[MyPemCharlie]

Cindy,

That's a very good point about focus. About 4-6 weeks ago I was looking for more tips on a reliable recall and other advice. We had seemed to hit a bit of a slow-down in our progress. I ran across an article called something like, "Does your dog know his name?".

I thought, "Of course Charlie knows his name. He knows "Sit, Down, Wait, Stand, Come (most of the time) and a couple of 'party tricks'. I often start commands with his name and end successes with 'Good boy, Charlie'. Sure, Charlie knows his name."

Just to prove it (to myself), I spun my desk chair to face Charlie. He was sitting in "his" recliner nicely chewing a toy. I said, "Charlie." in a neutral volume positive voice. He didn't look at me! Just a wee glance, then back to chewing.

I said, "Charlie, Sit". He sat up and looked at me. "Charlie, Down"...he laid down and looked at me. A little bit later I tried just "Charlie."...No Response. I had to laugh at myself, for not realizing that my dog didn't pay much attention to (or seem to know) his name! We spent 3 days training and treating him for giving me intent eye contact when I said nothing but "Charlie".

Teaching him to focus on me when I say his name has helped immensely in continuing our training (especially off leash). It should be among the very first skills learned for every puppy.

(Just a side note: I think he actually 'knew his name'...but I had never taught him that any action was required of him when I said his name until we worked on it.)