Positive Distraction Techniques

Dog to dog manners is something many owners struggle with. A certain level of dog-dog conflict is a normal part of being a dog. Keeping the peace and preventing issues is the job of every dog owner. Just like kids on the playground, dogs need guidance and boundaries- they need leaders to guide them and help them make the right choices. It's all in the owner!

Why talk about positive distraction? It is a a technique I use to change your dogs association to certain things...take for example, a passing dog.

Many dogs simply need a positive distraction to keep their focus on an enjoyable walk. Guide your dog through the distraction by using positive, upbeat, reinforcement. USE YOUR HAPPY VOICE, and say "come on, let’s go...lets go...come on". Bring a few treats with you for when you pass by another dog and lure your dog through the interaction with a treat baited at his nose. Offer the treat when the pass is completed successfully.

Take control and assert your leadership! Build that relation to let your dog know that he can trust you for guidance. If you are authoritative and offer clear commands, you can control your dog. When passing by a dog- know your dogs thresholds. If he can only tolerate a dog at a 15 foot distance- respect that until you work with a trainer to decrease his threshold. If it requires going to the other side of the street- do just that. Dog thresholds can change- pups grow more tolerant, un-socialized dogs can become more dog tolerant with proper introductions and positive exposures, dogs learn to tolerate children...etc.

Use positive distraction such as a treat right near his nose to focus his attention on something you know he loves!