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Timing is critical and needs
teaching as a stand-alone
exercise at home without
distractions, then continued
in areas with more going on.
Engagement is next (I need
your attention now), as you
should now be able to clearly
reward for correct response.
Keeshonds are particularly
good at this one but the
wrong way around!
For this I use the word
“LOOK” and reward when
attention is on me. The
secret with this one is not to
set them up to fail initially,
Mali and Hamley teaching their young ‘would as in trying to get it to work
be’ trainer how to get their attention. These when the hunt is on for rabbit
two are so gentle and patient when children droppings in the grass!
are involved.

Start the training at home with less distractions and use whatever you
know will give an instant reaction (e.g. a rattle of a crisp packet!).
Pair with your word and
reward for attention to you
but not with the crisps - this
again is where timing is
critical.
Once again, do not try in
areas with distractions until
attention, when you ask for
it, is firmly established.
P.S. once mine have learnt
“Look” I back this up with a
hand signal.
It does work.
Hamley and Mali showing a double recall on a
I recently helped someone windy day.
with a rescue spaniel that was
jumping in ponds and lakes chasing water fowl. Being a gun dog, attention
was trained to whistle blast signal; a double for recall. Within two weeks
she froze and looked back at her owner at the sound of that whistle and
then came back for her food reward leaving the ducks in peace.
All positive, reward based training, helped by your dog also understanding
and wanting to give you attention wherever you are.

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