Paying attention

Attention: you know you want it from your dog, but how do you get it? I think that it is the most important thing for a dog to know. If your dog doesn't look at you, you'll find yourself having difficulty with everything from walking to general training. Most people find themselves having difficulty when distractions are around. That's normal. You always want to start new skills with the LEAST amount of distractions and then choose harder settings. Practice under scenarios that your dog will be in contact with. Practice attention games in the house, then in the yard, out on a walk, when another dog is approaching on a walk, in a classroom, when the doorbell rings, on a camping trip, etc. Know how your dog is going to be a part of your life and train for it!