The Three D's: An Introduction

Over the next few months we will begin to explore what is commonly referred to in the dog training world as "The Three D's." The "D" stands for duration, distance, and distraction. When working with a dog in obedience, we build on all three throughout their training. Successful dogs will have had focused training for all three aspects of their obedience. Taking the Three D's into account ensures that you will be able to maintain a better connection with your pup! This connection will be critical in developing a relationship with your pup and "relationship centered training" is also something we will discuss in upcoming months.

Let's define the Three D's so you have a better understanding of what each entails.

• Duration: This is the amount of time we ask a puppy to hold a position or do a behavior. 
• Distance: This has two definitions. First, this is referring to the distance you and your puppy are in relation to a distraction, difficult environment, etc. Second, this can also mean the distance between you and your puppy, such as during a "come" exercise. 
• Distraction: This is anything that takes your pup's focus away from you. Each dog will differ in what they find most distracting, but some common high distractions are other dogs, small animals, people, or items blowing/moving.

As a raiser, you may sigh when your pup doesn't perform the way you want during a puppy class and say, "But my puppy can do this at home!" However, you have to help your puppy do his obedience in every environment you come across so that your pup can generalize that a "sit" means "sit" no matter where you are or what's happening around you. The way we can help our pups is by adjusting the Three D's in order to allow your pup to be successful.

When working on one of the Three D's, you will want to make the others easier so that you are successful. For example, if you are working on holding a "sit" near another dog (distraction), then make sure you are only asking for a short duration and that your distance is not too close to the dog distraction.

Although we will be going more in-depth with each of the Three D's over the next several months, there is one important question you should start asking yourself any time you aren't sure how to reconnect with your puppy: "What can I change to make it easier for my puppy to reconnect with me - duration, distance or distraction?" This question will be the starting point for setting your pup up for success and helping them lead off on the right paw!