The 3d'S
Now that our dogs have learned some of the basics, let's learn how we advance these awesome skills!
The 3Ds are DISTANCE, DURATION, and DISTRACTIONS.
Here's a common scenario: You teach your dog a cute trick at home. He does it for you during training sessions in your living room every night. You can't wait to show your friends when you go to the BBQ next weekend!
The time to show off your pup's fancy new trick comes and as you enthusiastically call out the command in front of all of your friends at the party...and your dog looks at you like he's never heard the command before in his life.
The problem with training is that dogs don't generalize very well.
So that trick they do at home (when there aren't any distractions and it's just you and your dog) doesn't translate well the first time you try to ask for that behavior in a new environment with lots of distractions.
It takes lots and lots of repetitions practicing the skill for different periods of time, in different environments, and with all kinds of distractions before the dog can truly grasp that the concepts we are teaching apply ALWAYS, EVERYWHERE, and NO MATTER WHAT.
Think Dr. Suess!
In a boat with a goat...
In a house with a mouse...
In a train in the rain...
In a car...
In a tree...
Here,
There,
EVERYWHERE!
​
Meaning, make sure to practice in all kinds of environments (like the front yard, the backyard, the vet, parking lots, stores, etc.) with all kinds of distractions!
DISTANCE,
Once we've taught our dog the basic idea of the skill, we will want to make sure they understand the skill without needing the picture of us being right in front of or next to them. Gradually increase the distance you can be from your dog while they are doing a command, and how far away you can be when you ask them!
DURATION,
It's also important to build up duration in your cues. That can look different for every dog, but it should fit your goals and expectations of how you'd like to live with your dog. Generally, we want our dogs to be able to hold Sits and Downs for at least 3 minutes and hold Place for up to 10. Your goal may be slightly different - and that's okay! The most important thing to remember when working on duration is to start gradually and build your way up. You may start building duration in a behavior by starting at 30 seconds, then releasing your dog. At the next training session, increase the time slightly - until you reach your goal!
DISTRACTIONS
Distractions are anything that may cause your dog to lose focus. Sometimes, things we don't anticipate as being a distraction can actually distract your dog. It is super important to practice here, there, EVERYWHERE! Parks and parking lots are perfect places to find distractions. The key to success is finding the distance you can be from the distraction where your dog notices it - but can still be successful in responding to his cues. Gradually increase the intensity of the distraction as your dog gets better and better at coping with its presence.