In this section we will go over what to do if your dog is really distracted and struggling.
In general, a dog that is too distracted has this going on:

In order to resolve this imbalance, we need to:

• Decrease the input from the environment
• Increase the value we deliver
• Or do both

In the next lessons I will show you the different ways to achieve the above. Keep in mind that you can mix and match them:
For example, you could move away from a distraction and make the dog’s exercise easier.
Or you could move away from a distraction and increase your rate of reinforcement.

And last but not least: We cannot always “save” a training session.
Sometimes the environment will overwhelm your dog and the best damage control is to just leave.

I promise that every single dog trainer has been in a situation themselves where the environment was too hard and they just had to leave (probably many times!).
It’s not a sign that you’re a bad trainer or your dog is a bad dog … it’s just part of the training journey!

If you feel that there’s nothing you can do to get your dog’s attention back in a given setting, just call it a day and start fresh in an easier place the next time 🙂