Are you boring your dog? Gaining their interest isn’t hard – you just have to know how. Dogs aren’t aliens. But they also aren’t people. The thoughts going through their heads aren’t worries about money, family, job, health, etc. Dogs think about food, comfort, play, and SQUIRREL!
To compete with SQUIRREL!, you have to stop boring your dog. If the most interesting thing in your yard is the wildlife, you’re not going to get the attention you need and want. If your dog is always on the lookout for critters when you’re out walking, you’ll never be able to achieve loose-leash walking – Book 3: Let’s Go For a Walk.
Be fascinating
For better or worse, there are things that people can’t tear their eyes away from. Construction sites. Wrecking sites. Fireworks. Train wrecks. Depending on your personal interests, your attention is grabbed by performances ranging from football to ballet, gymnastics to roller derby, dressage to rodeo. You need to find a way to be your dog’s must-see TV, two minutes at a time.
It’s not that tough. And the more you try it, the easier it’ll be. You know which toy is your dog’s favorite. What if you snatched it up and ran away? You would have your dog’s undivided attention for the duration of the chase.
Take advantage of that! Come to a stop, spin around to face your dog, stick out your hand and ask for a “Touch!” Good dog! Reward with a game of tug, or fetch. Or turn around, run off, and do it again!
Not for endurance
We may be enthralled by a two-hour symphony performance, but dogs’ attention spans are limited. Try to do anything for too long and they’ll lose focus and wander off. Training games aren’t endurance events. The marathon you’re running isn’t today – it’s the duration of your dog’s life.
Finding an extra hour in your day is almost impossible for most people. But it’s easy to find two minutes to play with your dog. And if those two minutes are all you have, you need to get your dog’s attention and focus quickly.
Build value in focus
One of the simplest and easiest ways to get your dog’s attention is to call his/her name and “pay” every time he looks at you. Every single time – call, look, reward. The goal is to make looking at you one of the most valuable things your dog can do. If/when you get instant, enthusiastic attention every time you call, you can randomize giving a reward. Until then – every single time. Call, look, reward.
For your dog, looking at you should always be one of the best things ever. When he/she looks, tell your dog what an amazing creature he/she is! The bestest, most brilliant, gorgeous creature ever. And it’s true. Just look at those puppy-dog eyes and that sweet expression.
Attention seeking
What if your dog doesn’t respond when she hears her name? Did you get an ear twitch? Or is she single-mindedly focusing elsewhere and determinedly ignoring you?
That’s just rude. You wouldn’t put up with that kind of disrespect from people. Don’t tolerate it from your dog. But don’t get mad. Get creative! Blow on her ears! Goose her (gently)!! Slap a toy on the ground behind her – then take off! As soon as you get her attention, praise and reward!
Stop boring your dog!
When you’re home with your dog, does he/she “check in” with you every once in a while? Most dogs do, unless they’re asleep. And even when they are snoozing, either they’re in touch, or rousing periodically to look for you. When you see it happening, make eye contact, and connect with your dog. Just a simple “good dog!” or “you’re so cute!” will reinforce your bond.
It would also be a great time for a little 2-Minute Training game. Your dog will think you’re amazing if you’re always ready to play!
