Module 6.3 Focus Game
Focus Game (Natural eye contact)
Video 1:
The focus game is designed to encourage your puppy to offer natural attention without being asked. Rather than cueing your puppy to look at you, you are rewarding them for choosing to check in on their own. Each time your puppy looks towards you, mark with “yes” (or a click) and reward. This helps your puppy learn that giving attention is valuable and worth repeating. Building this kind of natural focus is an important foundation for all other training, as it creates a puppy who is more engaged, responsive, and ready to learn.
Video 2:
In this exercise, start by placing one treat at a time on the floor by your feet. This encourages your puppy to stay close and begin to feel comfortable in that space with you. After a few repetitions, your puppy will start to predict that food is coming to the floor. At this point, pause with your hands by your sides and wait. When your puppy looks up at you to check if more food is coming, mark with “yes” (or a click) and reward. Repeat this at least five times to help build understanding. When you’re ready to finish, use your release cue such as “okay” to let your puppy know they are free to move away.
Video 3:
Step 2 of the focus game is to take the training outside, where there are slightly more distractions for your puppy to work through. Begin in an environment that isn’t too challenging, such as a quiet garden or low-distraction outdoor space, and gradually build up the level of difficulty as your puppy succeeds. This helps them learn to maintain focus on you even as the world around them becomes more interesting.
Video 4:
The next step is to add a small amount of distance, encouraging your puppy to return to you from a short range. We’re still looking for natural eye contact and for your puppy to choose to orient back towards you, but now you’ll gently throw the reward treat slightly away to reset them. This creates an opportunity for your puppy to actively come back, check in with you, and earn the next reward, building a strong habit of re-engaging with you even after moving away.
Video 5:
The focus game is all about encouraging natural eye contact and helping your puppy learn to check in with you, even when there are distractions around. Start by working at a distance from anything exciting or worrying, so your puppy is still able to concentrate and make good choices. As your puppy notices the distraction and then chooses to disengage and look back at you, reward that natural check in. If you’re too close to the person/dog, it can be overwhelming and your puppy may struggle to learn, so giving them enough space is key. As they build confidence and understanding, you can gradually decrease the distance, helping them stay focused on you in more challenging environments.
