To begin, ask your dog if he “wants to go to work”, tell him “good boy”, as you show him your lead, and lean back from him. This will help command his attention up and toward you, without focusing on putting on the lead.
We want to be sure not to give the impression that we’re assaulting him with the lead! Bend at the knees, keeping your back straight as you affix your lead to his collar, gently talking, but not physically touching any more than necessary.
Tell him he’s a good boy as you head out the door. As soon as you have cleared the area in front of your door, come to a halt. If your dog looks toward you, you’ll tell him he’s a good boy. Always, every time, no exceptions ever, no matter what, when, or where,: if your dog looks toward you, even a brief momentary glance out of the corner of his eye, that requires praise.
This rule will never vary. If he looks away, gently, in a conversational tone, tell him “no”, followed by “good”. Always, every time, no exceptions ever, no matter what, when, or where: Anytime we say “no”, we must always say “good” immediately thereafter.
This rule will never vary: any time you say “no” you must say “good” instantly, otherwise he’ll not figure out what we want. (Remember, we are using a system that allows your dog to think through the process of elimination.) If he looks toward you, tell him “good boy” again, and continue to repeat “good boy” intermittently until his attention drifts away.
As soon as his attention fades, once again say “no”, immediately followed once again by “good boy”.
Continue praising until his attention drifts once again. As soon as his attention becomes fixed elsewhere, say “no”, and again follow with praise.
Tags: labrador training