Image by Sebastian Coman Travel

Automatic Check-In

How to get your dog to pay attention to you even around distractions - teach them that it pays off to check in with you. 

  • Start at Level 1. Move to the next Level when the Success Criteria is met.

  • The next training session, start at the level you ended with the last session.

  • If your dog fails a level 3 times in a row, go back to the previous level.

LEVEL 1

  1. Start inside your home with treats nearby but not in your hand. (Your dog will look at the treat and not at you if it's in your hand).

  2. Don't say or do anything - just wait.

  3. When your dog looks even in your general direction, say "YES!"

  4. Grab a treat and give it to your dog.

Success Criteria

Your dog is deliberately looking at you to get a treat.

LEVEL 2

  1. Repeat Level 1 in different rooms inside your home.

Success Criteria

Your dog is deliberately looking at you to get a treat in every room of the home.

LEVEL 3

  1. With your dog on-leash, step outside the door.

  2. Don't say or do anything - just stand still and wait.

  3. When your dog looks in your direction, say "YES!"

  4. Grab a treat from your bag and give it to your dog.

Success Criteria

Your dog may look around, sniff the ground, etc. but they frequently look in your direction for a treat.

LEVEL 4

  1. Walk to the end of the driveway or outside hallway, etc.

  2. Stand still and wait. 

  3. When your dog looks in your direction, say "YES!".

  4. Grab a treat from your bag and give it to your dog.

Success Criteria

Your dog may look around, sniff the ground, etc. but they frequently look in your direction for a treat.

LEVEL 5

  1. Take it on the road. Whenever you are out with your dog, watch for them to check in with you. 

  2. When they do, say "YES!"

  3. Grab a treat from your bag and give it to your dog.

  4. Smile at your dog and praise them when they give you their attention around distractions.

Success Criteria

Your dog stays "connected" with you when out and about and does NOT tune you out. They can still interact with the environment but not forget that you exist.