dog training the fun way Archives

Is Your Dog Ignoring You? The 2-Minute Name Reset

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Hope is horrible at remembering names. Especially the names of the humans in her dog training classes. But the dogs’? She has them down by week two. Most of them, she knows by the end of class one.

Want to know why? The nice answer is that Hope loves dogs, is fascinated by dogs, and wants to get to know every dog on the planet.

The real answer is that the dogs’ owners are constantly saying the dog’s name and won’t shut the heck up. “Sparky, Sparky, Sparky.”

The dog didn’t listen the first 12 times. What are you doing differently that will get you a jackpot at 13?

He’s Not Deaf. He’s Ignoring You.

Do you know any toddlers? Human children, that is. If you do, you know exactly how your dog feels when you constantly say their name with no other information. There’s no difference between a kid yelling “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy” and you chanting “Fido, Fido, Fido.” After a while, it just becomes background noise.

Stop nagging your dog. Give them clear cues on what to do, and give them a reason to do it.

And please, don’t even start chanting if your dog’s focus is completely riveted on a bunny that just crossed your path, another dog, or the garbage truck going down the alley. Standing there saying “Spot. Spot. Spot.” isn’t going to win against those distractions.

Try this instead: Dash up to your dog, gently blow on the back of their head, and run in the opposite direction while calling their name. Chances are excellent they’ll turn and fly after you.

Because I Said So

But, you argue, “I want my dog to do what I say when I say it!”

Good luck with that. Unless your dog comes with rechargeable batteries, that isn’t going to happen.

Dogs are perfectly happy to do what we ask—as long as they understand how to do it and what they’ll get for doing it.

That reward doesn’t always have to be a treat. It can be praise, a scratch in the right spot, or just a smile. But those only work once you’ve established your bona fides with your dog. Just like any training, you have to build a history of reinforcement before a cue actually means something.

Remember: What gets rewarded gets repeated.

The 2-Minute Challenge

Want to reset your dog’s name recognition? Try this today:

Get five treats that your dog would run through fire to get.
Say your dog’s name once, and immediately stick one of those treats in their mouth.
Repeat five times in a row.

Your dog doesn’t have to come, or look, or sit, or do anything at all. You say the name, they get the jackpot.

Do this just once a day for a week, and we promise you’ll see your dog snap to attention the next time you say their name.

The “Screw-Up Snack”: Reward Your Training Mistakes

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There’s a glitch in the matrix.

Your dog thinks you’re perfect. You know you’re not. Sometimes, like everyone on the planet, you mess up. You use the wrong hand signal, or you say “sit” when you meant “stay.” You know you “oopsed.” But your dog doesn’t have to. Enter the “screw-up snack.”

The Human Instinct That Halts Training

When we make a mistake, our instinct is to verbalize it. We sigh, we groan, or we let out a frustrated “Ugh,” “Damn,” or “No, wait.”

Here is the problem: Your dog doesn’t know it’s possible for you to screw up. They assume the universe operates flawlessly. So when you make a mistake and let out a mini verbal tantrum, your dog thinks they did something wrong. Because they are so attuned to your energy, that tiny drop in your mood can instantly shut them down and kill their confidence.

Flip the Script: The “Screw-Up Snack”

Next time you fumble a cue, don’t sigh. Reward.

Mark your mess-up with a “mistake munchie,” a “screw-up snack,”, an “oops cookie,” or a “goof goody.” The second you realize you blundered, happily hand over a high-value treat.

Your dog won’t have a clue why they just got a freebie, and they won’t care. All they know is that when Mom or Dad confuses their words, awesome things happen. You protect their confidence, keep the training vibe fun, and give yourself a grace period to reset.

Onward & Upward: The Reset

That mistake munchie buys you a few beats to reset your own brain. Once you’ve handed over the treat, take a deep breath, smile into those puppy-dog eyes, and say, “Let’s try that again!”

Even if you were almost done with your training session, it’s important to give it one more successful go so you don’t leave your dog confused.

Dogs—especially softer or less-confident pups—can easily shut down when they sense negative energy. If you fumbled while playing a brand-new game, temporarily go back a step to a version your dog knows well. If the whole game is totally new and clunky, pivot entirely and play one of their absolute favorite, easiest training games just to end on a high note.

While you don’t always have to end a session with a flawless, advanced result, you do want to avoid leaving your dog with the impression they failed. There is no “wrong” when playing training games. You may not get exactly what you were looking for, but you always get great information for next time.

