K9 Focus – Unleash the Focus – Week 5

When your dog is in an “active” state, he is FOCUSED, ALERT and READY to train.

When your dog is in an “active” state, he is FOCUSED, alert and ready to train.
The Active State dog: A training state
A dog in an active state is alert to changes in his handler and ready to go at a seconds notice. This sort of state can be recognized by an intense stare, tense body posture, and erect ears, and often presents himself as confident and intense.
The best part of a dog that is in an “active” state is he will respond quickly to commands and will mentally be with you at all times.
Active State of mind.
How do you test an “active state”?
While training, I always want my dog to remain in an “active state” and will teach and often “test” my dog to make sure he remains in that state.
How? I will do something my dog doesn’t expect.
Example: while my dog is on a sit, I will give him a command he isn’t expecting, such as a down command.
OR
If my dog is heeling, and I feel he is going inactive, that is, he is just going through the motions, I will do something he is not expecting, such as reversing my motion without any extra commands.
Keeping your dog in an “active state” will increase his focus, enhance your training and keep working with your dog FUN!

KrazyKookie is a great game to use INSTEAD of just handing your dog a treat.  The treat will become more rewarding, and your dog will stay ENGAGED with you for a longer period of time.  The extra engagement helps to build focus!  This week we are using the KK game to start to build duration in focus with our dog as we play.

Goal – Starting to add duration or sustained focus when playing the KK game.   This will continue to build the HABIT of focus.

KK game – Take a Breath.  An important step is to add duration, and this will also start to build focus. 

• Review – Repeats – Once your dog understands the game, start
  with having treats in both hands.  When your dog chases and catches a treat in one hand, immediately pick up the game with a treat in your opposite hand.  Your dog, then chases the second treat as you are getting a third treat in your free hand, etc.
• Review – Speedy – When your dog LOVES the game, move your treat hand faster and more erratically.  Keep it fun for your dog to chase and catch the treat.
• Review – Chase Me/Chase Me – Put a new spin on this game.  Play KK with your dog, when your dog catches the treat, run away from your dog.  When he catches you, kick into another KrazyKookie game.  Your dog catches the treat, run away and play another KK game.
• NEW Game – Take a Breath – Play KK with your dog.  When your dog is really excited and after he has caught 2-3 treats from your hands, stand up and take a breath as you quietly count to 3.   Then break into another KK game.  This will start to teach and add DURATION to FOCUS.   Over many training sessions change the amount of time you wait before breaking back into another KK game but keep your pauses short.

COMMON ERRORS – Handlers Make

• Adding too much pause time between play sessions.  Build your “take a breath” gradually.  A few seconds here and there and then get back to the fun.  This is a great way to add focus and build desire.
• Moving the treat hand too quickly when first teaching the game.  As your dog learns the game, keep your hand going at a speed that your dog can easily follow it.  This will give your dog confidence and help the desire to chase.  Only speed up the treat hand once your dog is engaged and loves the game.
• Stopping the treat hand and giving the dog the treat.  This game is all about YOUR DOG doing the work.   Instead, slow your treat hand so your dog can “catch” the treat hand.
• Not using appropriate treats.  Use treats that are of high value to your dog and something he can eat quickly.

I love this game!  TUG – SWITCH TOYS will begin to teach your dog how to switch between different toys. This will start to create a balance in the rewards you will use when training.  In addition, this game teaches your dog to accept the reward/reinforcement you give him.

GOAL  –  To teach your dog to play and accept the toy that is offered.  The ability to switch between different toys and balance and build value in rewards.  Balance is the KEY!

TUG – SWITCH TOYS Reminders:

• Use two toys of similar value to your dog.
• When playing with one toy, DO NOT hide the extra toy, rather hang that arm and toy next to your body  put it under your arm.
• This game will teach your dog to play and accept the toy that is offered.   Balance is the KEY!
• PATIENCE … this may take some energy on your part to get your dog to switch toys.
• Keep a hold on both toys, one in each hand OR put under your arm.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT

• Have two toys of similar value holding one in each hand.
• While playing tug with one toy and your dog, stop playing with the current toy, and switch hands to present the other toy/hand.  I.e. if you were playing with the toy in your right hand, you will switch to the toy in the left hand.
• Present the “new toy” to your dog making it come to life, while making the previous toy dead and no fun.
• DO NOT hide the first toy behind you, rather hang that arm and toy next to your body  put it under your arm.
•  This will teach your dog to play and accept the toy that is offered.   
• Work to get your dog to switch from the original toy to the “new toy” you have presented.
• PATIENCE … this may take some energy on your part to get your dog to switch toys.
• Once your dog switches to the “new toy”, play with that toy for a few minutes, and then repeat the process and get your dog to switch back to the original toy.
• Keep hold of both toys, one in each hand OR put under your arm.
• Progression: More advanced is to drop one toy on the ground and play tug with the toy in your hand.  Have your dog switch to the dropped toy, and then deliver to you for tug with that toy.

