Improving your dog’s focus is also known as teaching impulse control. Impulse control in dogs is the ability to resist sudden urges and impulses, such as jumping up on people. Dogs don’t have innate good manners, they need to be taught. Just like any other behavior, you can improve your dog’s impulse control through training & consistency.

Training your dog to pay attention to commands or not chase animals will make every aspect of your relationship easier – from greeting new people to taking a daily walk. Here are some easy steps that should put you and your dog on the road to a more focused life!

  • Use Their Name: Many dog owners use their dog’s name whether wither praising or scolding their pet. One way to begin to train your dog to focus is to associate their name with a positive experience. Start by preparing some special treats for your dog. USe a truly special food, like little pieces of steak or chicken. Leash your dog and have him sit in front of you. Say your dog’s name in a calm, friendly, happy tone of voice. When your dog looks at you, give him verbal praise and a treat. (If you use a clicker to train your dog, you can use a click instead of verbal praise.) You should be able to practice several times before your dog gets bored. When he does tire of the activity, take a break.
  • Get Their Attention: The next step to improve your dog’s focus is to say your dog’s name in the same pleasant tone of voice, but when he is otherwise engaged. When he turns and looks at you, give him verbal praise (or a click) and a treat. As a next step, you can put a leash on your dog but step on it to keep him in place. Don’t say anything but wait for him to look at your face. When he does, say his name happily and give him a treat. This will teach your dog to look at you -and to you – more often. Once your dog has mastered this behavior, praise him verbally but make him wait longer periods of time before he earns the treat.Still stepping on the leash to keep your dog close to you, hold the treat in your hand next to your eyes. Say “Watch me” and wait for eye contact. When the dog makes eye contact, praise him and give him the treat. Eventually, move down the leash so you are several feet away and repeat the exercise. If the dog looks away, walk in the opposite direction (gently) with him still on the leash. When he follows and makes eye contact, praise and reward him.
  • Increase the Difficulty:  Gradually move up to walking with your dog and practice saying his name, or saying “watch me” and rewarding his correct response. Then you can add distractions such as children, balls or other dogs. When approaching the distraction, say his name in the positive way which he has become accustomed, and when he successfully suppresses his impulse, reward him with a treat. When your dog is able to keep his focus the majority of the time, begin to only give treats sporadically.

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With consistency and patience, you should see a positive change in behavior in a relatively short period of time. Whatever level of training which you require, call the experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training for help and guidance.