Training Your Dog to Stay Focused and Obedient

As a dog trainer, one of the most common questions I get from pet owners is, "How can I keep my dog focused and obedient?" It's a great question because a focused, obedient dog is not only a joy to be around but also safer and easier to manage. Today, I want to share some insights and techniques. We use them at Clever Canine Dog Training to help dogs develop crucial skills.

​The Importance of Focus and Obedience

Imagine you're at a bustling farmers' market. Colorful stalls line the streets. Enticing aromas waft through the air. People and dogs mill about. Now, picture yourself there with your dog. Is your furry friend calmly walking beside you, attentive to your cues? Or are they pulling on the leash, barking at every dog that passes, and trying to snatch food from the stalls?
​
This scenario illustrates why focus and obedience are so important. A dog that can focus and obey commands in distractions is not just well-behaved. They're a safer, more adaptable companion for various situations.

​The Challenge of Distraction

Let me tell you about Charlie, a lovable but easily distracted Australian Shepherd. The Petersons, his owners, brought him to me. They struggled to keep his attention during walks. Charlie would start off well, but as soon as he spotted a squirrel or another dog, all bets were off. He'd lunge, bark, and completely ignore his owners' commands.
​
Charlie's behavior is not uncommon. Dogs, like humans, can find it challenging to focus in stimulating environments. The key is to train them to focus on you, their handler, despite exciting distractions around them.

​Building a Strong Foundation

Before we dive into techniques, we must first build a strong foundation. It is crucial for focus and obedience training. This foundation is built on three pillars:
​

1. Trust: Your dog needs to trust you as their leader and guide.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding good behavior encourages its repetition.
3. Consistency: Regular practice and consistent rules are essential for success.

Think of this foundation as the roots of a tree. The stronger the roots, the more stable and resilient the tree will be, even in stormy weather. A well-trained dog will stay focused and obedient in tough situations.

​Techniques for Improving Focus and Obedience

Now, let's explore some techniques to improve your dog's focus and obedience:

The "Watch Me" Command

This simple yet powerful command is the cornerstone of focus training. Here's how to teach it:

• Hold a treat close to your face, between your eyes.
• Say "Watch me" in a clear, upbeat voice.
• When your dog makes eye contact, immediately say "Yes!" and give them the treat.
• Gradually increase the duration of eye contact before rewarding.

With practice, your dog will learn to look at you on command, even without a visible treat. This skill is invaluable for regaining your dog's attention in distracting situations.

The "Leave It" Command

"Leave it" teaches your dog to ignore distractions and focus on you instead. Here's a basic method:

• Place a low-value treat on the floor and cover it with your hand.
• When your dog loses interest in your hand, say "Yes!" and reward them with a high-value treat from your other hand.
• Gradually make it more challenging by uncovering the treat on the floor.
• Add the verbal cue "Leave it" before your dog approaches the treat.

This command can save your dog's life. It can stop them from picking up something harmful or chasing distractions.

Impulse Control Exercises

Impulse control is crucial for obedience. One effective exercise is "Wait at the Door":

• As you approach a door with your dog, stop and ask them to sit.
• Begin to open the door. If your dog moves, quickly close it.
• Repeat until you can fully open the door with your dog remaining in a sit.
• Release your dog with a command like "Okay" or "Free."

This exercise teaches your dog to control their impulses and look to you for permission.

Distraction Training

Gradually exposing your dog to distractions while practicing obedience is key. Start in a low-distraction environment and slowly increase the challenge. For instance:

• Begin practicing basic commands like "Sit" and "Stay" in your quiet living room.
• Move to your backyard where there might be more sounds and smells.
• Progress to a quiet park, then a busier one.
• Eventually, practice in high-distraction environments like pet stores or outdoor markets.

Remember, it's okay to take steps back if your dog struggles. The goal is to set them up for success.

The Power of Play

Never underestimate the power of play in training. Games like tug-of-war or fetch can be excellent tools for teaching focus and obedience. Use these games to reinforce commands:

• During a game of tug, periodically ask your dog to "Drop it."
• In fetch, ask for a "Sit" or "Stay" before throwing the ball.
• Use a toy as a reward for maintaining focus during training sessions.

​By adding commands to playtime, you're making obedience fun for your dog.

​Consistency is Key

Remember the story of Charlie, our distracted Australian Shepherd? The Petersons diligently applied these techniques, but the real game-changer was their consistency. They practiced daily. They involved the whole family in training. They remained patient, even when progress was slow.
​
After a few weeks, Charlie started showing remarkable improvement. He could maintain focus during walks, even when squirrels crossed their path. The Petersons were thrilled to have a dog they could confidently take anywhere.

Final Thoughts

Training a focused and obedient dog is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, consistency, and a positive attitude. There will be setbacks and frustrations. But, remember, every small step forward is progress.

Think of it like tending a garden. You plant the seeds (training techniques). You water them (practice). You protect them from weeds (addressing unwanted behaviors). With time and care, your efforts will grow a well-behaved dog.

At Clever Canine Dog Training, we believe every dog has the potential to be focused and obedient. As trainers, it's our job. As pet parents, it's yours. We must unlock that potential through positive, consistent training.

Remember, a focused and obedient dog is a happier dog. They're more relaxed, confident, and in tune with their human family. So, start using these techniques today. Your bond with your furry friend will grow stronger with each training session.

Happy training!

Mandy Majchrzak
Owner and Head Trainer
​Clever Canine Dog Training