step 5: Building Distance and Reliability

Once your dog is confidently responding to "middle" up close, you can start asking for it from a few steps away. Begin with just one or two steps of distance, then gradually increase as your dog becomes more reliable.

This is where the real magic happens for recall training – you're teaching your dog that coming to you and getting into position is always worthwhile, no matter what else is going on around them.

Step 6: Keep It Positive and Consistent

Practice regularly, but keep sessions short and enjoyable. Some days your dog will nail it, other days they might seem to have forgotten everything – this is completely normal and part of the learning process.

If your dog makes a mistake, don't worry about it. Simply guide them back to the correct position and reward them when they arrive. Remember, they're trying their best to understand what you want.

Teaching "middle" is about so much more than the trick itself. You're building a foundation of engagement, teaching your dog that being close to you pays off, and creating a reliable way to get their attention when you need it.

If you're working on building better engagement and recall with your dog, my Recall & Lead Walking Package might be just what you need. We'll work together to create the focused, responsive dog you've always wanted – [get in touch here] to find out more.