Look: This is known as our "attention getter" command and is a crucial building block in our relationship with our dog and all that they will learn. Eye Contact is the goal and rewarding this will cause our dog to associate focusing and looking at us with praise, treats and all forms of what they deem good. Start by taking a treat and holding it between your middle finger and thumb, allowing our index to be free, this is a good point of reference for us and the dog. You'll put the treat to their nose and let them taste, taste, taste; it is important to do this because it reminds the dog what they are working for and can refocus them if they appear distracted. While they are tasting the treat you will swiftly bring your hand back to your nose, stopping when your index touches the tip of your nose. You will say 'look' as you are bringing the treat back to your nose and when you get a sufficient form of eye contact " which can be as brief as a glance" mark 'yes' and reward them with that treat.

Find It: This is known as our "attention breaker" command and is deliberately simple and fun for our dog. The desired effect of this command is to break their focus from one thing and get them immersed in following a treat, it also serves as an introduction to learning because our dog will build confidence in their ability to take direction when they are being rewarded for this action and succeeding so proficiently. You will start by taking a treat and putting it right up to their nose, allow them to taste it and then toss the treat in their line of vision. While they are in pursuit of the treat simply observe them and watch as they scrounge the ground in search of the treat. Once they've gotten it mark 'yes' so they know they have fulfilled the action.

Touch: The final command of our focus cues, touch is a multi-facited command that is engaging, confidence building and stimulating fun to even the youngest of dogs. It serves as a command that strengthens the capacity for learning and allows for a more intimate experience when working with our dog, which builds and solidifies your relationship with them. You'll first want to start by saturating the palm of your hand with a high-value treat, "when I say high-value I mean something you know your dog will like" and then present your hand, tilted sideways while saying 'touch'. What we are rewarding for is 'effort', which is an open-ended concept so I'll break it down a little simpler; a neck extension toward the palm, reaching for it with their nose but not touching, and touching the center of the palm are all payable when issued the touch command. It is more about the effort they put in rather than a specific action and it can transcend to a rapid fire game where our dog will be 'touching' in all directions.

This is going to test how well you know our focus commands, why we use them and how they can be resourceful in everyday situations. Read every question carefully and do your best!