COMMON ERRORS – Handlers Make

• Your dog won’t let go of the toy to switch to the next.  First, GREAT job of building the desire to tug.  If your dog will not let go of the toy, try letting go of the tug toy yourself.  Grab the other toy and have the toy you want to tug with in your hands.  Encourage your dog to “get it” as you move away from your dog.  Usually a dog will drop and switch to the one you are holding.
• Your dog will not switch toys.  No worries, simply keep saying “get it” to your dog and encourage him to get the to you are moving.  Your dog will pick up on this game quickly.

Sly gets to play next.  I use one toy in each hand to start, and then blend into a toy in both hands.  The active toy is dropped to switch to a new toy.  Also, if I ask Sly to pick up a toy, he must pick it up and jump up to push the toy at me to activate a new game of tug.  This is a great foundation for bringing objects picked up to my hands.

Shifting responsibility to the LEASH ON/OFF  is the way to build confidence and consistency.  During this stage, all visible treats in your mouth have been weaned off and should be out of sight.   Make sure you are using the same type of leash you will be using in the ring.  I.e., a clip on a leash, one that slips over his head, etc.

GOAL – Starting to shift responsibility and complete the teaching of the Leash O/O.  While this is the last week of this this skill, YOUR job is just starting.  Doing the Leash O/O any time or any place you are with your dog will solidify the HABIT we want to create.  

Leash O/O REMINDERS:

• Practice this skill from any position you will be using when in the ring.  Examples: from a down if you leave your dog in a down on the start-line stay,  from a sit on your left side for entering Obedience ring, etc.
• This step is starting to switch from Level 1 to Level 2 training.
• Start to wean off visible treats and or pointing toy our face.
• It is not necessary to put the leash on or take it off.  BENDING OVER is the cue to focus for your dog to learn.
• Use random placement rewards.  That is sometimes reward as you start to bend over.  Sometimes as you reach toward the collar.  Other times as you clip on leash or pretend to. Finally as you stand back up right.
• NOTE: If you are handing your dog a treat, take the treat from your face down to the dog.  This action will help teach your dog to focus on your face.   If your dog breaks eye contact to watch the cookie being delivered, no worries!   The treat is being delivered along the imaginary line between your dog and your face. 
• Add a consequence for failure to give effort.  When adding a consequence, always repeat the skill after a consequence to give your dog an opportunity to be correct and earn reward. 
• Consequence you can use, a gentle tap under your dog’s chin with the hand reaching for the snap/collar.
• Make sure you practice with your dog in various LOCATIONS and positions as well as on your right/left side or while standing in front of you.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT

• This week it is important to set up “ring: like entrances and go to new locations.
• Vary the amount of distractions according to your dog’s level of training.
• Practice Leash O/O from any position you will be using when in the ring.  Examples: from a down if you leave your dog in a down on the start-line stay,  from a sit on your left side or in front of you for entering Obedience ring, etc.
• Add a consequence IF your dog loses focus on your face OR lacks effort.
• Some training ideas include:
  • Go to new training area and bend and take off your leash.  Praise and reward.  Leash ON, praise and reward for attention, and keep your dog engaged while leaving the ring.
  • Pre-set clutter on the floor.  I.e., chairs, tables, equipment, food bowls, toys, Rally signs, etc.   Take your dog close to the distractions while maintaining focus, bend over and take off your leash.  Praise and reward.  Leash ON, praise and reward for attention and keep your dog engaged while going back through the opening.

COMMON ERRORS – Handlers Make

• Not responding quickly when your dog looks away.   Add a consequence and when your dog looks back at you, praise.  Keep repeating the sequence until your dog OFFERS the correct behavior.
• Giving a verbal command.  This skill has a great cue, bending over to take off or put on the leash.   While conditioning might take some time, in the long run it is a great skill to have in your toolbox.

Sly and I then practice leash on/off from different positions, or skills and finally arm motion as a distraction which got Sly.  We work through all variations of proofing, and he was rewarded for all his efforts.  PLEASE NOTE:  I did not give Sly rewards for every repetition.  Keep in mind that Sly knows this skill and rewards are randomly given.

Review is always an important part of training.

KrazyKookie – this month we reviewed the foundations for the KK game as well as introducing, Repeats, Speedy, Chase me/Chase me, and take a breath.  Using all the games randomly throughout ALL your training is a part of build desire and keeping your dog focused and engaged.

Focus from the Crate is a great way to teach the focus habit from square one of your training.  Make sure you practice this skill every time your dog comes out of a crate as well as in many new locations.

Leash On/Off – Make this skill a “HABIT”.  It is the act of “bending over” to put on/off the leash is the cue for your dog to look at your face.  Make sure you are using the same type of leash you will be using in the ring.  Teach, perfect and PROOF this skill.

Tug –  So far we have reviewed, Pick A Toy, Make the Toy Come to Life, and It’s My Toy.  In March, we will continue to expand and work on TUGGING.    Keep the faith that we will get your dog playing and LOVING the game.

