Distraction Training - Page 1

Wonder if anyone out there can help. I have a 2yr old male who is completed distracted when another dog is around. When I go out with him he will try to run over or if on the lead pull towards the other dog/s. I have tried treats, his favorite toy, put him on a training line, but nothing seems to work. I have thought about a prong collar, but not really comfortable with this. Has anyone had the same kind of problem who could give some good advice, it would be much appreciated. I enjoy walking and taking him out, but it can be become stressful as I am always on the lookout for other dogs, as not everyone enjoys strange dogs running up to their's. And I also think this could be quite dangerous and could end up in a fight depending on the other animals temperament etc.

Hi Nilco. Firstly, for a while, dont let him off lead to run to other dogs or people. Even though there may be no agression, you are letting him know it is poss for him to do. Second, decide which he likes best to focus at home - food or toy., Then when you have found it., if is food - make it very special food that he only has out on a walk, and he only gets "teased" with it until the distraction has passed, then he gets the treat (if he has worked for it and paid attention to you. If it is a toy, find a special toy that he likes, then be "mean" with its use. He only has it for 5 mins per day - interacting with YOU or the person walking him, and just when he is really interested, you take it away and he doesnt get it until perhaps next day - for again 5 mins or so, maximum interest, take it away while he still wants it. That toy, becomes your control tool - he only gets to look at it, with you, out on a walk when distractions appear... then he gets to play with it, on lead for a few mins, then it gets put away until the next distraction. Patience is the thing here, and it wont happen over night, but it will pay off - email me if we can be of further help. Mo - Mascani GSD`s.

Does your dog have complete attention to you at home? Have you worked on these behaviors with no distraction and then gradually built up to higher levels of distraction?? And, again, control is the issue.. never let this dog get away with that behavior .. if your dog won't come to you the first time you call off leash from any distraction then he stays on leash forever if necessary.. And yes, if you cannot physically control the dog on a flat collar then you must have him on a pinch collar.. there are many websites on its proper use.. it is a good training tool when used correctly. I use it all the time... my dog gets all excited when she sees any one of her pinch collars ! I feel like a borken record but it is all about control, people!! I own everything, I am the boss of you, everything you need comes from me and everything that comes from me is good!! Those are the rules,plain and simple. The dog's job.. is to deal with it!! And being the opportunistic self satisfying creatures that they are, they love it becaue it benefits them!!

Thanks for the advise Penny, I will give it a bash, but he is a real stubborn so and so. What he has been doing when showing him the toy when out is just mouthing it to keep me appeased then lets go, and continues his interest in the other dog. He is really hard work in this dept of training, I have made a real fool of myself on occassion when out, trying to get his attention. But the funny thing is when he's in a hall with other dogs, he's not to bothered, he will go and say hello, and leave when asked to. That is of course if the other dog show's no interest in him. I also think that he is a rather dominate dog, as he is always lifting his leg, and sniffing anything in sight when we are out, even when you play with him, he therefore doesn't come in right away when called....takes his time. But I will take your advise and keep him on the lead....they say patience is a virtue...lol

Hi again Nilco, You say he just mouths it and then goes back to the attention for the other dog. He should stil be struggling to mouth itand reach it until you pass the other dog - subtle difference. As Dkhia explains, its dependence on the owner that is important, and if you let him mouth the ball, he has done what he wants to do, and is on to the next thing - the other dog... keep him trying until you are past, then getting it is the reward. Leaving dogs in your training hall is because it is no longer that interesting, been there done it, and just trying to be ignorant to owner who always appears to be there too. Take him out on a long line with a helper. Hide behind trees, call him, when he finds you, dont go for gold and give him lots of fuss, run and hide again before he gets a pat - perhaps 3rd time, show his toy, then off again and turn the tables on him, dont be his soft hearth-rug, make him want you instantly in case you are not there when he may decide to come in his own time. Even at your training they can help with that, although I have to question why he is off lead if his recall isnt spot on, may be they need to gee up that part of his training with you too. Remember, what you can do excellently on the line, you can do eventually excellently offline, but if you do it too quick, you teach the dog that he can do his own thing too, then you have 2 things to deal with, getting off line safely, and dog knowing he can ingore you Cheers Mo.

Thanks for the advise Mo and DKiah. I will take everything into account and look forward to a positive out come.

Let us know - Good luck Mo

The one time my dog took strait to the truck to load up to go to training and would not listen to my fuss command, I turned strait around went back into the house and closed the door on him, my hubby said he went to the tailgate of truck put front feet on tailgate and turned around waiting for me to lift him in, turned back looked at hubby and paniced, raced back to the door and pounded on it, I gave him a few seconds let him in and started again, only I stopped in doorway boy did he snap back, every time he gets ahead of me now, I begin to turn around and head for the door, He stays right with nowadays. I love what Dkiah says as well, You are the boss of everything, playtime, rest time, feed time, free time, You are the dictator, You own the leash the collar, the bones, vitamins, YOU are the "provider" therefore the "Alpha" Be the leader you MUST be and you'll see a big swing in attitude in this dog. Best of Luck.