Reg: 12-15-2007
Posts: 143
Loc: New Zealand, Auckland
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So the training that we've done with Max has gone fairly well, in general he knows what we mean when we say sit or down. But now I'm thinking about needing to proof him on the things he knows.
It's Spring again here and we'll be able to be outside more and I'm pretty sure we'll need to start over from the beginning when outside. So my question is about low-level distractions. For a while I guess at the start just being outside will be enough of a distraction but other than that what have others used?
I can think of plenty of high level distractions but the low-level ones really have me stumped.
Max has recently turned one, so his attention span is getting longer and his behaviour is getting calmer. But some days it still seems like everything (and I mean everything, especially and including spots on the floor that could possibly hopefully be food) is a huge distraction.
It's time to stop being lazy, the sun is out and some proofing is way past due. Does anyone have any suggestions on distractions they've used?
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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A dog sitting quietly to the side. A dog playing fetch at a distance. People eating nearby. People playing a game that involves moving around.
Whatever is a distraction to your dog is perfect. Start with the distraction either far enough away or not moving or noisy enough to interfere, and decrease the distance or increase the noise/activity gradually.
Reg: 12-15-2007
Posts: 143
Loc: New Zealand, Auckland
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Hmm, in the place where I live it's not that common to come across a lot of people just hanging out in the park, and even less walking dogs.
If we were to do that kind of thing with my husband doing some stuff like that at a distance would we then have to do the same thing with other people to be sure he would still do the sit/down/whatever?
We could get some friends involved to do that. And if it was far enough away could we use something I would consider a high level distraction as a low level one? Then as it got closer it would become high level again?
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Quote: Rhonda Parkin
... If we were to do that kind of thing with my husband doing some stuff like that at a distance would we then have to do the same thing with other people to be sure he would still do the sit/down/whatever?
Yes, but it's easier than that..... you can also go to the people. Go to a place where people are playing ball or walking by or whatever, with your dog on leash, and start far enough away so that it's not quite distracting, and get closer ... gradually.
Quote: Rhonda Parkin
.... We could get some friends involved to do that. And if it was far enough away could we use something I would consider a high level distraction as a low level one? Then as it got closer it would become high level again?
Exactly!
Use your imagination and consider your own dog's triggers.
One of mine has as his ultimate distraction being behind the bleachers at a night football game at the high school.... lights, cheering, running around, food smells and wrappers .....
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Low-level distractions
#210674 - 09/23/2008 10:24 PM 
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