Training Your Dog to Ignore the Fish Tank

Training your dog to ignore a fish tank is a mix of different techniques. While you can definitely use specific training ideas, there’s also a matter of environmental factors, such as where you place the fish tank and how you introduce your dog to it.

Furthermore, just because your dog seems alright with the fish tank while you’re around, it doesn’t mean that things won’t change when the dog is home alone. At the end of the day, that’s when our furry friends get bored and look for different ideas to keep themselves entertained.

With this thought in mind, let’s check out some of the best techniques to train your dog to ignore the fish tank.

1. Verbal Commands

Verbal commands are extremely useful, especially during the initial stage, when the dog is introduced to the fish tank. Ideally, you should have a dog who shows no interest at all. However, this doesn’t always happen. 

Some dogs will be incredibly curious. Others will stare. Others will touch the fish tank and so on. Your goal is to interrupt that focus early, before it escalates into jumping or barking at the glass.

Teach your furry friend to turn away from this tank whenever you give a command. The leave command is usually good enough. Of course, this isn’t all about getting the dog to obey you. If your dog actually does it, make sure to give a treat.

2. Positive Reinforcement

There are more options to consider when it comes to positive reinforcement. If your dog has had professional training before, a clicker could be a good idea. Most trainers rely on clickers to train dogs, so your dog should already be familiar with such things.

For example, a clicker can be used to mark a desired behavior. Looking away from the tank or at least looking without reacting could be desired behavior. Once you notice this behavior, make sure to reward the dog straight away.

3. Redirecting Attention

Distracting your dog when observing fish is also part of successful training. You’ll need to keep an eye on your dog’s reactions, of course. You can ignore your dog if nothing happens after looking at the fish. When bored, some dogs simply look around for things they can do, so it’s normal to see the fish tank too. As long as they stay relaxed, there’s no need to step in.

On the other hand, you may have a problem if the dog seems to actually focus on the fish. Once you notice this behavior, engage the dog with their favorite toy. You can also engage in a play session. Basically, anything that can break the concentration will work just fine.

2. What If Your Dog Is Too Enthusiastic?

If your dog observes the fish and looks too curious or enthusiastic, make sure to conduct this introduction while on a leash. Even if there’s no interest, make sure the dog is on a leash when close to the tank. It’s just to prevent jumping into the tank, let alone knocking it over.

Of course, some old dogs won’t be too bothered. Even young dogs could completely ignore the fish. It depends on what normally draws their interest.

1. Distracting Your Dog

If your dog looks too curious or enthusiastic, distract your furry friend straight away. How about a new game? How about a walk? A new toy maybe? There are countless scent-based games you can try as well. For example, you can try a game to find the treat. Mental enrichment like this can tire your dog out more than simply staring at the tank ever would.

2. Working on the Environment

While training your dog is definitely an important part of the process, the environment is sometimes even more important. For example, as you browse the CoralsDepot online store, you’ll most likely find a variety of different tanks, with all kinds of features.

Here are a few things to consider before even introducing your dog to your fish.

No See, No Interest

It sounds simple. If the dog can’t see the fish too much, it won’t be too bothered about it. Even curious dogs will ignore fish (even if the fish moves) if it’s not right under their noses.

Generally speaking, the tank should be placed in an area where access is limited. Pick an alcove, a tall shelf, a sturdy tall table and so on. Sturdiness is a must to ensure the dog won’t knock the tank over. Obviously, it depends on your dog’s size too.

Make the Tank Uninteresting

Reducing visual stimulation is the best way to make the tank less attractive for your dog. Some of the factors that could draw attention include the actual fish, some lights, colorful things in the tank or reflections.

All these things can trigger your dog. If you see it happening, cover the more visible part of the tank, only to make it less interesting. You can use background film, curtains or strategically placed plants and furniture to soften the view.

If your main concern is about what happens when you’re away, it might be a good idea to lock the room where the tank is. This way, your dog won’t get anywhere near it.

3. Keep Odors Under Control

Even if you can’t feel any odors, dogs have much better noses. Any smell emanating from the fish could trigger the dog. The dog will inevitably start sniffing around in order to identify the source. With time, your furry friend will be obsessed with the scent.

There are all kinds of options and products to reduce smells, so make sure to use one, even if you can’t smell anything.

Bottom line, training your dog to ignore the fish tank also requires a bit of work from your side, only to make sure everything is alright when you’re not there.

With little patience, consistent rewards and unique setup, most dogs will eventually learn that the aquarium is just another piece of furniture, not a source of entertainment.