Attention Exercise

If we want the dog to pay attention to us, we must learn to pay attention to the dog!

• Reward attentive behavior frequently.  Dog will do "what works", so they repeat behaviors that gain them rewards.

• Be a step ahead.  You know what is distracting to your dog, so be ready to intervene before his attention is pulled away from you.

• Keep good control of the dog and situation.  if you aren't ready and he manages to be rewarded for some inappropriate behavior, you will have a difficult time convincing him it isn't a good idea next time.

When walking from one place to the other:

• Be ready with treats to distract him away from people and other dogs as you walk from place to place.

• Avoid crowded areas and be aware of proximity issues;  the closer he is to the distraction, the more tempting it is.

You set the rules:

• Your dog does not approach another dog without permission from the other owner.

• Your dog does not approach another dog without permission from you.

Work Attention:

• When your dog is distracted, mark and treat when your dog looks back at you.

• If he just doesn't look at you, clear your throat, make some other noise or movement to gain his attention and reward.

• Over the next few weeks reward your dog's sits, downs and waits with attention.

• As he becomes adept, expect that he will look longer for a mark and a treat.