Helping Hounds Training Solutions

Most folks in the training community refer to a process called the "3 D's" for ensuring a dog knows how to maintain a command/behavior. These "3 D's" are known as Duration, Distance and Distractions. Essentially it teaches the dog that he needs to maintain and essentially "stay" in the command and have the impulse control regardless of how long (duration), how far away you are (distance), or what's happening around him (distractions)

However, I'm going to add a 4th "D" for my clients: "Daily Life". Sure, we can distract the dog with throwing toys, food, clapping, etc...but one thing I've been emphasizing with my clients over the years is to move and act as you would in real life. Granted, this would be considered "Distraction work" too, but it's important for the dog to learn how to maintain when you're chopping up food for dinner, or playing a board game with your kids (or even throw the monopoly board across the room lol) or having someone come over--moving normally, freely, with your back turned, out of sight, etc.

Replicating real life situations (or "Daily Life") with the dog's behavior/success at the forefront of your attention will set them up for when real life actually happens and your attention truly is on that situation/thing.

Maybe the 4th "D" could help some of my colleagues convey the message a little more clearly to their clients too? Idk, just something I thought I'd share.

So much cuteness heading our way available to meet you Saturday, April 13th. You must have a fully processed application to meet them.

Please share and help us send them home.

Helping Hounds New Arrivals April 2024 New dogs arriving from Texas and Mississippi available for adoption Saturday, April 13th at Helping Hounds Dog Rescue.