Training for the sport of Obedience Competition means training under every possible distraction, in every possible place and with unexpected events. You have to do it so much that distractions and novelty become normal to the dog and they expect it.
My criteria is that Keeper can hop out of the car, sniff, lift a leg and then go right to work, regardless of where we are. He needs to be able to maintain focus until he is released from work! This type of work cannot be an after thought. It has to be part of your dog’s daily training so that it is expected and the dog can navigate distraction easily.
This little video is of me heeling with Keeper in four different locations within an hour’s time.