But Wait… Am I Rewarding a Mistake?

People often worry about “rewarding” behavior they didn’t mean to cue. “Isn’t that rewarding the wrong thing?” is a question we hear a lot.

Here is a golden rule to train by: It’s better to give a dog a million rewards they don’t deserve than to miss one they do.

In this case, you are the one who messed up, not the dog. That goof goody simply lets them know that they are doing fine and everything is okay.

Dogs genuinely worry about doing the right thing, and leaving them in limbo causes stress. When dogs aren’t sure what’s happening, they start showing subtle stress signals like lip-licking, yawning, scratching, or turning away.

Use the screw-up snack to ensure your dog always feels safe, confident, and successful. Just don’t tell them the referee made the mistake!

When is Dog Training Actually Done? (Spoiler: Never!)

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When is training done?

Most people will take an obedience class when they get a new dog or puppy. Then, unless a major behavioral issue pops up, we never see them again.

And honestly? That’s fine.

There’s a great saying among dog trainers: “Every dog is trained to its owner’s level of comfort.” If a specific behavior matters to you, you’ll make sure your dog knows the rules. If you don’t care, it doesn’t matter.

That’s exactly how it should be. Your house, your dog, your rules. If you don’t want the dog on the couch, you teach them to stay off (at least until the front door closes behind you). Everyone understands the assignment, and the household rolls merrily along.

Training is more than just “The Rules”

But real dog training isn’t just about enforcing boundaries like keeping paws off the furniture. That’s a small piece of the puzzle.

Playing quick training games with your dog throughout their life is about ensuring these amazing creatures have the biggest life and the most fun possible. It’s how we repay them for their unconditional love and enduring companionship.

You may not have the time, energy, or budget to compete in dog sports. You don’t have to. You may not have access to weekly training classes. That’s fine, too.

But you should be willing to spend just a couple of minutes every day focused entirely on the dog you love. Just that microburst of attention leads to a stronger, deeper bond that cements their “best friend” status.

Let’s make it more fun

The biggest problem here is the terminology. “Training” sounds like a chore. “Playing Training Games” sounds better, but it still shades into the work zone. We wish there was a word to describe it without all the hefty baggage.

Maybe we should adopt Tom Sawyer’s strategy and dare people to play training games. A good “betcha can’t” is irresistible—most of us would rather die than admit we failed a challenge!

So here’s the challenge:

Teach your dog a new trick every month.
Get it on video.
Post it online.
Count the reactions and comments.
Bask in the glow of your team’s triumph.

Not only will you have a blast playing with your dog, but you’ll love seeing the reactions to your dog’s awesomeness. (And yours!)

Never stop having fun with your dog

If you stack up enough tricks, you can even apply (via video!) for the Trick Dog titles offered by the AKC. It’s not just a piece of paper to frame; it’s an enduring record of your dog’s accomplishments. For as long as the American Kennel Club exists, there will be proof that your dog was loved, and your relationship mattered.

Fran has trained Tango (Brussels Griffon) to put his toys away, into a bin.

When you carve out those precious few minutes every day with your dog, you can forget about all the stressors of everyday life. Each day, those five minutes can bring you pure joy—for the entirety of your dog’s short, special life. Because no matter how long they live, it’s never long enough.

We lost Tango, Fran’s Brussels Griffon, last November at the age of 16. He played training games every day, right up until his last couple of days. The distance he walked to “Put Your Toys Away” diminished as he aged, but he still played. He absolutely loved it. And we loved celebrating his achievements every single day of his life.

When to Fire Your Dog Trainer & Finding the Right Fit

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How’s That Working For You? (And When to Fire Your Dog Trainer)

You didn’t get a dog to add a line item of stress to your life. You got a dog for the zoomies, the companionship, and the “welcome home” wiggles. If your dog is currently causing more headaches than happiness, that’s a problem. But if the “experts” you’ve hired aren’t actually helping, that’s an even bigger one—especially if they refuse to acknowledge your unique life, your schedule, or your dog’s specific quirks. Here’s how to know when to fire your dog trainer.

Dogs Aren’t “One Size Fits All”

As varied as their coat colors are dogs’ personalities. A rescue from a rural farm has different needs than a puppy from a suburban breeder. Your family dynamics matter. Your living situation matters. Anyone you turn to for help should be treating those factors as essential data, not inconveniences.

Fire Them Immediately

One of the biggest red flags in this industry is a trainer who claims their method works for “every dog, every time.” That “my way or the highway” attitude is a one-way ticket to burnout for both you and your pup.

