One Way FOCUS!
Focus without LOOKIN @ Your DOG!
A MUST HAVE!
How to TEACH & PEFECT Heeling
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One of my favorite SECRETS is what I call “One-Way Focus.” This is when my dog focuses on me BUT I am NOT looking at him.
At times, when showing your dog in rally or obedience, you will not be able to look at your dog.
In obedience, this occurs when you line-up for an exercise, talk to the judge, or watch where you are going when heeling.
In rally, you are constantly looking at the signs and where you are going and not at your dog. Your dog must learn to pay attention and focus to you regardless of where you are looking.
This is One-Way Focus and one of the main keys to my success when heeling and showing my dog.
When working on One-Way Focus, remember to review your handler cues and where you will be looking while you are heeling, i.e., 2 feet ahead on the floor. Your handler cues will enhance this skill and the ability of your dog to read your cues and maintain focus.
One Way Focus Introduction
- Have a toy or treats hidden in your right hand, under your left arm or in a shirt pocket.
- Have your dog sitting at your left side in heel position. Look away from your dog, and wait for 1-3 seconds. Your dog should maintain focus on you.
- Reward while your dog is looking at you by dropping a treat/toy over your head or releasing your dog up for a toy or treat.
- Reward your dog without looking at him. You MUST deliver the reward or surprise game WITHOUT looking at your dog!!!
- If your dog looks away from you or becomes “inactive,” break into a game or the “U-Missed-It Game”.
- Only increase the duration, 3-5 seconds, once your dog is successfully staying ACTIVELY focused on you.
- Once your dog is successful multiple times, move to a LOW distraction NEW location and repeat the drill. A solid foundation NOW will get you far in the future.
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