How to Deal With Distractions AND Help Your Partner Train Your Dog

[@karyssapower2586]

Seeing Bree struggle is just such a relatable and encouraging thing. When Zak does the training, sometimes it just makes me feel like I'm failing or not capable because he's just so good at it. Knowing that Bree has a professional dog trainer who she spends day in and day out with and still struggles with figuring out how to communicate with her dog and seems to quite clearly be doubting whether or not she's making any progress makes me realize that like, "Oh, yeah, it isn't just some magical 'Zak quality' that Bree could absorb through osmosis. He's just had years of practice." Like, it's doable. I just need more practice.

[@emilyromanello9476]

I really appreciate the honesty here. Sometimes training a dog as an amateur can feel like dancing with 2 left feet. You know what you're supposed to do but actually executing it can be really hard. I also liked that this video shows how training isn't linear, and just because a dog gets something on one day doesn't mean it will stick to the next day...and that it's okay to have to re-teach and go back to fundamentals.

[@katcalico9142]

Yes! This! Working with my 4 month old foxhound mix and this video helped me feel a lot better about our progress! Much more helpful than just showing the good moments!

[@tristaware2119]

Bree, I feel that with all of my being! It gets so daunting. I get discouraged when they have trouble or regress. You are in no way alone.

[@marlafuller1970]

I love how real Bree is! Training a puppy, when it's not your usual job or you have life going on around you is very overwhelming! I'm not only training our 7 month old GSD puppy, but also training my family the best way to help and not hinder the training I'm doing! I don't know what I would do without these videos and Zak's other training resources!

[@kavitadeva]

Hi Zak and Bree. The best thing that happened to this channel is having Bree training Veronica, learning how to train Veronica and all that that entails. What used to get me very frustrated about this channel and a lot of KZbin dog trainers is they only show you the finished perfect response that the dog gives. they don't show you the blood sweat and Tears that goes into training a dog like Veronica. Who's Young and excitable and curious and all the things a puppy should be. So I never could learn really much by watching KZbin videos of dog trainers. Yeah so you show us the finished product and then I'll say well can you show us the dog doing it wrong and how you would correct that and how you would work with that to make it the proper response. And the answer I always get is well you need to go back to where the dog could do it perfectly and start lowering your criteria and then build back up. A dog never does anything wrong it's just that you're asking too fast for too much. And on it goes. With positive reinforcement training it gets to be too tedious too many little tiny steps for me. So thank you so much Bree for being in all the videos showing what you're going through the kind of frustrations you're finding and conquering. It's more realistic it's what people really encounter and I appreciate you guys willing to take a turn in the channel like you have. By the way the places you stop are always beyond gorgeous. Thank you! 🐾🐾

[@marya6445]

LOL I just came back from the park with my reactive dog. It's been a year and "screw it" is exactly how I felt. Then he gave me those Frenchie puppy dog eyes and remembered how far he had come.

[@caitlinmatthews1401]

So helpful to see Bree get frustrated and overwhelmed with training. I think this is one of the best videos you guys have done recently! Thank you!!

[@rawritsbrit56]

I'm getting frustrated with my puppy training bc I see Zach do so well and feel like im failing but seeing Bree react the same way I am gave me an almost comforting feeling. I'm hoping I'm not alone with the frustration when training a puppy 😅 I keep reminding myself it will take time and patience.

[@april_reign]

Bree, thank goodness you are showing how real this is. I have had dogs most of my life and thought I knew what I was doing... but the puppy I got in July is really testing me and I know exactly how you feel... many days I am just in survival mode.

[@PawsuasiveDogTeaching]

This is why it is so very important to always be expanding your knowledge of new methods and to have an open mind that you can even learn from beginners. The more methods you know the less likely you will be able to teach your dog something. Like my Ruby knows over 60 tricks so far and I hope you will check her out on our channel. But I think the best teaching tool is to keep the teaching fun. The more you keep it fun the more your dog will engage with you and the more they will learn from you. Which is why I say teaching over training. Training is something we do for work and if its work teaching your dog then you are doing it wrong.

