June 30th, 2010
My Golden Retriever, the Divine Miss Allie, isn’t always so divine when we go for walks. Specifically, she’s quick to engage in what sounds to me as though she’s trash-talking other dogs. Let me explain.
All can be well while Allie and I are strolling around our neighborhood. But if another dog enters the picture and dares to bark at her just once, Allie will bark back—not once, not twice, but repeatedly, and otherwise get herself all worked up at what she apparently perceives to be the other dog’s effrontery in daring to speak to her (yes, I know I’m anthropomorphizing—but that’s really how she sounds to me). Dealing with this behavior has been a challenge, to say the least.
Fortunately, a little over a year ago, I attended a seminar at which the featured speaker was the wonderful, writes-like-a-goddess animal behaviorist, Patricia McConnell. She suggested teaching dogs like Allie a cue called “Watch”—or more specifically, “Watch Me.”
To learn this cue, your dog should already respond reliably to her name. To teach the cue, do the following:
- Leash your dog, and put both a clicker and treats into your pocket.
- Head out on your walk, and at a completely random moment, call your dog’s name. When she turns around to look at you, say “Watch me!” At the same time, hold up the treat and lure her into a sit while she’s facing you. When she sits, click (or say, “Yes!” if you’re not using a clicker) and treat.
- Keep practicing this cue while you’re out on walks, but don’t use it when other dogs are around until your own dog is responding very reliably. In the meantime, if you do see other dogs, turn around and walk the other way, or do something else to make sure your dog doesn’t see the other.
- When you’re absolutely sure your dog has mastered this cue, try it when you see another dog. Have your treats ready and when the other dog comes into view, give your dog the cue, and treat when she responds. Keep treating until the other dog has passed.
Be sure to bring treats with you every time you take your dog for a walk, and be consistent about using this cue every time you see another dog. With time, patience, and consistency, your dog is likely to associate the sight of another canine with scoring a goodie from you. That’s happened with Allie and me: these days, if she sees another dog (including the really nasty, snarly, fence-running dog a block away from us), Allie immediately looks at me and sits, as though she’s saying “Okay, the other dog’s out there. Time for my treat.” Frankly, I’d much rather have her ask me for goodies than engage in a barking frenzy with the other pooch. It’s a win-win situation all around: she gets treats, and I get a peaceful, stress-free stroll with her. What’s not to like?
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2 Responses to “Teach Your Dog to Watch You”
Susan McCullough has been a professional writer for 30-plus years, but didn't start focusing on dogs until 1996, when an overzealous Sheltie attacked and shredded a message that had been faxed to Susan's office. Instead of merely telling the sender "My dog ate your fax," Susan decided to see seek expert advice about how to share an office with one's animal companion. She turned that advice into an article for a national pet magazine, and she's been writing about dog behavior and care ever since.
I read your post and bought treats last night, so I’m ready to start this training with my “snarling beast.” His name is Jeet. He’s about 9 years old and the sight of another dog, even blocks away, sends him into a frenzy. At least he has good vision!! Thanks. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Please do. It’s really, really helped with my dog!