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I mentioned Auto check -in an earlier post. I use this for all my dogs that I train. Here is more specific steps. I would start in the house before doing anything outside.
When teaching the dog to check-in, be sure that it is voluntary, not prompted by calling the dog’s name or making a noise to attract his attention. You can do this anywhere, anytime – sitting on the steps to your house, while watching TV, in the backyard, the bathroom, the kitchen, anywhere. Reinforce all unprompted check-ins . The goal for the dog: when faced with a choice, to voluntarily check-in with the handler without prompting, roughly every 5-7 seconds.
• Stand (or sit) quietly with neutral expression and body posture, though attentive to the dog.• No tension on leash. Leash tension not only increases arousal but also provides dog with information as to the handlers location; without this, the dog must remain attentive to and track the handler in new ways.
• Give the dog a small area (roughly that allowed by perhaps 2-3’ of lead).
• Stand and wait for the dog to turn back to the handler. Be patient! Several minutes may pass. Resist the urge to call the dog.
• When dog voluntarily seeks eye contact with the handler, the hander becomes very excited and animated while providing generous & prolonged reinforcement. 1 treat per second (have them already counted out in your hand.• Deliver each treat with a short, upbeat phrase – i.e., “What a great dog!” “Thanks for checking in”. “You are incredible”. Etc.
• Once the reinforcement has been given, the dog is free to resume look back at whatever was of interest.
Then the cycle begins again, with the dog checking in at 5-7 seconds. If dog fails to check in then you move to greater distance, or lower the intensity of the distractions Very rapidly, dogs learn that it is highly beneficial on a number of levels to check-in with their handler.
It is not simply the food reward that makes this so powerful for the dog, though food rewards certainly help. What the dogs apparently find deeply reinforcing is the social contact with the handler, so that verbal praise, a smile, touch – all these become valuable reinforcers even in the complete absence of food rewards. Use a variety of reinforcers but especially interaction and gentle, pleasant physical contact.