[@beth8401]

Btw I think you're both doing insanely well. You are so patient and understanding with Veronica and she's lucky to have you. It's not easy having a reactive dog, but you guys know how much better things will get soon.

[@ankitatasin1647]

I love how supportive Zak is of Bree and how so many dog owners relate to her training struggles.

[@brittanyduvall1032]

Bree, I am going through EXACTLY the same thing! I did great with my first pup that we got in March of this year but we ended up getting another pup wayyyyy sooner than I had wanted/expected (for reasons out of my control) and now I'm basically burnt out on training because I was so happy to finally be at a good place where I could take a small step back and relax with my first pup. I feel like I'm so busy with work and now having 2 puppies to keep track of and train everyday that most days I find myself only doing the necessities just like you. Thank you to both you and Zak for keeping me encouraged and helping me to be more excited about continuing with my training!

[@L4br4d0rmom]

Struggling with a teenager. I think we are making awesome progress, and then I'm frustrated. Thank you Bree for being real! Zak reminded me that I need to play more and not get so caught up in making her performance perfect that it's no longer fun for either of us.

[@chloechartier2707]

You're doing great Bree! It's hard to stay consistent and motivated!

[@vir9294]

It makes me feel a lot better seeing your puppy bark like that. A lot of people make you feel like your puppy should never bark and it’s your fault if they are like that so it’s nice seeing a pro trainer work through the same issue. Grateful for these videos, thank you!

[@zakgeorge]

Dogs are still dogs and we need to let them be dogs!

[@yogalifeandwellness3561]

It's good to see Bree in real time training Veronica and the struggles she's going through. Zak makes it all look so easy. It's nice to know it isn't as easy as it looks... certainly not for me. Loved this video!

[@kareneaton433]

My hierarchy for training in our 8 month old lab is sanity first too. Then we do fun things, and then the hard ones. I obviously also need to work more at mixing things up. I think Ver RT Veronica has learned lots and helps to watch Bree work with her. Everything isn't perfect, which is where most of us are on our training

[@Deekajane]

Omg never related to Bree more. I’ve also been lax with training my 5 month old corgi in the recent weeks bc we moved. Then I remembered you all are now CONSTANTLY on the move! Nothing to be ashamed of about taking care of your sanity. You have to have your sanity so you can be a good dog mama and a good trainer. I can really relate to feeling overwhelmed ❤

[@rockinrobin75x]

This video was great! Not always seeing the successes is so helpful for me! I relate to this video so much and look forward to watching Bree and Veronica work through some of the same struggles I’m experiencing with my 4 month old puppy. Thanks!

[@monaraemorquecho1362]

Bree, it was wonderful to see you in front of the camera learning & woking on training Veronica (sp?). You've given me so much confidence in seeing that you have the same struggles as the rest of us non-professional trainers - and you're married to one! I get frustrated when I'm not getting similar responses from my dog that I see Zak gets with some of the exercises he does. However, seeing you motivates me to keep trying. Keep up the great work!

[@KathyDietrich-c1h]

so helpful to me with a new puppy. Thank you Bree for admitting training can feel overwhelming.

[@Here_This]

Great success ! Veronica seemed to have understood , tthat touching the mark means a treat . 😄👍 Bree , You look so great on that trip ! 🤩 Veronica seems to fill You up with her activity energy .🐕

[@sherryheadley2026]

Hang in there Bree! Your puppy loves you! Good job! Zak, please always talk gently and avoid “I told you….”!

[@rubythecavalier5339]

Keep it up with the good work Bree,I had to train my dog all alone when I was 12 with no experience,it can be frustrating at times but it's all worth it in the end!😊

[@evertthielen6991]

Best dog ever - you teach us so much every time- you are so optimistic- and that is something you send us across the ocean - I can not imagine educating my dog without your help- Most beautiful places in the world 🌍

[@katcalico9142]

Thank you for showing the frustrating moments! It makes you more relatable and makes us regular folks feel better about are progress! I have a 4 month old foxhound mix and feel like I am failing but she is almost exactly the same as Veronica and I feel better now! 😂

[@katierepko9526]

I love seeing this relatable content and how to brainstorm through it!

