29/06/2021
Here is some helpful information if you have trouble getting your dogs attention when you are in public
đ¤ˇââď¸Often clients will say, âI donât understand why he wonât listen on walks, heâs so good at homeâ. I have also heard, âMy dog is just stubborn and doesnât want to listenâ.
đśDogs can become easily distracted just like toddlers. Your dog also may not have been taught how to do the things you want him/ her to do in different places. They can also be so overwhelmed in an environment that they literally cannot hear you as their brain is focusing on so many other things.
đžDogs do not generalise behaviours like people do. If I taught you how to change a tyre, I would probably only have to show you a couple of times. You then would be able to do it anywhere, no matter the place or weather conditions, whether youâre with other people or not.
If you teach your dog something, you would have to teach him/ her in a low distracted environment like a room of your house, then in the garden, then down the road, then in a park, again, in a different park etcâŚ. This would all need to be done while the dog is in a relaxed emotional state so learning can take place.
đTraining should always be done in a fun way so itâs not boring for the dog. If you are trying to get your dog to come when called then you will need to teach your dog that you are more fun and rewarding than what they are doing. No matter what your dog has done, or how upset you are with him, NEVER call your dog in an angry voice. This will most likely teach your dog to avoid you⌠would you want to avoid your mom yelling at you and rather go play with your friends in the sandpit? On another note, I would want my dog to come to me because he wants to, not because he is scared of what will happen if he doesnât.
đWhatever you want to teach your dog should be worth it for the dog, the same as you will go to your job to get paid your salary. The harder the job the higher the pay. The reinforcement can be whatever your dog is into, tug with his favourite toy, high-value food like cheese, sausage, ham, etcâŚ
đReward your dog for his attention, the more you reinforce a desired behaviour the more likely the behaviour will occur in the future. It takes patience and practise as well as understanding that your dog is not a robot.
