Dealing with distraction.

[JoMarie]

In your experience, what have been the best methods you've used to deal with distractions? Keeping your dogs eyes and ears on you while there's something new just around the corner or across the street/field.

[Obelix]

Just getting him used to watch you in undistractfull situations and then very slightly add distractions.Use the favorite toy or food ,or whatever he wants most ,to keep his attention in new added distrctfull situations.

[bliss7373]

JoMarie,

There are a couple of techniques that the more experienced trainers here on the forum use most often. First, though, are you in formal obedience classes? That is the best way to get your dog used to paying attention to you no matter what - I would definitely encourage you to sign up for classes. Your instructor will be able to work with you, one on one, to resolve any problems.

Have you taught the "watch me" command? That's the most popular way of teaching your dog to focus on you. If you google "watch me command," you'll come across several articles that explain how to teach the command. Note that you need to start in a non-distracting environment first! Only after you're reliable in that setting, do you start asking for longer attention periods and attention in more distracting circumstances. Also, keep in mind that it is likely unfair to expect your dog to stare unwaveringly at you during an entire walk -- after all, a major purpose of the walk is for your dog to enjoy the outdoors. The "watch me" command should just be used to get you through tough spots, so to speak.

Other members have had great success using the method explained in the book "Control Unleashed" by Leslie McDevitt. Essentially, this method rewards the dog for looking at a distraction then voluntarily redirecting his attention to you. The book is available on Welcome to Dogwise.com - Dog Books.

Bottom line, developing good attention from your dog is a long process. It will require patience as you teach the dog the behavior, then help reinforce it in more stimulating circumstances.

Good luck!

[SABELLESMOM]

Personally? I prefer to give the dog a task or require a behavior that I DO want. For example: What would I like in place of the distraction? Would I like him to look at me at that particular moment? Then that's what you do.

I use a clicker, and treats to shape the behavior I wish. I like my dogs attention sometimes, and other times I want them just to keep on walking. I may also want my dog to know to sit upon request.

If I want attention? (On lead, initially) I'll say their name. When they make eye contact, I immediately click and treat. It focus' the dogs attention on me.

If I want the dog to continue walking? Then I may say "Leave it." or "Walk." or "Heel." When they're doing exactly what I want, click and treat. Treat every few steps, for a while.

If I want the dog to sit, patiently, or lie down? Then I give a signal or say a word and click the appropriate response and treat.

Timing the click to the exact behavior is tricky sometimes, but you'll catch on. Imagine you, not your dog... Imagine, someone clearing their throat. The second you look in their direction, you hear a click and someone hands you a dollar. Do you know why you got the dollar? Maybe not. Again the person clears their throat. You look and hear the click and take the dollar. Have you figured it out yet? Maybe not... But you will! As you walk away once again you hear "Ahem!" Do you walk back for the third or fourth dollar? Sure! You've just been clickered! You have learned discovered than making eye contact, is the correct response to the "Ahem!" Go get your reward.

PS: I can't stand the constant craning of the neck some people achieve with their dogs. It looks so unconfortable and I feel...the dog is perfectly capable of seeing me when he/she is beside me. They have a degree of peripheral vision, therfore, no need to crane the neck. Just my personal peeve. I refuse to do it. Make your own choice.

[sweetlee]

A good "watch me" is invaluable.
I started by holding a treat in my hand, and as soon as the dog looked at my face he got the treat. Then I started holding my hands out to my side with the treats in them. when the dog looked at me instead of my hands, I instantly tossed him treat and told him good boy watch me.
Next I learned to spit small pieces of string cheese from my mouth for the dog to catch.
I keep these with me on walks, and a "watch me" will get him looking right at my face, waiting for the piece of cheese to come flying out. Start at home, then add distractions. I sometimes just have cheese in my mouth and in both hands, and wiggle my hands around. Dodge watches my face because that is where the cheese comes from.
I agree with not making the dog look right at you while they are trying to walk, they need to watch where they are going. I don't want to walk without looking straight ahead. so I always stop and sit before asking for direct eye contact.

Sharon

[Nishasmom]

How old is your dog...be careful not to expect too much out of a young puppy. They are new and want to see what this world is all about. As for getting attention...Nisha would do ANYTHING for food. To this day I try to always have something in my pocket...its nice to reward them for normal stuff every once in a while. It reinforces to them that if they are good they *sometimes* get rewarded. If your dog is young or learning a behavior, reward often.