23/06/2025
Hey all! I'm doing a session on the upcoming FDSA 1-day conference on Focus and Engagement! The title of my presentation is "Your Dog's Brain on Games" and I'll be talking about the dog's desire and ability to focus and engage and how games impact that desire by the chemical reactions in their brain! It's less about the way you entice the dog to connect and more about the way they feel when they do! I did a quick synopsis about what I'll be talking about and of course! You'll learn some games that foster focus and engagement! I'll pop the info in the comments!
There are several amazing instructors presenting throughout the day and you get to see them all for only $89 for the entire conference. If you can't be there it is recorded and you can watch later! I Hope to see you there!
Building Attention, Focus, and Engagement Through Games
Understanding the distinction between attention, focus, and engagement is the key to unlocking effective training. Attention is the ability to notice and respond, focus is the ability to sustain concentration, and engagement is the willingness to actively participate. While all three work together, each plays a unique role in creating a dog that is eager, reliable, and responsive in training.
Why Games?
Games transform learning into an experience that is both enjoyable and lasting. Unlike rigid training drills, games tap into natural movement, excitement, and problem-solving—reinforcing behaviors in ways that feel effortless rather than forced. They build muscle memory, emotional associations, and intrinsic motivation, ensuring that skills are retained and reliably performed in various environments.
Why Name Your Games? The Value of the Start Cue
Every game begins with a cue—a signal that sets the tone for what’s coming next. Naming your games provides a clear starting point, shaping expectations and enthusiasm. When a dog hears a familiar game name, they instantly recognize the structure, rules, and reward potential, allowing them to dive in with focus and confidence. A well-timed start cue builds anticipation, increases precision, and strengthens the emotional connection to training.
The Value of Games in Building Focus and Attention—It’s More Than the Obvious!
Games do more than just improve responsiveness; they shape the way a dog thinks, reacts, and problem-solves. By incorporating movement, timing, and choice, games train a dog to filter distractions, sustain concentration, and develop self-control. Beyond the immediate benefits, game-based learning encourages creativity, adaptability, and engagement, making dogs more eager to learn and less prone to frustration.
The Value of “Go Away” Games for Engagement
It might seem counterintuitive, but games that encourage moving away—such as chasing a tossed treat or running toward a target—can significantly increase engagement. By reinforcing controlled separation and strategic movement, these games build confidence, trust, and motivation. When a dog learns that moving away leads to an exciting opportunity to return, the desire to engage increases, as they remain tuned in to the handler’s cues even at a distance.
Through well-structured play, training becomes a partnership—one that fosters confidence, motivation, and lasting skills. Whether strengthening focus, refining attention, or deepening engagement, games create an environment where learning is not only effective but exhilarating