11/09/2022
Where to start with a dog that gets distracted by the world?
🐕 Firstly, distraction is normal for dogs. There's so much going on each new day that our human senses can't pick up on, and dogs are animals - they are going to be interested in all that new information. So tip one, if possible just let them look/smell/listen.
🤯 However, if that distraction is also causing your dog to feel fearful or hyperactive this can lead to some not so ideal behaviours that you may want to reduce, such as running off, barking, lunging etc.
👂Think of a place where your dog can listen to you easily, maybe the living room or kitchen, and start there. What do they expect from you in this environment? Good things? Nothing? Bad things?
💰 Teach them to expect GREAT things. Teach them that looking to you and following you, especially when you call them, is the world's easiest and best paid job. Play with them, hide things for them to find, move around with them.
🍖 The more generous you are, the quicker your dog's expectations of you will change and the sooner their optimism will build! Show them you have their favourite stuff, and don't be afraid to give some out for free for just being together!
🧳Now take this new routine out and about, maybe the garden first, or the driveway; somewhere a bit more distracting. Play, move, have fun, be generous! They will still be aware of the distractions, but now they are learning to ignore them.
📊 Try it in more new places, think about your reward value as this will help them to stay focused and engage with you in more difficult places. Also be mindful of your expectations! They should drop in new places, be patient and kind.
🚩 If your dog has triggers for fearful or hyperactive reactions, add these in gradually once your dog is visibly less distracted by 'nothing'. It is always worth getting help from a professional for this.
⭐️ Put some time in each day and soon they will expect good things wherever you go, your recall will be improved and you'll have a better all round relationship with your dog!