You need a trainer who:

Listens more than they talk.
Remains flexible and creative when Plan A fails.
Suggests solutions that actually fit into your real life, not a textbook.

This Isn’t A Sales Pitch

We aren’t here to tell you to “buy now” for a private consultation. Look, we’re fantastic trainers—we know our stuff. But for most people, the gold standard is hands-on training.

Sometimes you need a professional in the room who can see the subtle flick of a tail or the exact timing of your reward. While we’re here for “2-minute” fixes, perspectives on training, and ideas for new games, we’ll always be the first to tell you when you need a local pro to step into the ring with you.

Flexibility in Action: The “Archie” Case Study

We love it when people bring the whole family to our training classes. This week, Archie’s whole family showed up—mom, dad, and his two-legged sisters. They brought a specific dog-walking issue with them: How do they get Archie to behave when the rest of the family is walking a few steps ahead?

It’s a common issue, even if it’s rarely talked about. Dogs are pack animals; they like it when everybody is within reach and they can keep an eye on their people. When part of the family “breaks rank” and moves into the distance, dogs can get anxious and start pulling to close the gap.

Just because a problem isn’t in the standard training manual doesn’t mean there isn’t a solution. Here is the spur-of-the-moment game we created for them:

The Family Walk Game: “Stop And Go”

Step 1: The person holding the leash is the “Game Lead.” Everyone else stands a few steps in front of the dog.
Step 2: The Game Lead says “Go!” and everyone starts walking. (The dog will likely pull to reach the front group).
Step 3: The Game Lead says “Stop!” the second the leash gets tight. Everyone freezes.
Step 4: Wait. The moment the dog releases tension on the leash and looks back at the Game Lead, they get a treat.
Step 5: “Go!” again. Repeat the process, rotating who holds the leash so Archie learns the rules apply to everyone.

Archie started catching on in just three repetitions. He’s a smart boy—he knows who’s holding the treat pouch.

Speak Up For Yourself (And Your Dog)

There are multitudes of dog trainers and methods out there. With training, like everything else, you have to be a savvy consumer.

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. If anyone ever tells you to do something to your dog that makes you uncomfortable, walk away. And if the advice you’re getting doesn’t work, let the trainer know. If they can’t pivot to “Plan B,” be willing to find someone who can.Training should make your life better, not harder. If it isn’t… how is that working for you?

Dog Training for Elevators: Navigating Choke Points in Apartments

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Choke points like hallways and elevators can be nightmares for dog people. If you live in a multi-unit building, your dog’s behavior has implications beyond your four walls – too many neighbor complaints can even threaten your housing status. This dog elevator training tip can help you navigate those choke points.

The “Surprise Factor”

The hardest part of shared housing is the lack of predictability. You never know who – or what dog – is around the corner. Even friendly dogs can react poorly when startled. We’ve all bumped into someone inadvertently; for us, it’s an “excuse me.” For a dog, it’s a high-stakes confrontation.

From the dog’s perspective

Elevators must seem like strange magic from your dog’s point of view. Doors open. You step into a hushed, windowless box. Doors close, with no obvious escape point. When the doors reopen, you’ve been magically transported to a completely different place. Different sights, sounds, smells, and surprises..

When you think about it, it’s kind of amazing that dogs get in elevators at all. Just that simple act of getting in an elevator is a profound example of how much your dog trusts you.

We’ve talked many times about how dogs gain confidence and security with routine. If you’ve established a pattern for elevator rides, your dog will be more likely to stay with your game than stick his nose in your neighbor’s crotch.

Familiarity breeds calm

So instead of hoping for a calm ride, give your dog a clear plan. Routine is the antidote to anxiety. If you establish a “game” for the ride, your dog will stay focused on you rather than your neighbor’s grocery bags.

The “Touch!” Game: This is a top-tier elevator tool. It keeps your dog’s nose on your hand and their mind on a high rate of reward.
The “Target!” Game: If your dog has a favorite portable target, use it. It’s worth the extra effort to carry if it keeps them “in the zone.”
The “Job” Strategy: Give them something to do. Teaching your dog to carry a favorite toy provides a single focus.

Real-World Example: Hope’s Frenchie, Torque, used to get unwanted attention because of his “snorty” breathing (other dogs thought he was growling). Hope solved this by letting him carry his pink rubber ball. Now, other dogs see the toy, and neighbors just think he’s cute.

