In this article you will learn three of the top secrets that dog trainers use for how to get your dog to focus on you outside.
Do you ever feel like your dog can't even see you on the other end of the leash once you leave the house? Does it feel like your dog is just blowing you off for anything else that could be more exciting?
In this post, you'll learn how to get your dog to want to pay attention with three different methods.
How to Get Your Dog to Focus On You Outside
One of the first things you'll need to do to start earning your dog's focus is to take responsibility to be the leader while you're outside. It is your responsibility (as the one with thumbs) to set the tone for what it means to go outside with your dog.
When you and your dog are outside together, it should be engaging for both of you and spending any time together should be fun for both of you. Similarly, there should be a respect for your leadership, so the dog doesn't pull and comes back when called.
The way to do this? YOU should be the most rewarding thing for your dog.
How to get your dog to focus on you while walking
The first thing to do to start capturing your dog's attention is to start your dog's walk the way that you want the walk to go. This means having your dog to check in with you before leaving the house.
Without prompting your dog, stand in front of them so they give you space. Once your dog gives you eye contact, open the door calmly and walk out first.
If your dog immediately tries to bolt out the door, stop and start over. You can also try practicing this several times so the door becomes less charged and more neutralized.
Practice being calm coming in and out of the door. When in doubt, stop, breathe, and start over. The calmer you are, the calmer your dog will be.
How to teach your dog to sit beside you
In order to get a dog to sit beside you, you'll first want to make sure they can sit in front of you.
Related: Teaching a Dog to Sit So They Actually Listen the First Time.
Once you're sure your dog knows how to sit in front of you, then lure them into a position next to you and ask them to sit. You can do this using a treat, or use the leash to keep them next to you while you ask them to sit.
Reward your dog for holding the sit command.
You can also use your space to help them find the spot they're supposed to be in.
How to Teach a Dog a "Look" Command
The easiest way to do this is to give your dog the command "Dog's name, Look!" and then reward with praise or a treat when your dog makes eye contact with you.
If your dog is struggling to make eye contact with you, hold the treats behind your back so they don't watch your hand or the treats.
How to get a Hyper Dog to Focus
If your dog is overly hyper, move them to a space where they won't be as hyper to gain control of the situation. Then practice moving them into more distracting spaces calmly.
If at any point your dog becomes to elevated, bring them back to an easier level.
Then, use treats or praise to help your dog understand what is required of them. Using a sit command works well here (if your dog knows sit well).
My dog is distracted by everything
Three tips for getting your dog to focus on you outside
#1: Back Up
Let your dog go out to the end of a 4-6 foot leash. When they do, immediately start backing up and give a little tug on the leash. When your dog looks at you say "yes" and drop a treat or give praise. Then, turn and start walking out the other direction with your dog behind you.
If you do this every time your dog hits the end of the leash, they will eventually be walking right beside you because you are providing more value than their environment is.
The key to this exercise is persistency. You may get dizzy, you may feel like it's not working fast enough. That just means your dog really needs this exercise and to build more connection with you.
When in doubt, take a break and start over. If it's not going well, move to a less distracting environment.
#2 Go Back Inside
Perhaps, if your dog can't focus outside, it's because they can't focus inside either. If your dog is struggling outside, go back and check to make sure your dog can focus on you inside.
Teaching a dog to focus is like a video game. You start your dog at level one, (inside the house) and if your dog can't focus inside the house, you don't get to go onto level 2 (which might be at the doorway).
Level three might be on the porch, and level four might be at the end of the driveway. If your dog struggles without being successful at any of those levels, it's because you didn't pass the level before.
How to get a dog to listen when distracted
#3 Stop and Wait for Connection
If it feels like your dog is focusing on anything but you, consider how you started the walk.
Before opening the door, or letting your dog out of the car, wait for eye contact. Don't ask for eye contact, wait. It is much more powerful for your dog to do this on their own rather than to be told what to do.
While you're out on your walk, you can try this technique again. Stop moving your feet and wait for your dog to notice you before continuing the walk. You may ask for a sit to help the dog focus their energy, but wait for eye contact before moving forward with the walk.
If your dog is out of control, get to a place where you are far enough away from distractions, other dogs, people or cars so that you can get control of your dog. This might be in the driveway or even in the house. Then ask your dog for a sit, or play the Focus Game
#4 Play the Focus Game
The Focus Game is the perfect game for any dog who loves treats and using their nose. It can be played anywhere and can always be made harder to match your dog's training level.
This game helps build your dog's tolerance for distractions and helps to teach them to be laser focused on you.
Learn how to play both levels in the free download below!
The Focus Game : Dog Training Focus Exercise
