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How Do We Introduce Distractions to Training?
When working with clients, it’s very common for me to hear them say that the dog is being “stubborn” and not listening to the person’s cues even though “they know those behaviors!” In many cases, the dog simply has not learned how to respond to a cue in a specific context.
When we first introduce a new behavior, it makes sense to work in a low-distraction environment so it’s easy for the dog to focus on the training and achieve success. But once they’ve learned the behavior and are responding to a cue that’s been attached to that behavior, many newbie pet parents think their job is done, only to be surprised when the behavior falls apart in new situations.
This was the case with Brian and his dog, Larry. To help Brian create an easier path to success around increasing distractions, here are some tips I shared:
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When Larry does well responding to a cue in one environment, simply shift to a slightly new, but still low-distraction, environment to practice, moving from one room to the next in the home.
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Then manufacture small distractions to add to training sessions in a controlled way. For instance, a toy or some food sits on a nearby table; another person walks by; the TV emits interesting sights and sounds; someone creates food-prep sounds in the kitchen, etc. I encouraged Brian to get creative as he introduced new distractions in small steps.
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Then shift to quiet spaces outside the house – garage, porch, yard – where new scents and sights add distracting elements without being overwhelming. Once Larry does well responding to cues in those new settings, other manufactured distractions can gradually be folded in.
As training sessions expand to new locations where you can’t control every distraction that comes your way, what have you found that works to keep your dog focused?
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2 Replies
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Such a great topic! Yes, I run in to this often. Even in day training, I have to remind myself sometimes when the client isn’t around: generalize to other rooms, NORMAL daily distractions and then outside quiet spaces.
I like to run the sink, grab a paper towel, move something on the counter…I mark and reward it all. I tell clients, what do you NORMALLY do in this space? It’s great to brainstorm a list.
I’ll try to dig up a video of possible…
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@bernerlabreclectus , this advice is pure gold, telling clients to mock up what they’d normally do in a specific space. Thank you for sharing!
😍
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