[@ingeborg-anne]

Bree, this is so relatable and makes me feel a whole less nervous about my own baby. I'll try to follow Zak's guide, but your example gives me realistic view of where I might find myself when she does come around. Thank you for providing a second point of view in this series!

[@HollyOly]

Relatable content. ❤️

[@1angela24100]

Thanks for this video. Totally relatable. In the beginning I was so on board with everything now that our lab puppy is 5 mths old I find myself just to tired some days to keep things up. I have also noticed a difference in his behavior. The more I was training with him the more his overall behavior seemed great. Easing off has led to some misbehavior. But Cooper seems to live to learn so I will push Myself more. Happy dog Happy mom 🥰

[@giianchapp]

I am loving this videos lately! it's good to know that you are not alone and that there's ups and downs with dog training. Zak has taught me to be patient and just putting in that work with your dog and Bree shows the side that I'm struggling when my dog doesn't get it and that hey! I need to make that time and play, train even just a little bit everyday... you guys keep me sane and gives me that confidence to keep going. Bree!! you got this! and you are doing great!!!

[@Pawsitive-Reinforcement]

playing with your dog is always the best way to go when training. As it should be fun for both dog and owner/trainer. Also I'd recommend using the Focus Cue.

[@rokess5053]

I love how Zak says "That's normal" to Veronica about the train in his dog-training voice.

[@justicefosho]

Veronica and Bree are so adorable together. 😍 Looks like they are having fun.

[@JK-xe5fg]

Bree you are doing a fantastic job 👏.

[@thebiblemessenger2]

Hope you are feeling better, Zak Stay safe and well PS: Nice Singing!!!

[@kellerayra7363]

When Bree and Veronica has that lightbulb moment play/train instead of training is a work/chore checklist is a great example coming from an average dog owner. I have heard dog training is not a straight direct route with a set resting place or deadline. It’s a meandering lifetime adventure of trial and error.

[@janhankins911]

Smores?? Haven't had a smore in too long so I need to make one! Beautiful scenery and great dog training lesson. It's nice to see Bree training--that's reality. A professional dog trainer knows what to do and when to do it and will make it look easy. It isn't always easy. And mistakes will happen (professional dog trainer or not). It's good to see a non-professional train. And of course I love to see Zak train, too. And it's nice to see a dog that isn't a Border Collie. No offense to Border Collies--they are beautiful dogs and exceptionally intelligent and trainable. More so than a lot of other breeds. It's sometime a struggle with a dog that isn't a Border Collie while a Border Collie makes it look easy. I've never had a Border Collie and it's so nice to see a "regular" dog being trained.

[@paulinedady1527]

Hey think your doing amazing with the training, after all training a puppy takes time.

[@beth8401]

Zak shaving by the river 🤣

[@judithmurphy419]

I love that puzzle dish. Shannon is a Pit Mix and used to scarf her food. But the puzzle bowl slows her way way down - like four minutes.

[@malloriemoreno4263]

We just started learning to bring our dog to our side in our obedience class. I’m already nervous to see how my dogs respond to commands next to me vs. in front of me but I know it’s going to make our communication even stronger.

[@gretchendavis8974]

The Location is stunning 😍

[@gsdmom210]

Bree, you are fantastic! Personally, I love watching you, you keep it real. Not that I don't enjoy Zak but you know what I mean. 🤣 And oh my goodness!! Veronica is getting so big!! 💖💖

[@scarletnight]

Good Job learning, so far, Veronica!

[@DizzyV]

Bree, and Zach.. I am glad I have found your channel... As I watched this episode I could relate to Bree. I was hitting a wall in training. To clarify I have been training my service dog (Austrian Sheppard and Leopard hound mix ( I Think)). She is like having a luxury car compared to my other dog. My other dog is known by many names my favorite is maligator. Yep the sports car of dogs, the Lamborghini on crack, she is a Malinois. I was having a play time with my dogs when I realized I could just see the training and how it was coming together thru non objective eyes. I could see it all coming together, as Bree realized what she was seeing and re-energized her.

