Name Game
The most basic, but most used skill! Name Game!
Most of the time we take it for granted that our dogs know their name. But their name is more than just what we call them. Name Game teaches the dog their name is a cue! It means: Pay attention! Here comes more information!
Why is Name Game so Foundational?
When we communicate with another human, especially when we are giving someone instruction or asking them to do something for us we make sure to have their attention before speaking. How effective is it to ask someone for a favor when their back is to you? Now think of being in the middle of a busy noisy mall. Wouldn’t you make sure you had your friend’s attention before telling her where you’re going next? Of course! It’s natural. Yet often we cue our dogs before they are ready to take in instruction.
Our dogs are processing much more information than we are. Even in low distraction locations, such as at home, they still hear and smell things we aren’t even aware of. To our dogs the world is one big, smelly, loud amusement park. So it’s important to make sure your dog is listening before you expect them to respond to any cues.
Teaching the Name Game
Name game teaches your dog to whip around and pay attention as soon as you say their name.
In a low distraction environment cheerfully say your dog’s name.
When your dog looks at you, click then treat!
Troubleshooting:
If your dog doesn’t look at you step closer to them. Usually they will look at you and you can click that look. Deliver your treat.
Change something on your next repetition.
Was the environment too distracting? Move to a less distracting area or simplify the environment in some way.
Stand closer to the dog.
Use a higher value reinforcer.
After two failures take a break and come back to your training later.
Once your dog is responding to their name four out of five times move to a more distracting environment.