Focus

Let's say you're trying to get someone to listen to something very important you have to tell them. How do you this? Do you act incredibly boring? Do you show no passion for the topic you are discussing? Do you want to keep the other person's attention? These are the same questions we must ask ourselves when we are training our dogs. They are not innately focused on us. There are many things a dog finds interesting that may be much better than what you're trying to show him. The environment is interesting, other dogs are distracting, and other people may be more exciting than you are.

We return somewhat to my first blog post about motivation. In order to achieve focus and keep the attention of your dog you have to be exciting and find what motivates them. I always tell people, it doesn't matter how stupid you look or how weird others may perceive you. If you are getting the attention of your dog then you've accomplished something. There we return to our blog about success as well. It all ties in together. Focus can be achieved by food rewards, praise, toys and verbal cues. Focus is NOT achieved by yelling or fussing at the dog. This makes the dog find you very unappealing. Other ways to reduce focus include leash pops or jerks as well as just monotonously rewarding the dog or using a boring voice.

Dogs enjoy when we are engaged in an activity WITH them. If we show no interest in the activity, how can we expect our dogs to do any differently?

Eye contact is a big indicator for me. Many people still go by the judgment that if you look into a dogs eyes, you are "challenging" the dog. It really depends. Think about how others look at you and how you look at other people. Stares can be harsh or soft. If your dog is giving you attention through his eyes, it doesn't mean he's challenging you and you should stare back with intensity. It may just mean that you are incredibly interesting and that the dog is waiting for what is coming next. In any case, one can always give short bits of eye contact to show the dog that you as well are still engaged in the interaction.

Recalls from our recent discussion can play into focus as well. If given a cue when coming back such as a nose "touch" the dog is able to focus on a specific body part they must come into contact with in order for the behavior to take place and a reward to be given.

"Clarity affords focus." -Thomas Leonard

Focus creates not only clarity but understanding. One cannot understand without focusing one's attention on what is important at that point in time. Therefore, it is important to remember that when training your dog, not only does the dog need focus through a good motivator, but they deserve your focus. Turn everything off. Don't be distracted and give your dog 110% of your attention. Respect goes both ways and focus for the other creatures creates that respect.

So, next time you get ready to start a training session with your dog, turn off the tv and the music, put your food away, get out the rewards, go to a quiet area of the house where you won't be bothered by other people or other dogs in the house. This is YOUR time you the two of you.

Enjoy each and every moment.