A ‘whiplash turn’ teaches our dogs to automatically turn towards us quickly. Over time the distractions out in the world become the cue for your dog to turn back to you with their whiplash turn. Some examples of the “distractions” include the door to go outside, at the top of a flight of stairs, or when you release your dog to get out of the car.
How to Teach:
- Place a treat on the ground, sneak behind them while they’re eating the treat, as soon as they eat it, say their name, when they turn towards you mark (click) and place the treat on the ground in front of you.
- Repeat step 1 several times to establish the pattern.
- Place a treat on the floor, let them eat it and wait for them to turn towards you. As soon as they turn at all in your direction mark (click) and place a treat on the ground in front of you.
- If your dog doesn’t turn towards you after eating the treat go back to step 1 and repeat several more times.
- Once you have established the pattern, some ideas where you can practice include: in thresholds in your house, when your dog is getting out of the car or crate, and when they go through doors.