A Quick Pro-Tip

Keep treats by your keys. If you grab one, you grab the other.

Master Loose-Leash Walking | The 2-Minute Trainer

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Is Your Leash a Lifeline or a Crutch?

The people in our impulse control classes all start out clutching their leashes as if they were lifelines. They’re desperate to stop leash pulling fast.

It’s a “fast fixes” class – only four meetings. To achieve loose-leash walking in just a month’s time requires commitment, determination, and a leap of faith.

You have to believe that your dog can, in fact, make good decisions. That they are capable of learning manners and using them in public. You also have to believe that you are the perfect person to teach your dog how to achieve all that.

How’s That Working For You?

There’s a saying: If you always do what you’ve always done, you always get what you’ve always gotten.

So, how is hanging onto that leash for dear life working for you? Is your dog still acting like a jerk on lead? If you’re ready to move on, the first step is to tighten your focus. If you are training, only train. This isn’t the time for texting or running errands. If your dog’s behavior is frustrating, give them just two minutes of your undivided attention. Two minutes a day for two weeks—less than half an hour total—can change everything.

Make a Commitment

You’re not afraid of commitment. You acquired a dog, a decade-plus responsibility. We know you can handle two minutes.

In essence, it’s actually pretty simple. For your dog, you have to be more interesting than anything else on the planet. That battle’s already mostly won. They already follow you around everywhere. Dogs always keep you in sight. When was the last time you went to the bathroom by yourself? If you’re a dog owner, you may not remember.

The next level is if the dog will find you fascinating with distractions. Will your dog stay with you when someone else is in the kitchen preparing food? If not, try talking to your dog while you bend over to meet their eyes. Getting your dog’s eyes on you is the first step in training. If they still won’t look at you, blow on the top of their head.

Once you have your dog’s eyes on you, REWARD! If paying attention to you is the same as not, the dog has no reason to pay attention. There has to be a distinct difference between doing what you want them to do and ignoring you. Make it worth their while.

Sometimes it’s frustrating. We get it. You leaned over, you blew, you waved fingers, you even made funny sounds. Finally something clicks and they look at you. If it were a person, you could say “It’s about damn time!”

But it’s not a person. It’s a dog you’re trying to motivate to focus. So even if it takes forever, you still have to celebrate the win and not let the dog see your frustration. It doesn’t have to be a food reward. Have a toy and play tug. Give them a little shove and run away. Rub their tummy. Whatever floats your dog’s boat is a good reward.

Trust The Process

If loose-leash walking is your goal, practice someplace safe, even if that’s inside. For the ultimate challenge? Drape the leash across your neck and keep your hands off it. Keep your dog’s focus with words and actions, not with lures and leashes.

Stay engaged for the length of the hall, or the living room, or the yard. Give your dog a reason to stay with you. Have a one-sided conversation. Your dog doesn’t care what you say. Talk to them!

If your dog stays with you for 10 steps, stop and celebrate! “Yay! What a good dog!” “You’re awesome!” “I knew you could do it!” You’re on your way to stopping leash pulling fast.

You can do it, too. We believe in you.

We Don’t Train Dogs. We Train People.

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5 Common Training Mistakes & How to Fix Them

We don’t physically train any dogs but our own. Instead, we teach you how to train yours. There is nothing more satisfying than witnessing the “AHA!” moment when a human and dog finally coalesce into a team.

However, almost every handler we meet falls into at least one of these five common traps. Which one is your bad habit?

1. Being the “Boss” instead of the “Coach”

Merriam-Webster defines a Boss as one who directs or supervises workers. A Coach, however, is one who instructs or trains. You can shout “Heel!” until the cows come home, but if you haven’t taught your dog what that word means, you’re just making noise. Dog training is about bridging the language gap. All dogs are born knowing how to sit—they just don’t know the English word for it. Your job is to connect those dots.

2. “Helping” (Otherwise known as Nagging)

Your dog heard you the first time. Repeating a cue doesn’t help; it just teaches your dog they can ignore the first three versions of the command. The cue is “Down,” not “Down, Down… Down!”

Similarly, physically pushing a dog’s butt down often triggers the “opposition reflex.” Just like humans, when dogs feel a push, they instinctively push back. Give your dog the “processing time” they need to think through the request.

3. Being Stingy with Rewards

Dogs learn through the timing and placement of rewards. While you won’t always need a treat in your hand, the learning phase is not the time to be frugal.

The Rule: Ignore the “wrong” stuff and simply ask again. But when they get it right—especially something difficult—give them an immediate jackpot.

