Get Your Dog’s Attention: The First Step In Obedience Training
One of the most challenging aspects of obedience training is getting and keeping your dog’s attention. The younger the dog, the shorter the attention span. The smallest distraction could take your pet’s gaze away from you and cause him to get up and run elsewhere. Avoid this problem by learning some tricks to keep your pet focused. This will not only aid in training, but will also help keep your beloved pet out of potentially dangerous situations, such as a busy street or encounters with unfamiliar dogs.
come and find me
When you bring your puppy home, you should immediately start laying the foundation for basic training. Let your pet play a little “come get me” game. That means keeping your pup close to you, even when you’re not training. If he wanders off, give him a few minutes, then find him and bring him back. Always shower him with praise and petting once he’s around you. Repeat this until your puppy learns to come and find you on his own. Every time he looks for you (even if you haven’t called), reward him. He will soon learn that you want him close and that being with you is something positive for him.
As he gets older and better at this game, having him off-leash outside your house may be a possibility. However, I must emphasize that anytime you are in an unfamiliar location or in an area close to potential danger, even the most obedient dog should remain on a leash. The safety of your canine companion should always come first.
noise factor
Some dogs make a lot of noise when they get excited. This can be very annoying for you. Some dogs learn bad habits, such as barking at people outside windows. While having a guard alert you to trespassers is a benefit to owning a dog, there are times when you don’t need to know someone is outside. For example, if you live in an apartment or in a more urban area where pedestrians often pass your front window, or in a place where cars pass frequently.
Getting your dog’s attention while you’re working may seem impossible. If you want to break the habit, you need to get him to focus on you so that you can show him the correct way to react. Use noise to your advantage. Do not yell or yell, but try to make a high-pitched, unfamiliar sound. This could be the crunch of plastic or the sound of pennies in a jar or can. Once you have his attention, praise him for being quiet. You can even offer a treat reward. Over time, he’ll learn that being quiet is a more desirable way to respond when he sees movement outside.
Reward to your benefit
Use a reward, such as your pet’s favorite toy or treat, as a way to get your pet’s attention. While you don’t want to overfeed your pet, an occasional cookie or healthy doggie snack is great motivation in the battle against distraction. This is also useful when training with the clicker. Nothing grabs a dog’s attention faster than a potential treat!
Alpha says no!
You should always be the alpha in the eyes of your dog. That means he will learn to listen to your commands. If you’re having a hard time keeping your dog’s attention, a firm “no” may be what you need. You can also choose to scruff your dog if his lack of attention results in bad behavior. Don’t worry, this is something even a mother dog would do and is a natural form of correction in the canine world. Many people find it to be more effective and much less aggressive than spanking or other forms of dog punishment.
Always accompany a scruff with a sharp “no!” She never yell or yell but speak firmly with a lower tone. Your dog will quickly understand that you are serious. If he goes for his toy while you’re trying to train, a resounding “no.” It may be enough for him to refocus on you and his ass to plant where you tell him to plant it!
Dogs are wonderful pets; however, they require a significant amount of time and energy when it comes to training. A well-trained canine will make living together much more relaxed and peaceful. Not to mention, visitors will appreciate your dog’s docile demeanor. Getting your dog’s attention is the first step in training a well-behaved puppy. Once he learns the best ways that work for his dog, he can move on to more advanced training. Once you have your dog’s attention, the possibilities are endless!