If you have FOCUS nothing else matters....
.... if your relationship with your dog is them going to parks everyday and running around with dogs, if there main source of fun comes from other stimulus, more then from you, don’t be surprised if you’re struggling to train the basics and get your dog to listen to you.
From the get go, I teach my dogs, that in order to get what they want, they must first acknowledge me.
If it’s their dinner, they sit and wait, unforced eye contact then they get their dinner.
If it’s a lead walk, they sit at the door and wait and it’s the unforced eye contact that activates the walk.
If it’s throwing a ball, playing tug of war, being released from their bed, the fun does not come, until I get unforced eye contact.
You will be amazed, how quickly your relationship changes when the dog learns, all fun, begins with simply acknowledgement of the handler.
You will also find that your dog actually wants to be with you more then what’s going on in the environment, you will find your dog, now begins to see you, as the most important person in their life.
Hot Chocolate, said “it started with a kiss”
Southend Dog Training, says “it started with a LOOK” 😂