I hope you enjoy this guest blog from positive dog trainer Michelle at Freddie and Friends

This is my top 3 games to have your dog more focused on you and less on what’s around them

I love using the training treats from Friends and Canines dog treats.

They are especially great for dogs that I’m walking or training that need that little bit more focus. A gravy bone just doesn’t cut it when there’s chicken hearts on offer.

The value of rewards need to be high as you’re competing with all the fun and excitement that the environment gives.

In this video I’m sharing my top 3 games for making YOU more interesting to your dog than what’s going on around them . Always start somewhere low distraction first like your house/ garden and then gradually increase the distractions.

These games encourage that bounce back from distractions and back to you. These games can unlock the reality that is safe off lead freedom. So here’s orientation, funder and middle for you to have a go at.

I’d love to see some of you trying these out.

Play them off lead at home and on lead out and about until your dog is ready for off lead games.

Please watch the video below and then see the further instructions below, any questions please pop in the comments x

Orientation

1. Grab some yummy treats and get your dog excited to play by showing them what you have.

2. Depending on your dogs experience either place or throw a treat to your side so your dog can see it

(top tip – think of what food you’re using and the surface you’re doing it on, can they see it)

3. Don’t throw it far to start with we want them to succeed

4. As your dog goes to eat the treat keep your eye on them

5. The moment they finish eating they should turn back as if to say wow I’ll have another of those

6. Mark that moment they turn back to you with a “Yes”

7. Reward them bouncing back to you by placing/throwing another treat out to your other side

8. Repeat and have fun

Remember keep sessions short a minute is plenty  

Funder

1. Grab some yummy treats and get your dog excited to play by showing them what you have.

2. Throw a treat in front of you for your dog to go and get

3. As they eat the treat and turn back to you mark with a “Yes”

4. As they come towards you bowl a treat between your legs for them to chase Top tip- Some dogs may not be sure of going through your legs. If they’re not, as they come in towards you just place a treat between your feet. It’s all about growing their confidence. For big dogs that maybe can’t fit through your legs do the same thing but just close to your side.

5. As they head for the treat turn to face them to go again

6. As they turn mark with a “Yes” again and bowl another treat through your legs

Middle

1. Grab some yummy treats and get your dog excited to play by showing them what you have.

2. For complete beginners have a treat in each hand

3. With one hand get your dog to follow a treat behind your legs

4. As you feed them there have the other treat in the other hand ready at the front of your legs to guide your dog from behind your legs to between them

5. Once in position Feed Feed Feed. You are building value for being here

6. Throw one treat forward to release them from the position and to reset them to go again

7. Soon enough you’ll only need one treat to guide them into position and then eventually just the word middle

Fun fact – Middle is great place to recall your dog to and keeps recall fun

What did you think?

Did this inspire you to try some? 

Or can your dog already do these games?

Let us know and share your videos, let me know if you like this and we can get more games for you 🐾

Freddie loves the chicken hearts for training, and also the cheese biscuits and mini tripe treats. Remember to mix up your treats to keep them exciting