[Day 06] The attention and reorientation signal - How to focus your dog on you

Basic obedience: Day 06 of 56

This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.

Have you ever experienced your dog suddenly staring at something, be it a bird, another dog or an exciting smell, and simply not listening to you? Don't worry, we've all been there! This is where the attention or reorientation signal comes into play. It's like a little "magic word" that helps your dog to break away from a distraction and focus on you again.

In this blog, we explain how to train the attention signal, why it is a super useful tool in everyday life and how it helps you to improve communication with your dog. 

Goal: Your dog learns to orientate itself towards you when you give the attention signal


Equipment: Treats, Leash and Collar if necessary


Location: At home, later outside


Duration: 5 min.



What is the attention and reorientation signal?

The attention or reorientation signal is a real all-rounder in dog training. It helps you to direct your dog's attention away from a distraction and towards you. In contrast to a classic stop signal, which interrupts the dog's behaviour, the attention signal is more of a "gentle reminder" to focus on you. It is particularly useful in everyday life when your dog is distracted - be it by other dogs, wildlife odours or interesting noises.


What happens psychologically?

From a psychological point of view, we are asking our dog to "reorientate". This means that he gives up his current occupation - be it visual, acoustic or olfactory - and actively chooses something new: you. Your dog learns through positive reinforcement that it is worth turning away from a distraction and looking towards you. This not only strengthens your communication, but also his self-control. Dogs that regularly train the reorientation signal often become more confident and calm in situations that previously distracted them.


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Why the attention signal is so important

The attention signal offers you and your dog many advantages in everyday life together. It is not only a gentle way to get your dog's attention, but also helps to defuse critical situations in advance. Especially in moments when the dog is very excited or distracted, a well-trained reorientation signal can work wonders.


Scientific background

Just like us humans, dogs learn through classical conditioning. By linking the signal with a positive consequence - such as a reward or praise - your dog will perform the signal quickly and willingly. Studies show that dogs respond particularly well to visual stimuli and positive reinforcement. It therefore makes sense to link the signal both acoustically and visually to give your dog clear orientation.


Summary

The attention or reorientation signal is a valuable tool that helps you and your dog to stay connected even in difficult situations. It not only encourages your dog to focus on you, but also strengthens your communication and your bond. With a well-trained attention signal, you can guide your dog safely through distractions and help him to focus his attention on you without overwhelming him.

Remember that training this signal takes time, patience and consistency. Start in a low-stimulus environment and slowly increase the distractions so that your dog is successful every step of the way. Always associate the signal with positive experiences so that your dog is happy to perform it. In the end, you will both benefit - you will have a dog that can orientate itself better and your dog will know that it can always rely on you, no matter what the situation.

By using the attention signal, you create clear and gentle communication that strengthens your dog's trust in you and makes him more confident in stressful moments. The signal will become an indispensable companion in everyday life, helping you to overcome challenges together.

This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.

The authors: Paulina & Lui

Paulina and Lui are the heart and soul behind Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Her journey in dog training began with the adoption of her first list dog, Vito. This experience sparked her deep interest in teaching other dog owners about dog behaviour and training. Initially this was just a hobby, but with the adoption of the American Pitbull Amalia, who had been relinquished several times due to severe behavioural problems, her passion developed into a true vocation. Amalia's particular behavioural challenges intensified her interest in dog training and behavioural therapy. This turning point led Paulina and Lui to leave their original career paths, undergo intensive further training and dedicate themselves entirely to the subject of dog training. Their work with human-dog teams also revealed a gap in the dog market: there was a lack of safe, high-quality dog accessories specifically for medium-sized and large breeds.

From this realisation, Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store] was born, a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for quality dog accessories. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experience, extensive knowledge and passion for dogs to every product to help human-dog teams live together.