Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help me with tips to make walking Finn fun again...When I go out of the door Finn starts looking for cats or other creatures to chase away. He starts with barking when I open the door, just to let something or someone know he is on his way. I tried to stand still and want attention from him. That worked, but not anymore. When I do this he just looks up while he knows I want his attention. As soon as I have it, he gets his treat. But as soon as he has got it he starts looking again. Now a standstill doesn’t work in my opinion. He knows he is doing this and that I don’t like it. It doesn’t seem to bother him anymore. When my OH is walking him he starts barking and keeps on barking....When we are at obedience class he is a top model.....not interested in other dogs ....
Hi @Anne123 you could try an extension of 'door manners' so if Finn barks as you get outside just turn around and go back indoors. Wait a few minutes and try again. If he barks, turn around and go back indoors. Once he has decided that remaining quiet gets him his walk you can work on improving attention. Rather than stopping and asking for his attention and rewarding become unpredicatable - turn around and walk the opposite way, turn through 90 degrees I give a prompt of 'this way' to change direction and turn. Another fun exercise is to spell out words, names etc working to keep Finn beside you with a loose lead. They soon learn that they have to keep a focus on you because they don't what you are going to do next - which is kind of fun .
Keir has very much the ‘I’ve got the treat - now back to what I was doing’ mindset. Sounds a bit like Finn. I use lots of silly voices to get and keep his attention. I’ve stopped using the lure and have started treating him when I catch him being good and walking in the correct position. I have a toy squeaker in my pocket to use (very occasionally) to get his attention too. I find walking really quickly helps too - he’s a big pup with long legs and appreciates a decent pace.
