Focus/Attention Exercise
Prerequisite: Settle Exercise
This exercise is geared toward getting your dog’s attention – regardless of distractions.
This session requires that you follow the program precisely.
Equipment: Your equipment includes a 15 foot nylon ‘longe line’ (long leash - but never a retractable, or 'flexi' leash!),
a properly fitted choke collar (slips over the dog’s head easily, but does not have more than 5” of extra collar when
pulled snug at the top of the dog's neck with the ring that attached to the leash), and a piece of tape (for your mouth...if
you are able to refrain from talking to the dog without the tape, you may omit this piece of equipment).
There are 7 important rules you should follow while doing your foundation training practice:
- Begin each session after an hour or two of quiet confinement. This will make sure the dog is bored and ready for
action - your training is the marvelous relief to that boredom.
- Do NOT tell your dog you’re going to start moving by jiggling the leash, or speaking to it.
- Do NOT stop walking, just because your dog doesn't want to walk, or is registering some sort of protest with you. (You
may respond with a squirt bottle for leash-tugging, or nipping/biting at you...otherwise, just keep walking!)
- Do NOT be concerned if your dog is in front of you, to the side of you, or behind you…for
our purposes, you do not have a dog attached to you. You have simply chosen a destination
and are walking to it.
- DO be aware of your dog’s position…but do not spend time staring at the dog. If it gets
hopelessly tangled, untangle it – with NO verbal communication – and continue on to your
point.
- Do NOT stray from the daily order of foundation training. You are teaching your dog that
you are in charge of which direction the two of you will travel. Moving forward before
the training has been completed will not allow the dog the opportunity to truly learn what
you are teaching it.
- During this week, NO extra-curricular walks (exempting those dogs without yards who must be walked for potty time)...
let the point walking take the place of your normal walking routines.
- Finally, allow the dog another hour of quiet time (ignore him) after the training is done.
Now we’re ready to begin:
Days One & Two:
1. In your training area (someplace big and open that allows you to walk without debris or obstacles, like a large yard,
park, parking lot, etc.), pick a point – approximately 25 to 50 feet away.
2. With your dog on a loose, long lead, walk to that point. Do not stop walking, regardless of your dog's response.
3. Upon arrival at the point, simply stop and stand for a minute or two – wait for your dog to get distracted and sniff
about, then pick another point and walk to it. Your goal is to have the dog mentally 'disconnect' from you before you
walk to your next point.
4. Repeat Steps 1 through 3, with a triangle of three different points, with 15 to 20 rotations per day.
5. Practice this exercise for at least 20 minutes, twice a day. One day 1, pick 3 different points,
and then use those same three points over and over through the rest of the exercises outlined below.
6. NOTE: Hold the handle of the leash looped over your right thumb, then close your right fist around the rest of the
leash handle. Lock your left hand on the leash under your right hand. Always use both hands, elbows and arms tucked
close to your body - giving the dog the full 12 - 15 feet of to explore and mentally 'disconnect' with. PAY ATTENTION to
where and what your dog is doing, to avoid getting yourself tangled in the leash, but DO NOT INTERACT with the dog.
Day Three:
1. Use the same three points you used on days one and two.
2. This time, check where your dog is just before you begin to walk.
3. Practice the '5 foot rule.' If you can get more than 5 feet (2 -3 steps) away from your dog, SPEED UP on your way to
your next point!
4. Repeat this process at each point, for your normal 15 - 20 rotations, always increasing speed if your dog is not
moving when you move...don't worry yet about the dog who charges ahead of you, anticipating the next point, we'll deal
with that on day 4.
Day Four:
1. Pick one of the points you’ve been using on the first 3 days.
2. With your dog on a loose, long lead, begin to walk to the point.
3. When you get half-way to your point, do an about-face turn and walk back to your
beginning point.
4. Repeat Step 3 until you can walk toward any of your chosen points without the dog
forging ahead of you.
Days Five through Seven:
Continue the exercise from day four, using NEW points.