[@TheVioletWolf]

You guys are the best and I have recommended your channel and referred ymtovyour videos time and time again. There will always be nay sayers, you're better than their projections. Furthermore, I just bought both your books and can't wait to start reading!

[@jeno264]

You are both helping me so much with our puppy!!! 😄 Love this series 💖💖

[@Jackofl3lades]

Patience I find is always the biggest challenge. I adopted a husky who was homeless and while she gets along great with my other husky she just doesn't learn as fast as he does and she probably has years of doing what she wants. Running around with other dogs, body checking and growling for fun. While she frustrates me a lot I can tell that she's making progress even if she has a long way to go. She may look and what to go to a dog she sees on her walk but she doesn't try to yank me across the road anymore. She gets really excited for treats but she's slowly learning to take it to her bed. I'm sure you can keep your cool better than I can so screw any critics.

[@AllysonClark]

Definitely relatable - thanks for sharing this!

[@jamiewheeler9599]

Hi I'm Savannah and I have watched evey video you guys have ever made.You guys have inspired me to become a dog trainer. I have a great experience with dogs and love them so much I even practice your training techniques with my dog and they have worked fantastically . I love the work you and Bree do you guys are doing great progress with Veronica. Keep up the great work.

[@jennistevenson796]

Zak singing colours of the wind 😂😂

[@sadiePIAveres]

This sure reminded me that ya don’t know what ya don’t know. Thanks so much for a super helpful video!

[@Therealvjv5]

The struggle is sooooooooo real! Zak, yes is amazing and we all know it. However, I have a new puppy and can relate to Bree!! Thanks for sharing. Also with the RV, maybe in the future, we can get a Zak George 911 where he travels to help train all over the US!

[@ScheerhornAA13]

“Your dogs the best Zak” “Thx” LOL 😂

[@AniFam]

Awesome!! Thank you for sharing this video~🤗

[@JenKirby]

The big difference with Zak is that he puts the treat on the mat. I discovered by accident that my puppy learned commands I was giving the old dog!

[@diannahaas7171]

Hey Bree, Don't beat Urself up... U have to remember... Ur training her... but U are also being trained... to train ur dog. 🤠

[@kaylevine741]

Ok, I have to shop for a small frisbee for my new little rescue. She’s showing interest, but a regular frisbee will be awkward for her. Also, yes, it’s helpful to see someone else struggling. I do my best to channel my inner Zak, but it’s hard.

[@NyreeAlana]

It's one thing watching someone training a dog and another actually doing it yourself, it takes some practice.

[@rrjohn5]

Bree...same. That's totally me.

[@beverlydeardurff5366]

The mark is like "touch". Gucci does very well with "touch".

[@shelleyk92]

Do you have an Amazon store front or anything? I'm curious which clickers and leashes u r using? Thanks!!

[@cinger-xy5me]

Appreciate the honesty! This is hard stuff! Plus, maybe she doesn't need to be able to do everything?

[@UnrealTanka]

I stay in Georgia I just got a puppy golden doodle he’s pretty good and he’s really good with potty training but can you train him for a video I could pay if you need

[@faeriesandrainbows]

Great video! Bree is doing awesome! You use kibble a lot for training with their meals. Any ideas on using wet food in the same way? Seems too messy and maybe not a good call, but I thought I'd ask. 🙂

[@kaclama]

Some people put wet food (or yogurt or canned pumpkin or whatever squishy food the dog likes) into those reusable travel squeeze bottles. When it's time to reward the dog they squeeze a little bit out and let the dog lick the nozzle of the bottle.

