Goal Tracking
This is a goal tracking guide I use with clients to help us to monitor and set up realistic expectations with the dogs we work with. Have a look at where/when your dog can check in and where / when they can’t. Is there a pattern? Is it always less than a certain distance? Or when something is present for longer than a certain amount of time? Is it stationary or moving? Male or Female? Does clothing or colour make a difference?
If you’re unsure start making a note of your walks. How often are they checking in? We aim for 4 check ins a minute where possible.
If there’s a distraction how long does it take for them to check in if they’re 10m/5m or 3m away? does it make a difference? To get the most out of this keep track of your activities, any changes in the right direction of time and distance around distractions are all progress 
Maybe have a different chart for different distractions too.
Now your dogs should be able to check in with you when on a walk, around different objects and in new situations. This is something that you can continue and work on by using the goal tracker to mark off your progress. You can download this pdf HERE
At this stage we don’t want 100% focus on you, we want them to look away, scan the environment, walk and occasionally look at you. Aim for around 3-6 check in’s a minute.Â
The focus on you is a great and very useful behaviour which we will want on cue and is part of our evasive manoeuvresÂ
Once you have around 80% reliability, you can start to randomise the rewards. For example
check in – treat,
check in – no treat,
check in – treat,
check in – treat,
check in – no treat,
check in – no treat. etc.