How to get my service dog to focus and stay calm after an alert?

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, there are things that you can do. I recommend treats. It all comes down to positive reinforcement. Puppies love treats so you just need to make sure you associate these commands with positive things such as treats to distract him. It will require persistence and consistency so stay there, you are doing well. Puppies just require some time while they learn but he will get there. Good luck and have a good evening!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Almost any behavior can be resolved with training and behavior modification. I would highly recommend you consider contacting a local dog trainer who can work with you in person as that is needed. This should work but it will take time and persistence and of course a professional working with you both. Best of luck!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like Nero may have a negative association with being inside. I recommend trying to train him inside with very tasty and rewarding treats, such as cooked chicken or ground turkey. Oftentimes dogs want a treat that is tastier than their plain kibble or even a plain dog treat. He may be more willing to listen to commands inside if he knows he will get a special reward. I hope this is helpful!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is not that the other dogs are influencing Oscar. It is just that they cause just enough excitement or anxiety (or both) for him to forget his training and to get to more of a “fight or flight” stage. A little anti-anxiety medication or slower introduction to your sisters dogs when you visit may help. A vibrating collar to get his attention and then a command (come, sit, etc) with a treat can help refocus his attention and calm his emotions.

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! When it comes to dog behavior modification it is all about positive reinforcement and most importantly a lot of patience, persistent and cosistency. I would encourage you to start giving the treats at a later time so that she can bark and not affect your neighbors. Now, what you are going to do is that you let her go until she stops to your command for her to calm down. When she finally does you praise her and give her the treat. Sooner or later she will associate staying quiet with something positive. It just takes some time. Once she learns then you may be able to go back to the morning routine. Good luck and have a nice day!

Finding a high-value treat that your dogs enjoy can help increase focus. Most trainers will use freeze-dried liver or bits of chicken or hot dog as most dogs really enjoy those. Practicing focus with a long-leash of 20-30 feet can also help you "reel in" Orion when he becomes too distracted during training. Be sure to reward whenever he pays attention to you. Teaching something such as "Focus" or "Look at Me" (YouTube has lots of tutorials on these) can also help give you a way to direct your dog's attention back to you.

Use plenty of positive reinforcement. Reward only good behaviors, correct negative behavior immediately. A head harness such as the Gentle Leader or Halti can be used to prevent pulling and to quickly correct negative behavior. To ignore distracts, she will have to be acclimated and desensitized to each one gradually. Expose her to one distraction for ever increasing periods of time until it no longer bothers her. Use praise and rewards as she progresses. Be firm and be consistent, above all, be patient.