Focus on me?

[Sasso]

Harley is doing really well with his commands... when he is paying attention to me. The biggest problem I have is him not focusing on me. A while back I saw a thread teaching "watch me" so I have started doing that, but he still has trouble paying attention.

Will Harley start focusing better the longer I work with him? Is there anything else I can do to keep his attention? It's mainly strange people and dogs that get him going. He wants to meet everyone and play with everyone, and is very eager to run greet everyone. I would like him to be more restrained in public.

Is there anything else I can do to keep him more focused on me? He will be 1 year old next week, and he is neutered.

Thanks for any advice and suggestions.

[Carol Burke]

I would suggest working only when he is focused. Once he loses focus I would stop for a while. I use food or a toy to get the dog's focus and keep reinforcing 'watch me' while we are working, but I do everything in short segments, like five or ten minutes of training, then some play, then a little more training.

[alexav]

How interesting are you?;)
Alot of people that complain that thier dog doesn't watch them like they want and after I see them work the dog, I see exactly why...They are BORING!

Vary your speeds, move around, when you see by your dog's body language that he is getting bored, pump up your energy. Be random! Pull that toy out of your back pocket the instant he decides to look at you instead of that darned squirrel and have a bit of a game.
ANTICIPATE when your dog is likely to be distracted and make sure you are moving in an upbeat, interesting and unpredictable way. {{{Ooops! What happened? I was going toward the tree and you got lost going to the duckpond. I'm so glad you're back! Good boy, NOW you're with me! Gooood Boooyyyy....look what I'VE got!}}} Get it? :)

[Sasso]

Thanks for the replies. I will try those suggestions.

Alexav, hmm... boring huh??? Geez, and I thought it was just the hubby that thought I was boring

Actually, that's an interesting concept. Who'd have thought a dog might think I'm boring? :p
Well, I will just have to make myself more INTERESTING.:D

[KatMc]

Sasso,

Good question because I have the same trouble with Vienna...

Geez, and I thought it was just the hubby that thought I was boring

Now I understand MY love life!!!

Kathy

[alexav]

Good, I'm glad you guys have a sense of humor! You'll need it. If you are out training your dog and being interesting enough, your neighbors will think you're wierd and people in the park will most likely stare and point. But the important one, your dog, will show you that it's all worth it!:D

[LynnS]

I had a good laugh when I read this thread - Not only will your neighbors think your nuts, your husband will be embarrassed to be seen with you! I tend to forget that other people can actually hear and see me when we are outside training and I live in the middle of the city. More than once I have gotten the attention of not only Bella, but 10 people waiting to cross the street as I enthusiastically praise her for an auto sit when I stop walking...

[jessaroo]

My neighbors thinking I'm nuts for praising my dog while we're training doesn't bother me. I'm glad they know he's working well and that he's a very smart dog. They should all do the same with their dogs. But what does kind of embarass me is shouting a high-pitched, enthusiastic "Good potty!! Good boy!!" when he goes to the bathroom on command! And just like the rest of you, my husband thinks I'm nuts as well. But then, the dogs like me best! :D

[Sasso]

My neighbors already think I'm nuts and my husband's usually embarrassed to be seen with me so what's a few more people who think I'm weird???!:D :D

At least the IMPORTANT one will think I'm interesting.;) :D