LOOKING AWAY FROM A MOVING DOG
REMEMBER, DISTANCE AT FIRST!
In the beginning, remember to rather have too much distance than not enough. In this phase the big difference will be that the distraction-dog will move and for many dogs who encounter problems in passing other dogs, this is a difficult situation. Because of this, we will increase distance between the dogs and this way ensure the effectiveness of the training.
Step 1
- The distance to the other dog is bigger again, in the video around 12m (where the handler turns around and faces the other dog again) and from there the pair approaches for a few meters and turns away. The distraction-dog and handler move calmly and it’s important the distraction-dog doesn’t stare at the dog-in-training. In the beginning it can be expected that the dog-in-training may bark. After the dog quiets down and offers the desired behaviour, you may reward him/her but be careful to only do this a few times and even then make sure that the conditioned reinforcer (the sound which acts as a promise for a reward) only comes when the dog is quiet. The dog only gets rewarded for calmly and quietly disregarding the other dog.
Step 2
- In the video the distance at the beginning of the exercise (where the handler turns around and starts to approach the other dog again) is approximately 10m and from there the pair edges closer for a few meters and turns away. The handler and the dog move calmly and the important thing is that the distraction-dog doesn’t stare at the dog-in-training. The dog is only rewarded for calmly disregarding the distraction-dog (no barking).
Step 3
- In the video the distance at the beginning of the exercise (where the handler turns around and starts to approach the other dog again) is approximately 10m and from there the pair edges closer for 3-4 meters and turns away. The handler and the dog move calmly and the important thing is that the distraction-dog doesn’t stare at the dog-in-training. The dog is only rewarded for calmly disregarding the distraction-dog (no barking).
Step 4
- In the video the distance at the beginning of the exercise (where the handler turns around and starts to approach the other dog again) is approximately 10m and from there the pair edges closer for 5-6 meters and turns away. The handler and the dog move calmly and the important thing is that the distraction-dog doesn’t stare at the dog-in-training. The dog is only rewarded for calmly disregarding the distraction-dog (no barking).
Step 5
- In the video the dog-in-training is still while the distraction dog moves and the distance between the two is around 6m. The dog and the handler move calmly and it’s important the distraction dog does not stare at the dog-in-training. The dog-in-training only gets a treat when it quietly disregards the distraction dog (no barking). At first it is likely that the dog-in-training barks at the distraction dog: you may reward your dog once it quiets down and looks away from the other dog but only for a few repetitions. The conditioned reinforcer (sound which anticipates the reward) only comes when the dog is quiet. The dog is only rewarded for calmly disregarding the distraction-dog.
If you encounter problems, look through these things step by step:
- Does you dog know and recognize the conditioned reinforcer? Try it by doing the sound you chose and see if your dog reacts to it.
- The quality of the reward? Are you sure your dog is motivated enough to get this reward? You may have to alternate between a few options, always test out the treats before training to see what your dog wants the most. It would be good to always have 2-3 different kinds of treats at hand.
- Does your dog get rewarded often enough? Make sure it does because otherwise, when still in the training phase, the dog may lose motivation.
- Is the exersize too difficult for the dog? If your dog attempts to get to the object and isn’t able to disregard it and to look away, you must increase the distance until it is. Again, check the quality of the treats.
- Make sure that all steps of the exercise have been taught thoroughly before increasing difficulty. By increasing difficulty too soon, the exercise becomes too challenging. In this case, you must return some steps back.
- Is your dog healthy? A sick dog isn’t able to learn as effectively. A dog may, for example, have pains which could cause it to react strongly to other dogs.