We often see students resist rewarding because they fear “spoiling” the dog. But without a reward, doing it right looks exactly like doing it wrong to a dog. Why would they bother?

4. Disengaging from the Team

This usually happens when a handler gets distracted or assumes the dog “just knows” what’s happening.

Even a simple move, like turning around to retrace your steps, can cause a disconnect. Catching your dog’s eye and saying, “We’re going this way!” keeps them in the loop. In practicing the “Recall,” people often hand us the leash and walk away without a word. Next time, try catching your dog’s eye before you leave. They might actually be watching when you finally call them.

5. Quitting on Your Dog

We have one student who is a perfectionist. If she gives the wrong hand signal, she gets frustrated and gives up. Her dog doesn’t know she’s mad at herself—he thinks he failed. That’s when he runs off to find something more fun to do.

Your dog thinks you’re perfect. Don’t convince them otherwise. We have a rule: if the human screws up, the dog gets an “Oops Cookie.” It keeps the mood light, rewards the dog for staying engaged with a confused human, and lets you both try again with a smile.

Enjoy the Journey

Great coaches are there for the whole season, through the wins and the muddy practices. Training is a lifetime journey of deepening your bond. Stay present, stay positive, and keep those cookies ready.

Which of these training mistakes do you find yourself making most often? Drop a comment below and let’s troubleshoot!

Stop Playing Detective: Why Your Dog’s “Why” Doesn’t Matter

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You can’t look in your own ear. It’s impossible to go faster than the speed of light. And you’ll never know “why” your dog acts the way they do.

Say your dog is afraid of men wearing hats. Especially if it’s a rescue dog with an unknown history, people might assume the dog was abused by a man who wore a hat. Maybe. But you’ll never know. And it doesn’t matter.

Addressing the dog issue

There are three ways to cope with whatever issue your dog may have.

You can ignore it. If it doesn’t matter to you that your dog pulls like a tugboat, it’s nobody else’s business. Your dog, your house, your rules.

If the problem is a minor annoyance, but not worth a lot of effort, you can manage it. We know someone whose dog always emptied the bathroom wastebasket. She managed the issue by keeping that wastebasket empty. It was a little disconcerting the first time she dashed in to empty it as soon as we vacated the room. That was how she handled the situation. We stopped using that wastebasket, too.

The third, best, most long-lasting, and most difficult way to cope with dog issues is by training them away. If it’s important to you, it’s worth it. If, like us, you live where everyone wears hats all winter, you don’t want your dog freaking out every time you go out all season long.

Familiarity breeds disinterest

Since we don’t know why the dog does what they do, you have to treat the symptom without looking for the cause. That doesn’t mean it can’t be cured. It just means the process may involve some trial and error.

If our friend had wanted to fix her dog’s basket-emptying obsession, the first step is to figure out if it’s the “what” or the “where.” If the dog ignores the wastebasket when it’s in another room, it’s the where. If the basket is equally interesting in the living room, it’s the “what.”

For the where, you take your dog in the bathroom and play “Get it / Leave it.” For the what, play the game in the living room with the basket nearby. You can add on to the game by dropping something in the basket when you say “Leave It!”

Once your dog knows the game and how to “Leave it!,” the problem will dissipate. It won’t be interesting any more.

Cultivate boredom

Your reaction to your dog’s naughty behavior is a major factor in whether it happens again. If you, like our friend, react immediately, the dog figures it’s a fun game that gets your attention. If you ignore the tissue on the floor and leave the vicinity, the dog fails in the bid for attention.

It may result, in the short term, with your dog eating some tissue. Unless it’s an excessive amount, figure “this, too, shall pass.” (Empty the basket when the dog isn’t around.)
You’ll never know the “why.” It’s very human to look for cause when there’s an effect. It’s why puzzles are big business and mysteries are popular. But your dog will never be able to tell you “why.”

Warning! Playing Dog Training Games Will Change Your Life

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A cautionary document for the unsuspecting dog owner.

We feel obliged to issue this warning for anyone contemplating a training journey. There are consequences—both intended and corollary—that will change your life forever.

Your perception of dogs will change. Your expectations will change. You will laugh. There might be crying. You will definitely have fun.

The results of 2-minute training are wide-reaching. You’ll look at neighbors and think, “They could use 3-Step Pattern Walking.” You’ll visit a friend and “fix” their dog’s jumping habit in five minutes.

