Dog Training Tutorial - DISTRACTIONS (Part 1)

Working around distractions is easier to do for some dogs than others. The key to training a dog to do anything anywhere is all about generalizing behaviors and proofing with distractions.

This is the first episode in a series of videos on building focus around distractions. While it may seem like the exercise shown here is quite simple, it must not be underestimated. Having a solid foundation and starting small is often overlooked in dog training. Just like building a big structure, having a solid stable base is critical to avoid failures later on.

Follow along with us in this series as we gradually raise the bar and set our dogs up to develop reliable and outstanding focus.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Dog
• training
• positive
• reinforcement
• clicker
• train
• any
• trick
• amazing
• focus
• off
• leash
• reliable
• distraction
• dog
• attention
• build
• reliability
• teach
• german
• shepherd
• tab
• solea

[SuperStarMal]

Is there a part 2?

[tab289]

@SuperStarMal Not yet but it will be up soon! 

[hdsheena]

Very nicely done. just a slight warning for the "shaping attention" portion. Some high drive dogs will watch and follow a distraction with such intensity that they arouse themselves into a state where they cannot learn. My dog is one of these, so when I saw the "no distraction can be that exciting forever" note, I thought of him leaping and lunging. It's important to stay under threshold!

[tab289]

@hdsheena Good point but that sounds like it's a 'high-level' distraction. This exercise is really better for milder distractions. Distance is another variable to control if the dog is that far over threshold.

[PaulieDi]

My dog needs to conquer his fears of t-storms and noises of all kinds at night. I hope to learn a lot here. Thank you for having this topic on "distractions" which is what my Toby really needs.

[tab289]

@PaulieDi Good to know! Many dogs could benefit with better focus, I hope it is useful for you.

[Bieber0709]

hi tab, It is a request from my side plz make a video of teaching ur dog to stay with ur owner not to move without command plz help

[JT2012a]

Hi Tab, like your training videos, their one of the better ones around on You Tube. Pity you couldnt do more without the clicker (as I dont have one!).

I have one question, do you think dogs fear someone with anxiety, I have a female GSD also and she really get aggressive to my adult son. Hes been kind to her, and tried feeding it, taking it for walks but she still wants to attack him. Any tips on how to overcome this?

I brought her at 15 months old - 3 months ago. appreciate any advice.

[sunshinetree2]

My dog is a very strong, 80lb. pit mix. He is a fabulous dog and his walking manners have improved, but, when he sees another person, he gets SO focused there is no way to break his attention. Believe me I have tried many things. In fact, when I try to block him, or shield his eyes, he is so worked up by then, he ends up snapping. I know he has no intentions of hurting me, but this is unaccepteble behavior, and besides that, he scares people! All suggestions greatly appreciated....Please HELP!!

[onedeathbyflame]

UUhhh help please, my dog is the same opposite, she doesnt like to do the pulling. Im the one that does the pulling ALL the time, she likes to walk behind and not in front so yea theres the problem any advice??

[pandaparadise12]

Dear Tab what do u do when your dog whimpers for no apparent reason?What am I supposed to do when he has accidents? I have a 7 week old GS and I tried teaching him "off" but he just sits is that bad?? I taught him to come and sit already :0 help pleez

[skypiercer03]

Wow thats what I'm doing already :o Glad I saw this video of yours! I know what I'm doing is right :DD

She's still a puppy still new to leash walking. She tends to cry a lot. :I

[petplaysf]

All of your videos are super informative! It really inspires me to train my dogs better! Don't get me wrong, they are trained very well, but this is just motivational!

[flexitionjr]

hey tab,

i hve a problem with taking my dog up to to my local park but she only plays up hen there are kites up there. i can barley get her attention, she only comes back after around 5 minutes. so when ever my friend it up there i usually let her run after them and eventually she comes back. if i dont let her run i sit down and let her watch them but as soon as i let her off her lead shes straight under the kite chasing it... help ?

[GellyDancer]

Hey Tab! :)

I am thinking of buying a dog for the first time. Many people have told me that a first time owner shouldn't get a german shepherd but they are really my favorite dogs. I watch your videos all the time and you are really an expert in dogs! What do you think? And if you think german shepherds are good for first time owners, are there any differences in getting a male or a female?

Thank you! Anna.