Walking on Leash
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| Try to anticipate distractions before he catches sight and re-direct his attention to you instead of the bird, dog, etc. Quietly saying his name, making a small, pleasing noise, etc, softly talking to him in a pleasing way, to focus on you and not what is out there. And practice walking past known distractions, totally ignoring them yourself, and focussing your guy's attention on you. Shorten the leash so he has to walk right by you. And as contradictory as this sounds, be relaxed and confident, with the attitude that of course, you are in charge and the main center of your dog's universe. Of course he will pay attention to you over whatever else is around. This will not be pefect, of course, but you will both get there.
I also have used this to get my dogs to ignore things that scare them (unexpected sign in a neighbor's lawn, skateboarders, unpleasant dog or person, etc.). If I don't react, they don't react. I work hard to be more aware of what is going on down the block, across the street, than they are. And I also watch their body language closely: pricked up ears tell me I need to scan quickly to see what it is that is getting their attention, and adjust my control accordingly. My pups are 2 years old this month. There has been a huge change in the past year: they are much more focussed on me when we are out on walks. I find that they are most likely to try to pull if I don't see whatever it is that is getting their attention first. Somehow, they know if they see a squirrel that I do not, so I have to be very alert--and relaxed at the same time. If they are very close to me, it is much easier to direct their attention rather than let their attention take them...down the street, me in tow. |
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