You’ve been warned. Here is what to expect:

1. The “Telepathic” Velcro Bond

If you thought you were best friends before, you ain’t seen nothing yet. 2-Minute games create a learning partnership that feels like a psychic connection.

The Downside: If you had a “Velcro dog” before, they’ll now take residence practically inside your skin.
The Cost: Be prepared to buy an extra dog bed for every room, including the bathroom. If your dog is particularly dexterous, you’ll have to buy them a phone so they can text you every 10 minutes.

2. The End of “Days Off”

If you play training games right after breakfast, be prepared to play every day at precisely the same time. Even on weekends. Even on holidays.

Pro Tip: The only way to avoid your dog’s absolute devotion to the schedule is to randomize your training program.

Even then, when your dog determines “It’s time!”, prepare for incessant nagging. Don’t look them in the eye. Nothing will make you cave faster than those soulful, puppy dog eyes.

3. The “Puppy Push-Up” Chaos

You’ll have to contain your laughter when your dog’s excitement spurs them to show you every trick they know the second you ask, “Do you want to play?” It’s adorable when a dog starts doing Puppy Push-ups with no prompting. Steel yourself! If it’s not what you asked for, it doesn’t get the reward. No smiles, no laughter, and definitely no scritches.

4. The Inevitable “Brain-Dead” Days

There will be days when your dog looks at you like they’ve never heard the word “Sit!” before. You know they have. You have video evidence.

The Reality: Some sessions are write-offs.
Plan B: Play fetch instead. It’s a poor second, but some days it’s all the brains your dog’s got.

Is your addiction complete?

Your social schedule will change. 2-Minute training will change your life. You’ll realize you have more fun with your dog than most people you know. When you start thinking, “I could be home playing with my dog,” the transformation is finished. Ready to start your own “addiction”? Sign up for our 2-Minute Newsletter!

Your Face Is A Stop Sign

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Seeing your face signals your dog to stop. Don’t believe it? It’s easy to test. Invite your dog to run with you. You’re both going along together, facing the same way. If you suddenly stop and look at your dog, they’ll stop, too. And stare you in the face.

When you have a conversation with another person, it’s considered polite to look at them. Dogs are the same. Your dog always wants to see your face.

In some ways, that’s a wonderful thing. Doesn’t everyone make funny sounds to get dogs to look? And if we get the adorable head tilt, we keep doing it.

Not always what we want

There are times, however, that you don’t want your dog to stop and look at you. You’d think that calling your dog to “Come!” is easy and natural.

It’s not. If you’re standing still, facing your dog, and call them, they may not move an inch. They can see you, but your face is a stop sign.

Motion triggers motion

When this happens, most people will sweep an arm back, encouraging the dog to move. It usually works. It also means that your dog doesn’t have a reliable recall.

In Obedience competition, the rules require you to stand absolutely still when you call your dog. You can’t do any of the things that come naturally. You can’t back up a step, pat your leg, move your head. Any handler motion when a verbal command is used is considered a “double command” and not allowed.

This exercise, done correctly, demonstrates that your dog knows the word and what to do when they hear it.

Good to know

Most people aren’t competing in Obedience. They just want their dogs to come when called. The easiest and fastest way to teach that is the Chase Recall. Your motion spurs your dog to move.

It’s true with all dog behaviors. One of the most difficult parts of “Stay!” for dogs is sitting still while you walk around. Most dogs will either swivel on their hindquarters to keep watching you, or get up entirely.

Take advantage

Knowing that your dog always wants to zero in on where you’re facing, you can use that to direct your dog’s learning. When teaching “Place!” you stare at the dog bed. Your interest in an object will make it intriguing for your dog.

That’s the principle that lots of our games are based on. The ones that involve manipulating objects start with you staring at the object. The ones that require the dog to move somewhere start with you looking there.

We tried it today. One of the behaviors we teach our dogs is to walk sideways. When facing each other, the dog’s natural tendency is to move their front legs in line with us, but their back end tends to go crooked. Today we tried the behavior looking at where we’re going (to the side) rather than at our dog. It works.

Watch where you’re going

When we were learning agility handling, one of the first things we were taught was that dogs will follow your shoulder. They go where your shoulder indicates. If you’re running or walking straight ahead, keep your shoulders square. If you’re moving to your right, that’s where you orient your upper body.

Your dog is attuned to every move you make and is keenly aware of your body language. If you can’t figure out why your dog is moving a certain way, check yourself. You may be giving them a signal you don’t intend. Like looking straight at them when you want them to keep moving.