(Day #3) Ears Switched On?
Blimey! We’re flying through the challenge!
I am absolutely loving your videos and it’s amazing to see so many successes. The fun is far from over as we still have a couple of days left – and they’re good ones!
So, let me tell you what’s in store today – and why it’s so important for dogs that pull on the lead, ignore your recall cues or bark and lunge at other dogs.
Pulling, lunging and poor recall are never simply walking problems. They’re a lack of focus problem. A distraction problem. An excitement, fear or anxiety problem.
When you head out on a walk with your dog and the two of you are disconnected from one another, it will not only be impossible to fix the pulling, but you feel like an unwilling participant in whatever wild ride your dog embarks on today.
ABC is your super speedy ‘attention on me’ cue. Use it whenever you want your dog to come and check in with you.
But it can also be so much more! It is a communication tool – key to identifying and understanding where your dog’s ability to focus is right now. Are they able to respond to ABC? Because if they aren’t, then you know they’re not calm. You know that if anything more distracting pops up they’re likely to be gone with the wind! It provides an opportunity to step in, engage their attention and maintain safety for harmonious, enjoyable walks together.
Here’s what to do now:
- Watch the video and film yourself having a go with your own dog
- Share your videos with the hashtag #day3 #scentventure
- Join me live on Zoom at 7pm where I’m sharing one of the most important things you’ll ever learn as a dog owner – how to prevent pulling, barking and lunging before it happens.
The Dangerous Domino Effect: Why Every Reaction Matters
Time: Jan 15, 2025 07:00 PM London
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85318952436
Meeting ID: 853 1895 2436
Passcode: 222555
See you then!
ABC
Scentventure Compass Point: Partnership
If something has caught your dog’s attention, or they’re pulling on the lead, use ABC to reconnect with them and gain their focus.
Method
- Say the word ‘A’ out loud and with a smooth sweeping arm movement (the visual makes it easier for your dog to recognise even in a busy environment) place one treat down on the ground.
- Give your dog 10 seconds to respond. If they don’t look at you, you can say ‘B’ and put another treat down. Again, wait. They have the choice whether they are ready to engage and if needed you can say ‘C’ and put the third treat down.
- If your dog still hasn’t engaged with you, pick up all three pieces of food, take some time to observe what has caught their attention. Start again a little closer and in their line of sight, but if they’re still unable to respond, the environment is too distracting to train in. Speak to a Scentventure Guide for advice.
(ABC is also a great recall recharger if your current recall cue has become ineffective.)
Deb’s adaptation for deaf dogs: Nothing too different here. Arm straight up in the air as it’s a nice way to get attention from a distance, and the swooping down arm movement is easily seen as you place a treat on the ground.