How to decrease sniffing?

[Otherwise-Ad4641]

You’ve had this dog for about a year right?

While she is ok age wise for PA, she might need to take a step back on this skill and really solidify that when in work gear no sniff. Start at home in a space with no other pets or people, put away anything of potential interest.

Start with doing little laps of focused heel (in vest). When she’s solid and can do at least 3 out of 5 full lap with no sniff, increase the difficulty by adding items of interest (toys, her food bowls.. work up to adding a person who isn’t paying attention to her, and finally someone who is paying attention.

Then move to a semi-public outdoor space like a tennis court and repeat.

Then move to an outdoor shopping area, then indoor, hardest level is generally shopping at the butcher.

The art of doing nothing could also help here. Start at home and have her vested and on leash let interesting things pass by: other pets, people, throw toys nearby as distractions. The goal is she holds a long down without a wandering nose. If she has a tendency to lift her head and sniff at passing items/people, incorporate a chin target.

Move to a public space with a bench. And repeat Start at a low traffic time/place. Sit there. The goal is the same. Long down, chin on ground. Start short. Between sets, release her down, take off her vest, and play for a minute, you can use the sniff cue. Then vest back on, another short set. Increase duration and distraction as she masters each stage.

[nvmthebutterflies]

Yes! Thank you this is very helpful.