short attention span

Question
My chihuahua/pekingese has a very short attention span.  He's almost 3 years old.  I can't teach him anything - he'll look at me for a second and then start looking around and sniffing or playing with something he finds on the ground.  What can I do?

Answer
Hi Jess -

My first impression when I read your question was that it seems your little dog doesn't think he has to listen to you.  This means you need to focus more on becoming the "Alpha" or dominant person in the relationship.  That is a very involved process which I cannot tell you how to do in a short answer and I suggest you use the internet or books for help with that.  Remember, you aren't ASKING him if you can train him, you are TELLING him that this is what is happening.  Training your pet helps them to build confidence and although people say it is harder to train small dogs, it is not.  We tend to treat small dogs more gently, but the bottom line is he is still a dog and needs boundaries.  If you pick him up and carry him around or move him by picking him up, I suggest you stop doing it. (most people with small dogs do.  I am even tempted to do it).  It does not promote him doing what you tell him to, because you are doing it for him.

Now, what I can tell you is that when training your pet, it is best that you take him for a short walk first to expend a little energy.  Also, don't train where there are lots of distractions as this may test him a little too much.  In the beginning you will want to train him for no more than 10 minutes at a time, up to three times a day.  As he gets better, you can make it longer though.  

Do not use a retractable leash while training your pet.  Start out with a 3 foot leash, then move on to a 6 foot leash as he becomes better with commands.  Also, a choke chain helps, but do not use it at all times, only when training, and it should never actually choke him.  Choke chains are abused often.  They are meant to make a noise and get his attention, not hurt or control him.  The proper use of a choke chain is a small jerk and release while telling him what you want him to do.  It is a correction tool only.   

When training dogs, people usually start with the "sit" command, then "heel", then move on to "sit, stay", then "come", then "down" or "lay down" (because laying down is sometimes difficult to teach dogs).  After all of those commands are mastered, then move on to "tricks", like fetch, roll over, shake, etc.

I suggest you get a book or look in to basic training classes because they really do help.  It is very important that when training your pet, if he starts paying attention elsewhere, make a short jerk on the leash (not too hard, but enough to get his attention) and use a stern voice.  And only give him three chances to do what you want him to do.  Then you should "help" him to do it.    

Treats are a great help, but only in the beginning.  Rewards for good behavior are not just a treat, but your love and approval too.  Start out using them, then as he gets better with commands, only use them every so often so he doesn't become dependent on them.     
 

Your question has a very involved answer and without knowing your pet this is the best I can do.  I hope it helped at least a little.  Feel free to follow up with me if there is anything else I can do.