Step Outside Routine – Mix it Up!

Does this sound familiar?

You’re attending group classes and are committed to practicing with your dog during the week. You schedule time after work to go in your backyard and run through the skills. However, your dog knows the drill. He sits on place, waits, comes, heels… You don’t have to cajole, you don’t have to ask twice, heck! you don’t need the leash! He’s the perfect dog! So why doesn’t this happen in class or out in public?

The answer is: your dog knows the routine.

Thinking outside the leash is more than simply being leash-free. It means having your dog’s attention at all times in all situations. This is a skill that’s learned just like sit, heel and come. And, just like any other skill, it has to be practiced. How do you do this? By stepping outside routine and mixing it up.

When we say mix it up, we mean mix it up. Here are some examples:

Mix up times. Step away from regulated practice times. Practice anytime anywhere. While you’re walking, before feeding time, as you go to and from the car… anytime your dog is with you.

Mix up commands. It’s easy to get into a pattern of commands. Place, come, sit. This is instrumental initially, but as your dog advances, it becomes rote. He’ll anticipate what you’re going to ask. So mix it up. Sometimes start with heel, sometimes start with place, sometimes start with come. Keep your dog guessing.

Mix up venues: Again, practice anywhere. The goal is to maintain your dog’s attention amidst distractions. There aren’t any in your backyard. Go find some! Go to a park, use a sidewalk, find a dog-friendly store. Dog parks are chock-full of distractions. Run your dog through their skills while you’re there.

Mix up toys: Toys are great but the goal is to make you the source of fun, not an inanimate object. Rotating toys keeps your dog’s attention on you regardless of what toy you pick up; any toy can be fun. For example, Tango knows Marvin is fun. This allows Marvin to use a Frisbee, a ball, a stick, or whatever’s at hand to play with her. Tango never knows what the toy will be, which keeps her interest on Marvin and the game.

Mix up activities: Do you have a set route when you walk your dog? Do you go to the same dog park? Visit the same beach? Mix it up! Dogs like a change of scene. If you routinely walk your dog, try a dog park. If you’re an avid dog-parker, switch it up with a walk. If your dog enjoys swimming, go to a river instead of the beach. Stepping outside the norm gives them a reason to look to you for guidance. Exactly what you want!

Every relationship benefits from diversity and fun, including the one with your dog. Keep this in mind as you incorporate their training. Think outside the leash!

Have suggestions on how to mix it up? Share them in the comments section. We want to hear your ideas! If you need help or want more suggestions, call us: 425.405.5748 or 253.642.6748.