Clarifying communication between the dog and people is essential for successful training. It has been my experience that people talk too much, causing the dog confusion. Many people think they are having a dog obediance problem. When ‘No” or the dogs name are overused it becomes nagging and the dog will ignore you. Your dog or puppy or dog must be paying attention to you to learn the commands and work out exactly what you want.
   I have my clients make curious sounds to gain attention and clarify what they want. Using a fast high pitch sound like “doodley doo doo” or using a “Squirrel Call” works very well. If you are having trouble keeping your dogs attention on you, a few squeaks of a squirrel call or silly high pitch sound will get him to look at you. Be sure to praise and reward (petting is a great reward) as soon as he looks your way. He will begin to realize when he hears the sound that he is doing what you don’t want. This will also help with Deferential Training - training the dog to defer to you for what is next in life. You are teaching your dog not to worry about the world, but to focus on you, his leader.