Dog and attention?

Question

What are some good attention exercises for a dog My German Shepher is 9 months old and is terrible at listening and watching.

Answer 1

You and your dog find a small space so there is not much room to run around. You and your dog are both on the floor, you lie down and rough house like another puppy would do.

Have a squeeky toy close but not in sight and every once in a while squeeze the squeeky, still out of sight, and just be still. He should perk up his ears and be looking around to see where the sound came from. After about 20 or 30 sec. squeeze the toy again. Now he is paying attention. Show him toy, squeeze it again and hide it behind you. and bring our your hands and show him you do not have it. Play back and forth in this maner, it will be fun for you and your dog.

Play some more and squeek toy.

The sit command is another good one but at first keep it short but do it several times a day. Don't make him wait too long for the praise he deserves for doing it right. Gradually increase the time of the sit command. Praise him for everything he does right.

He wants to please you more than anything in this world and he will soon learn when things are done right he gets his reward. When it isn't done right a stern deep voice, simular to his mama's growl, will tell him that he is doing wrong.

I have used a squeeky toy in my grooming business and you can get a dogs attention right away.

A breeder I know uses a thumb nail pinch in the dogs ear flap. Gets the dogs attention and will not harm the dog.

Use your imagination and the dogs behavior to let you know when you have his attention.

You can also start him on search exercises by hiding his toys while he watches you hide them. Then hide them when he is not in the room and let him in and ask him where his toy is. You will have refered to it as a toy, thingy, ball, or whatever so the dog will know what you want from him.

My 11 month old female german sheppard's favorit toy is a plastic bucket. I have replaced it several times but she has a ball with her bucket.

Sorry for misspelled words, 'check spelling' won't check it.

Answer 2

A good way to start getting your dog to focus on you is have your dog sit( to start in front of you is best) get a treat and let your dog know you have it but do not give it to your dog instead wait for him to look up at your face and when he does immediately give the treat. Repeat the exercise five times. You should practice this at least three times a day.You can also practice when giving water, food , play and going out. Each day you should add time to the amount of focus,for instance in the beginning you may only get a second or two but the next day silently count to five each day adding more seconds. Start this exercise in the beginning with no distraction and as he begins to focus better start adding distractions if he starts looking away you have added too much distraction go back a little until he wiill not look away. Also, at some point move the position from front to the heel position or at fuss. It takes quite a bit of time to get really good focus but once you get it it is awesome. If you have ever seen a really good Schutzhund Dog work you will know why.
EDIT:
The book lolasmom is talking about is: Steppin up to Success Book 1, Theory,Footwork, Handling, and Attention.There is a also book two and three. Another really good book is: Schutzhund Obedience: Training in Drive by Gottfreid Dildei & Sheila Booth. When and how to motivate. Puppy imprinting, handling, proofing and much more. AKC obedience competitors use this book.

Answer 3

Look for Terry Arnold's books on the web. I don't remember the name of the book, but it is the first one in the series of three. She has a very easy step by step program to train attention in dogs. I use the method with all my dogs......my dogs give me 100% of their attention even under heavy distraction.

One of the first steps you take in sitting you dog in heel position and hold a treat up by or between your eyes (yes, it looks really silly......do this where no else can see you....less distractions anyway.) First put the treat by the dog's nose and then slowly raise it up to your eyes,(ou need to add a verbal: focus, watch, at me, a cammand word much like sit) whatever the goal is to have the dog look you in the eyes, hopefully the dog is looking in your eyes, start counting at first go for a 5 count, before your dog breaks reward with the treat. Increase the count every time you practice, but be resonable don't try to work up to a half hour.....a 20 or 30 count usually is enough.. When (it will happen) you dog looks away give you verbal correct command and start over.

Answer 4

I'd buy the jerky treats and cut them into small pieces. Give a single small piece when your GS does pay attention to you.

If you are trying to train then give one small piece each time he/her does the right behavior.

Positive reinforcement is the best way with all dog training.

Answer 5

Here is a site with lots of information on positive training:
http://www.shirleychong.com/
Yahoo groups ag beh is a good source of training information and insight into dog behavior.

Answer 6

German Shephards need time outdoors. Take him for a nice long walk. It will improve both his and your own health and give him good exposure. Killing two birds with one stone.

Answer 7

Dog treats or bacon might do well.