Focus
Focus, focus, focus
Crufts was finally back on TV in March, whatever your thoughts it is a massive spectacle and celebration of things canine. All those dogs showing, agility, fly ball, dancing to music, obedience. What did they all have in common? They were all utterly focused on their person. Until you have your dog’s attention, they will struggle to be able to do what you are asking them to do. Recall, loose lead, basic obedience, dog sports, all require the ability to pay attention to you and for you to be worth paying attention to! Makes sense? Of course, it does but how on earth do you teach it? How do you get your dog to pay attention to you when there is so much exciting stuff to do! Sniffing, playing, chasing pesky squirrels I mean no wonder they don’t always come back when you call them.
To be honest this is the foundation of your relationship with your dog. If your dog can focus on you, even with distractions. Then that is training gold. But it is hard!
I have put together a few simple games that can help you achieve a focus. These exercises appear easy and your dog with probably ace them at home, BUT start and add distractions and see how things change. You will find some exercises easier than others; your dog may prefer some and others not so much. That is all information, clues as to what makes your dog tick, what is reinforcing for them. All invaluable. Don’t underestimate the power of repetition and consistency. Don’t give up. I promise it will get easier.
Before we begin – think about why your dog might struggle to focus? Consider the following:
· Are your dog's needs being met? If you have a high-energy working dog, then a 15-minute stroll around the block is not enough. Remember to include mental and physical activities. Check out this enrichment video for some great ideas HERE
· Sleep – dogs need a lot of sleep and rest. Adults 12 -16 hours a day. Puppies up to 20.
· Food – Think about the food you are feeding it can have an impact on behaviour.
· Training – does your dog know how to settle? Have you taught them? If not then teach them.
· Happy dogs are usually relaxed; if you find out (and sort out) what's ruining your dog's ability to relax, you are halfway there.
For more information go to my blog on 'and breathe' 10 steps to doggy zen’.
My top 5 focus games
1. The £1000 dollar name game – what does your dog’s name mean? Have you ever thought of that? My dog’s names mean I want their attention, I want them to look at me. So game number 1 builds that whiplash focus on you when you say their name. Ask me for a handout of my ‘name game’ training plan.
2. Check-ins - When you are out and about do you notice ‘check ins’ this is when your dog is busy doing ‘stuff’ and they glance back to ‘check’ where you are. This is a behaviour we want to encourage so ‘mark it’ and reward it. This could be with the reinforcement of your choice. So, food, praise, a quick game or a toy for example. Check-ins are worth reinforcing and a great start to increasing focus when out and about.
3. Nose touch – So many uses for nose touch, recall, heelwork, husbandry and a great focus game. To train :
Hold your empty hand, palm out to your dog - they will probably check it out by sniffing at it. Mark with a clicker or marker word such as 'Yes' the exact moment your dog's nose touches your hand. Reward your dog with a small tasty treat from your other hand. Repeat until you are confident they will touch your hand when it is presented, then you can start adding the verbal cue 'Touch'. Add distance, Duration
then take it out and about with Distractions. Handout available.
1. Orientation game - One of my favourites! I use it all the time on pretty much every walk we go on. To start – drop a piece of food on the ground to the side of you, and allow them to eat the food. When they ‘Orientate’ back to you (head turn, eye contact or movement) the Mark with a ‘yes’ or a ‘click’ if you use a clicker. Repeat, throwing food side to side and ‘Mark’ the choice to orientate back to you. Avoid saying anything to get their attention, just wait for them to choose. Practice in the garden off lead, and on walks on and off lead. Little and often. Handout available
2. Middle - Super behaviour for recall, bond-building and giving your dog a safe place - We love middle! To train:
Get your dog following a food lure in your hand by whizzing it about in front of them. Move the lure around your leg and drop the food between the back of your
feet. Repeat this step several times. Repeat step two but whilst the dog is eating the food behind your feet show them you have another piece between your knees. Lure your dog from behind you to between your knees. Mark with a click or 'yes' when they are in the correct position and reward. Slowly fade out the first piece of food and simply lure your dog around with a hand action then show them the piece of food between your knees. After many repetitions when you are confident the dog will follow your hand actions round and through add your verbal cue 'middle'. Handout is available.
I can’t begin to tell you how valuable these games are, they are fun, build focus, optimism great for your relationship with your dog, the foundation for loose lead, recall. I could go on! Remember these take time, you and your dog will probably prefer some more than others. I would suggest you try them all, train little and often, just 10 minutes once per day. Do 6 -10 repetitions of each game and you will gradually start to see improvements. Handouts are available for all of these so just drop me an email at info@bark-ology.co.uk and we will send you a copy.
Have fun!
Karen, Elle, Kate & Angela