[@Mudamaza]

Hi Zak, you've been a huge help and source of inspiration to train my new Border Collie puppy who's currently 14 weeks old, and she even fell in love with the Frisbee at first sight, you'd be jealous ;). But there's one thing I worry about, being a Canadian, winter is fast approaching, and I'm worried about how to maintain her outdoor training during those frosty days. And when the snow starts to pile up, it'll be significantly harder to do our training we normally do on grass. I was wondering if you have any tips and tricks on how to maintain a good training and exercise regiment for winter? :)

[@JK-xe5fg]

Zak why do some pups and dogs refuse to eat out of a stainless steel bowl? Our 5 mth old Staffy will drink water from one but not eat from it. Is it because they see themselves in it? Really would like to know your thoughts on this. BTW loving the videos the books and the pupford app. Thank you so much 🤗🤗

[@savvybites1844]

Looking for a video where I can teach my dog to return off leash or to stay close by. My border collie runs off when off leash. Always returns but is too far away at times for my comfort and safety. I only let him off far away from streets and people in nature. But still.

[@sadiePIAveres]

Me too. My 17 mo has a fair recall but with moderate distractions…let a squirrel appear & I am forgotten and this scares me. Would like to start her in FCat but too afraid she might get out of shoot & go running.

[@jus.me.tanzks5834]

Zak usually uses a 30 foot or so leash before off leash. I love using them also because I can still get to my dog and if I have a thirty foot leash I can train my dog to not go farther then 30 foot away he has to come back and check in

[@jus.me.tanzks5834]

@@sadiePIAveres try training leave it/look at me zak has lots of videos based on that. And that helps with distractions outdoors squirrels and animals or other dogs

[@sadiePIAveres]

@@jus.me.tanzks5834 that’s a great reminder…I have a tendency to push things too fast leaving the pup with no opportunity to get it.

[@janhankins911]

I think a lot of folks may try to take their dogs off leash too soon. And whether a dog can ever be off-leash will depend a little on the particular dog. I have two dogs and I don't take either of them off leash--for very different reasons. My little 8-pounder is a very gregarious little guy and thinks everyone on this earth was put here to pet him and tell him how cute and wonderful he is. I've told him that's not the case, but he doesn't believe me. For him, seeing a stranger is just too much of a powerful draw at this point in his life (he turned 2 earlier this month) to let him off leash. If I were to let him off, I'm sure he'd rush up to every person he saw, wagging his tail, and (horrors) jumping up on them to be petted. My other little dog is very submissive and a bit fearful. She spooks easily. If she saw something scary, she may run off in fear and it's difficult to get a dog to listen to you when they are fearful (like humans, their cerebral cortex goes on vacation when they're afraid and they don't "think", they just react--the whole fight or flight thing). So she doesn't go off leash, either. A 30-foot long leash is a perfect solution (in my opinion) in that allows the dog to run and have a lot of area to explore and sniff but you still have some control.

[@katie4623]

Love seeing Bree work with Veronica because most of us can relate to not being a pro trainer. What’s the point of the mark training though. And what happens if you need to change the mark? Wouldn’t she only go to that specific mark and not others?

[@zakgeorge]

Communication building. Pretty easy to transition once your dogs understand the concept.

[@foxrox6]

Did you ever find out what breed mix Veronica is?

[@schnutz74]

Are you for hire? 😁

[@lexiemassey8898]

Can anyone tell me where I can get one of those tiny sized frisbees??

[@jaliyahkimbro5159]

Have you ever thought about having an intern? I think that was be a interesting series to watch.

[@beverlydeardurff5366]

My Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Gucci, is very distractible. We live in an area that is remote. There's not really a place to train her in our house. I take her for walks on gravel roads that are tree line. She has very keen senses and is attracted to any sounds and movement. She reminds me of Veronica. I've purchased your book and follow your training videos on my laptop. I know that you move through training quickly and that it takes a while for dogs to generalize. Also, I'm clicker training. Gucci's just over a year old and probably going through adolescence. She learns quickly, but we're behind on completing each session. Am I being too much of a perfectionist?

[@revvicki2177]

What kind of harness is Veronica wearing?

[@melissa5907]

Trying to train my puppy.. everything I use for “place”.. my pup wants to chew and play with it, or pee on it 🤦🏼‍♀️ Previous owner was using puppy pads, so he’s thinking anything on the floor is where he needs “to go” on… or a toy.

