OB430: Maintaining Engagement at Distance

Sample Lecture:

There are a number of reasons why our dogs struggle when we leave them in the obedience ring.  The vast majority of their reinforcement occurs when they are close to us.  So naturally that’s where they want to be.  When we leave our dogs, they feel pressure from the judge, the ring gates, and the environment.  It’s very uncomfortable.   In addition, they are taught not to look around.  This adds pressure to pressure.  Finally, most dogs have learned a focal point when they are working close to us.  When we turn our backs to them and walk away, they don’t really know exactly what to look at.  (Trust me on that, I spent a lot of time with other trainers trying to figure this out).   That causes confusion and anxiety.  Well trained dogs know they have to stay there.  That doesn’t mean they like it.  For many dogs, the stress causes them to freeze.  Other dogs “flee” by moving forward.  I used to teach my dogs that they just have to stay.  We would play “games” where we randomly released them to toys or food.  It worked to an extent.  But the truth is, my dogs never loved being out there.  I really wanted my dogs to be confident and comfortable when I left them.  I want them focused and engaged as I walk away, and responding confidently to my next cue.  Ultimately, I wanted my dogs to have a positive CER at a distance.  I found the best way to achieve that was through a combination of “offering” games, teaching pieces of the distance exercises as tricks and creating a focal point when our backs are to the dogs.  

Focal Point

Years ago, we thought our dogs were just “looking” at our backs.  That was their focal point.  After a lot of experimentation, I realized they weren’t. They weren’t.  When dogs are in front of us we make eye contact.  That’s very specific.  Humans do the same.  If we are having a conversation, you would look me in the eye.  If you break eye contact, you are looking at something else.  When that happens, you are no longer 100% focused on what I’m saying.  Same with our dogs.  When my back is to my dog, I now give them a specific target.  My hand.  That makes it very clear to the dog.  You shouldn’t be looking around.  You should be looking right here.