Let’s use the skills and drills learned this month in a training session.

Engaging Your Dog: Strategies for Success

• Watch for Inactivity: Be observant—if your dog starts to lose interest or looks away, that’s your cue to initiate a game.
• Immediate Engagement: As soon as you notice inactivity, start the game right away to create a strong association between looking at you and fun.
• Creating Habits: Consistently use skills and drills learned in this class in different environments (home, park, training buildings, shows, etc.), so your dog learns to generalize the behavior.
• Be Patient: Changes in behavior can take time. Monitor your dog’s responses and adjust your strategy as needed.
• Keep Sessions Short: Especially at the beginning, keep games short and energetic to maintain their interest.

Here is YOUR CHALLENGE!

• Go to a New Location, that is familiar or with low distraction, such as your garage, back yard or empty training building.
• Before getting your dog out of his crate, load yourself with high value treats and toy/s your dog LOVES.  
• When going to your dog’s crate, jazz him up a bit with “you ready to go have fun” or “let’s go play” etc.
• Practice your Focus Out Crate and Leash On/Off.  It is important to practice this all opportunities to build the “focus habit.”
• While playing KK or TUG, move a short distant, 10-15 feet from your crate.
• Then spend time playing the different KrazyKookie Games.
• Practice 2-3 Leash O/O (remember the bend is the cue NOT actually taking the leash off).
• Next play TUG or KK back to your crating area.
• Once back to your crating area, work on Lease On/Off and put your dog back into his crate.

HOW DID YOUR DOG do with your monthly skill challenge?
Please post results on Facebook group, I want to know.

K9 Focus – Unleash the Focus 1 – Week 5

• Take into consideration, the Level of training your dog is currently.
• ALWAYS think of building DESIRE before working on perfection!
• Post Questions or 1-3 minute of VIDEO on the FaceBook group.

• In order for you and others to get the MOST out this class, it is important that everyone participate in some way with questions, comments and or videos.  

Below are training session ideas for the week.  Make your training plan, write it down, and after make notes after of successes and results.  

TRAINING SKILLS THIS WEEK

Leash O/O.

• This week it is important to set up “ring: like entrances and go to new locations.
• Vary the amount of distractions according to your dog’s level of training.
• Practice Leash O/O from any position you will be using when in the ring.  Examples: from a down if you leave your dog in a down on the start-line stay,  from a sit on your left side or in front of you for entering Obedience ring, etc.
• Add a consequence IF your dog loses focus on your face OR lacks effort.
• Some training ideas include:
  • Go to new training area and bend and take off your leash.  Praise and reward.  Leash ON, praise and reward for attention, and keep your dog engaged while leaving the ring.
  • Pre-set clutter on the floor.  I.e., chairs, tables, equipment, food bowls, toys, Rally signs, etc.   Take your dog close to the distractions while maintaining focus, bend over and take off your leash.  Praise and reward.  Leash ON, praise and reward for attention and keep your dog engaged while going back through the opening.

KrazyKookie game – Take a Breath.  An important step is to add duration, and this will also start to build focus. 

• Review – Repeats – Once your dog understands the game, start
  with having treats in both hands.  When your dog chases and catches a treat in one hand, immediately pick up the game with a treat in your opposite hand.  Your dog, then chases the second treat as you are getting a third treat in your free hand, etc.
• Review – Speedy – When your dog LOVES the game, move your treat hand faster and more erratically.  Keep it fun for your dog to chase and catch the treat.
• Review – Chase Me/Chase Me – Put a new spin on this game.  Play KK with your dog, when your dog catches the treat, run away from your dog.  When he catches you, kick into another KrazyKookie game.  Your dog catches the treat, run away and play another KK game.
• NEW Game – Take a Breath – Play KK with your dog.  When your dog is really excited and after he has caught 2-3 treats from your hands, stand up and take a breath as you quietly count to 3.   Then break into another KK game.  This will start to teach and add DURATION to FOCUS.   Over many training sessions change the amount of time you wait before breaking back into another KK game but keep your pauses short.

TUG 

• Have two toys of similar value holding one in each hand.
• While playing tug with one toy and your dog, stop playing with the current toy, and switch hands to present the other toy/hand.  I.e. if you were playing with the toy in your right hand, you will switch to the toy in the left hand.
• Present the “new toy” to your dog making it come to life, while making the previous toy dead and no fun.
• DO NOT hide the first toy behind you, rather hang that arm and toy next to your body  put it under your arm.
•  This will teach your dog to play and accept the toy that is offered.   
• Work to get your dog to switch from the original toy to the “new toy” you have presented.
• PATIENCE … this may take some energy on your part to get your dog to switch toys.
• Once your dog switches to the “new toy”, play with that toy for a few minutes, and then repeat the process and get your dog to switch back to the original toy.
• Keep hold of both toys, one in each hand OR put under your arm.
• Progression: More advanced is to drop one toy on the ground and play tug with the toy in your hand.  Have your dog switch to the dropped toy, and then deliver to you for tug with that toy.