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      Look Backwards

      A fun trick in which you and your dog play a small peekaboo game!

      Look backwards

      Look Backwards

      Introduction

      Teaching your dog to look backwards is a fun trick that can be a great way to build trust and communication between you and your dog. It is also a relatively easy trick to teach, and most dogs can learn it with patience and consistency.

      Common Misconceptions

      Some people believe that it is difficult or impossible to teach a dog to look backwards. However, this is not the case. With patience and consistency, most dogs can learn to look backwards.

      Another misconception is that you need to use a special tool or device to teach your dog to look backwards. This is also not true. You can use a variety of methods, including clicker training, positive reinforcement, and shaping.

      Steps to Address

      Teaching Phase

      1. Have your dog next to you.
      2. From behind, lure your dog in between your legs and have him sit in front of you. If he stays put, give him a reward.
      3. Repeat step 2 until your dog is comfortable sitting with his back towards you.
      4. Lure your dog's face to the left and right with your hand. Each successful look should be marked and rewarded.
      5. After a lot of work, you can stop luring your dog and instead bend your body to the left or right to get it to focus in that direction. Every time he looks over his shoulder in the right direction, mark and reward him.

      Reinforcing Phase

      1. Once your dog is successfully looking left and right while sitting in front of you 80-90% of the time with minimal reinforcement or lures, you can start giving a verbal cue "look back", "look left", or "look right" just before he's about to look left or right. Mark and reward the moment he completes his look.

      Proofing Phase

      1. Start practicing "look back", "look left", or "look right" around other environments with more energy and distraction. Add distance and duration gradually over time.
      2. For example, you can practice in a different room of your house, then in the backyard, then at a park. You can also add distractions, such as other people or animals.

      Maintenance Phase

      1. Consistently practice "look backwards" in every obedience session, reinforcing variably over time upon completions. Apply corrections if the dog does not respond appropriately after one command.
      2. For example, you can start by rewarding your dog every time they look backwards correctly. Then, you can start to reward them less often, such as only once every few times. You can also start to add distractions, such as other people or animals.

      Case Studies

      Here are a few case studies of dogs who have learned to look backwards:

      • Case Study 1: A Golden Retriever named Buddy was taught to look backwards using clicker training. His owner started by getting Buddy's attention and then covering his eyes with her hand. She said the cue word "look backwards" and waited for Buddy to turn his head and look behind him. As soon as Buddy looked backwards, his owner clicked the clicker and gave him a treat. Buddy learned to look backwards in just a few sessions.
      • Case Study 2: A Labrador Retriever named Lucy was taught to look backwards using positive reinforcement. Her owner started by getting Lucy's attention and then covering her eyes with her hand. She said the cue word "look backwards" and waited for Lucy to turn her head and look behind her. As soon as Lucy looked backwards, her owner gave her a treat. Lucy learned to look backwards in just a few days.

      Pet Parent Coaching Tips

      Here are a few tips for pet parents who are teaching their dog to look backwards:

      • Be patient and consistent. It may take some time for your dog to learn this trick.
      • Use positive reinforcement. Reward your dog with treats or praise every time they look backwards correctly.
      • Start with easy steps. If your dog is struggling, start by covering their eyes for a few seconds at a time. Gradually increase the amount of time you cover their eyes as they get better at the trick.
      • Be creative. There are many different ways to teach your dog to look backwards. Find a method that works best for you and your dog.

      Conclusion

      Teaching your dog to look backwards is a fun and rewarding experience. With patience and consistency, most dogs can learn this trick. So get started today and teach your dog a new skill!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q: What if my dog gets frustrated and gives up?
        A: Take a break and try again later. Don't force your dog to do something they're not ready for.
      • Q: What if my dog doesn't seem to understand the cue word "look backwards"?
        A: Try using a different cue word, such as "turn around" or "see what's behind you." You can also try using a hand signal, such as pointing behind you.
      • Q: What if my dog starts to look backwards without me saying the cue word?
        A: This is a good sign! It means your dog is starting to understand the trick. Continue to reward your dog when they look backwards, even if they don't hear the cue word.