Post Reward Focus Drop Offs

Let’s talk about the common issue of a dog losing focus after you reward and just running back to the end of the leash or sniffing and disconnecting. It’s ok to let a dog sniff, but if their sniffing also disconnects them from you and you lose their attention it’s nice to work on that and have “sniff time” be something you work in so that your dog doesn’t disengage at times you need them to focus.

This is a super common issue and it stems from a dog thinking a treat means they are done and it releases the exercise. You can help this by having obvious releases. So if for example I am walking with my dog and I want them to stay connected to me and not pull on the leash, but I also want to allow them to have time to sniff and go potty I am going to walk to the area and give them a “go sniff” release, then cue them to walk with me when it’s time to connect with me “let’s go”.

So if your dog already has an issue with post reward focus drops watch the video and see examples of how you can work on teaching your dog to stay connected after a treat and stay with you. The secret is all about keeping the fun and engagement up and not letting your own focus drop. Teach your dog multiple rewards are possible.

Another game you can play are simple pattern games, like 1,2,3 reward. Where you get into a pattern of counting each step and rewarding, so your dog snaps into the pattern between the rewards.