Focus

[Bonniesmummy]

Asking this one for a friend so bear with me..

Storm (1yr old) is a very well socialised dog and is very friendly with other dogs/people however now that he is a bit older his owner would like to have his focus on her. For example, when I am out with Bonnie in the park say, if we are playing ball her focus will be completly on that ball, she may look at passers by or dogs but in the main does not react and will continue her 'game'. Storms mummy would like him to have the same kind of focus on something e.g. a ball, becasue if he see's another dog his focus is completly on that dog.

Some of her reading has led her to believe that she should now NOT let him play with other dogs in order to establish focus on her...... opinions and advice please guys?

How do you get the 'focus' ???

[lauraburns]

Bonnie obviously has high prey drive, hence she is focused on the ball. Ozzie hasn't got very high prey drive, therefore when we are out playing, if another dog walks by, he would rather go and say hi, and forget about his toy. He is getting a bit better with this, I now have a frisbee for him which he likes, and I only ever let him have it on walks, so he sees it as his special toy. But it took me ages to find something that he likes enough to keep his focus (most of the time!!).

I think it just a case of finding something that they treasure and keep it for those times, some dogs it might be food, others a toy!

[TiasDad]

A very good question Audrey but one I cant answer as I too would like a magic spell that works. I did see a video a few days ago that gave one option, which was to be unpredictable. While walking the pooch, randomly stop to give treats, that way, pups will always have an eye open for them. Not quite total focus but much better than the total "ignore Dad, I'm doing this" attitude that I'm getting at the moment

[gsdstewart]

..I would like the answer too...Sheba is not interested in balls...food......frisbee...still trying to find the right thing...??

[Bonniesmummy]

Cheers guys

Yip I'd like a magic wand too.... if you find one let me know

So do you think that it CAN be taught though by finding that one special thing that they will focus on?
And what do you think of the idea of NOT allowing to play with other dogs until focus is gained?

[Bonniesmummy]

I'm seeing then that this isn't an uncommon problem then? I never really thought about it before as Bonnie has just always been his way through no teaching from anyone.

[gloriab]

Originally Posted by Bonniesmummy

Cheers guys

Yip I'd like a magic wand too.... if you find one let me know

So do you think that it CAN be taught though by finding that one special thing that they will focus on?
And what do you think of the idea of NOT allowing to play with other dogs until focus is gained?

Personally, I wouldn't stop the socialising - I think it's very important.
But maybe also some quality one on one play and training - in a different environment.

xx

[Stuart]

Dogs will give their attention to what ever interests them the most,..this is why we have to make ourselves more interesting than anything else in order to get a good recall

Apply the same rule to this,.... at the moment other dogs are more important, so Storm is more interested in them than the ball or what his owner is doing

the more the dog is socialised with other dogs, the more other dogs become the normal,..and less interesting,..when other dogs become less interesting,...all of a sudden,...waheyyyyy a new ball........

[Bonniesmummy]

Originally Posted by Stuart

Dogs will give their attention to what ever interests them the most,..this is why we have to make ourselves more interesting than anything else in order to get a good recall

Apply the same rule to this,.... at the moment other dogs are more important, so Storm is more interested in them than the ball or what his owner is doing

the more the dog is socialised with other dogs, the more other dogs become the normal,..and less interesting,..when other dogs become less interesting,...all of a sudden,...waheyyyyy a new ball........

Stuart that is a very interesting reply, one I would never have thought of thank you.

Originally Posted by Stuart

Dogs will give their attention to what ever interests them the most,..this is why we have to make ourselves more interesting than anything else in order to get a good recall

Apply the same rule to this,.... at the moment other dogs are more important, so Storm is more interested in them than the ball or what his owner is doing

the more the dog is socialised with other dogs, the more other dogs become the normal,..and less interesting,..when other dogs become less interesting,...all of a sudden,...waheyyyyy a new ball........

Thanks Stuart I like this idea although do I go places where there are a variety of dogs and let him say hello and not play. As if he plays then surely I can't compete with how dogs play . Or am I hoping he will get bored of them and as you say he he a new ball. Oh and thanks Audrey for asking. xx