[@philb8032]

what dog breed is that? she is so cute

[@lorriedelamata6691]

Such a sweet dog. What breed is she?

[@RobynFriedman]

Training a dog is frustrating at times and takes a ton of patience. I think Bree is doing a great job! I have a question, though. My dog is 16 months old, and I've used Zak's techniques to teach him everything he knows. He's on his way to becoming a really good dog. Of course, he's much better behaved and more obedient inside the house, but I'm working on getting him to obey when we are outside and he's faced with distractions. But playing outside is another matter. He will play inside with me all day long, whether it's catching a ball or Frisbee or fetching his toys. But when I take him outside on a long lead to try to play fetch or Frisbee outside, he doesn't pay attention to me. He looks around the street to see if any of his dog buddies are out or sniffs around or, like he just did, eats poop, whether it's cat poop, duck poop or raccoon poop. Is there a way I can get him to be just as interested in me outside as he is inside? Thanks!

[@haventli]

Just parroting what I've heard others say. Will he play with you inside if the door to the outside is open? Will he play with you next to the open door? On your driveway or stoop? On the sidewalk in front of the house? Figure out where it's too much for him and ease him into the next thing. If he won't play with you when he can see the open door, play with him around the corner where he can hear and smell the door, but can't see it. Crack the door where he can't see out of it, but can hear and see outside. When he plays with you for a little bit, mark that and give him the reward if going outside. Once you are playing outside on the sidewalk and he plays with you for a bit then mark it and take him on a walk. Once he can do that maybe stop half way down your block and ask for some play and continue the walk when he does. And so on...

[@lilyseitz3596]

❤️

[@RachelKay528]

Do you have any tips for getting a dog to play with you? Our dog does get excited and run around with toys for like 1 minute, but then will just go lie down somewhere and chew on it. If we try to play tug, he tugs a little but then just lies down lol He doesn't like fetch, he just stares at the toy when we throw it. A trainer tried frisbee with him (and we have since tried it too) and he may go after it once but then loses interest. The trainer was even surprised because he's a mix of a bunch of herding breeds but doesn't even care about a frisbee rolling on the ground. He'll play with other dogs all day, but just not with toys/people 🤷‍♀️

[@REPDC4LIFE]

Same for my Lhasa. I play with him in little spurts instead.

[@tonyd4196]

Can't see the video

[@serenityestrada2246]

Can someone tell me how to let my dog who was abandon know I am not going to abandon her when we go to the vet? She is a puppy.

[@SysterYster]

The water in that river looks so strange. Why's it so milky? Also, the puppy acts a lot like our dog, only he's 3 years old. XD We're trying to be patient, but sometimes I feel like he's going backwards and not making any progress. Dog meetings are getting better, but lately, he's started growling and protecting balls and bones. He's never done that before. So we distract with candy and "trade" to teach him to let go of these things now. I hope that's the right way to do it?

[@thebiblemessenger]

My American dingo (Pax) is extremely naughty and will never listen to me. Help please????? 🙏 😢

[@donsimmons7839]

🐶

[@victoriar8668]

Small dogs are soo much harder to train IMO

[@katja4458]

The training around the train didn’t get „off the rails“…

[@the_real_amir]

I feel you're relying on food as the motivation but at least for our dog playing with another dog feels much more fun compared to a piece of food. That could speed up desensitization to various things

[@mikewizowzki396]

Are you Danny larusso from Kobra Kai?

[@ankitatasin1647]

Feeding a dog marshmallows is not good

[@shreyasdharashivkar8027]

Damn what happened to the videos quality and color.

[@zakgeorge]

This video is in HDR. It should show normal on non-HDR displays. Would you mind telling me what you are watching this video on?

[@shreyasdharashivkar8027]

Yeah I am watching on 1080p resolution on my mobile but it doesn't support HDR.

[@Werterson]

Lose those clickbait photos and get to the point it is so frustrating to skip forward to finally hear something about the matter mentioned in the video title.

[@zakgeorge]

Go ahead and give me a better title please