This rottweiler wants to go play in the pool—really badly! There is no fence and no leash, but he still controls himself. He stares at his dog sitter, listens carefully, maintains focus, and waits for consent.
This dog isn’t magical. He didn’t start his life with these skills. This focus on permission has to be tought, practiced, and reinforced. But how do you teach your dog to focus on you instead of acting on their urges?
Games like the Airplane Training Guide establish a foundation of focus in a controlled environment. Start by making sure your dog can follow a command with no distractions. Then practice the command in a setting where people are interacting with one another, eating, and talking. Then, practice the command outside in the yard, starting with minor distractions and working your way up to more significant ones.
This is a completely positive training technique that requires no negative feedback, making it a fun and rewarding experience for you and your furry friend.
