Level 3Experienced
My dog gets distracted: how to regain his attention at a show
The answer
At home, he follows you everywhere. At a show, a smell on the ground, a dog walking past and a bag of treats are enough to make him forget your plan!
A lively environment makes concentration harder. Attention is worked on gradually, like any other learning. Here are nine tips to prepare your next run. [1, 3]
Beginner — Making him want to stay connected
1. Start away from the bustle
For the first sessions, choose a quiet room with few distractions. Reward an easy response before trying the same exercise elsewhere. [4]
Your first challenge: get a few moments of attention in the living room, before asking for them at the ringside.
2. Reward his spontaneous glances
During a short session, watch your dog without calling him. As soon as he turns to you, reward him straight away. He discovers that checking in with you is worth it! [1]
Try this: keep a few small treats within reach to catch these moments.
3. Teach him what his name means
In a quiet place, say his name and reward him as soon as he looks at you. If he doesn't respond, avoid repeating “Oslo, Oslo, Oslo…”. Go back to an easier situation. [1, 2]
The idea: his name becomes an invitation to pay attention to you, rather than background noise.
Intermediate — Resisting small distractions
1. Add only one difficulty at a time
Start with a light, distant distraction: a person standing still or a toy on the ground. If you increase the distraction, keep the exercise short and stay close to your dog. [3]
Example: ask for a short stand with a person in the distance, before trying with someone walking close by.
2. Choose a reward he likes
Some dogs prefer a treat; others a toy or an interaction. Find what motivates yours, without getting him overexcited. Use small portions suited to his diet. [3, 4]
The useful detail: a reward he loves at home may become less interesting amid the smells and movement.
3. Go back to basics in each new place
Move from the living room to a familiar outdoor spot, then to a somewhat busier place. In a new place, reward very simple responses again. [1]
Your benchmark: if he struggles to succeed, reduce the difficulty before lengthening the session.
Advanced — Building the attention that's useful in the ring
The following three exercises adapt the principles of progressive learning to show presentation.
1. Prepare a short starting routine
In training, link together getting his attention, a few steps and a brief stand. Reward, then give a break. Build each step before asking for the full sequence. [2, 4]
The aim: make the start familiar, with clear, easy-to-follow requests.
2. Train the return to attention
With a light, controlled distraction, let your dog watch, then use your attention cue that he has already learned. Reward when he comes back to you. If he can't manage it, move the distraction away or simplify the exercise. [1, 3]
The progress to look for: regaining contact after looking elsewhere.
3. Rehearse a mini-run with a stand-in
Ask someone to play the judge: at first they stay at a distance during a short, familiar sequence. Then add their approach, when the exercise stays easy. End on a success and take a break. [3, 4]
Beware of piling things up: a person approaching, a longer wait and a new place already add up to three difficulties.
The little success to celebrate: a dog who finds the thread of your presentation more easily. A few seconds done well make a good foundation for what follows!