Q: How can I keep my dog’s attention during training?
A: First, we need to establish why your dog is unable to sustain longer periods of concentration, and change the contextual training details, so that he can.
Here are some tips to consider:
- Are your criteria for what constitutes a short or long concentration span realistic for your dog at this time in this specific place?
- The environment Start training sessions in a low-stimulation environment – an area your dog is familiar with, and where he is relaxed. Slowly increase distraction in line with how well your dog copes with the increased stimulation. (Distractions would be, for example, new smells, sounds, activity, people and dogs). If you have recently changed the area of training, it may be too exciting for your dog. Some dogs require a more gradual customisation to a new area.
- Consider your dog’s emotional state Is your dog feeling safe in the environment where you are training? He may be afraid of something in close proximity. If so, increase the distance from the perceived threat, or change the location. You can work towards returning to the original area by counter-conditioning the dog to whatever he was initially afraid of. Never underestimate the impact stress and anxiety can have on a dog’s behaviour and health.
- Consider the age of your dog Puppies have a very short attention span, so keep training sessions short and fun. Always end a training session before your dog gets tired. Less is always more.
- Consider health aspects and life comforts Pain and/or discomfort will reduce attention span. Similarly, check the conditions in which you are training. If your dog is too hot, too cold or thirsty, he will be distracted and unable to concentrate.
- Training mechanics and criteria If training sessions are too hard, the dog may become frustrated, confused, or give up. Lower the criteria – training should ultimately be a ‘fun game’ for both you and your dog.
- Motivator Once you’ve made sure your dog is feeling emotionally safe, make sure the positive reinforcement (usually a food reward) is of a higher value than that which the environment is offering.
- Rate of reinforcement Depending on the level of environmental distractions, you may need to up the reinforcement level drastically, for example, don’t wait as long before rewarding.
Finally, remember that dogs are learning all the time. Training sessions do not always need to be formal or set up to achieve results. You have hundreds of training opportunities throughout the day, by merely observing good behaviours and immediately rewarding.
