Why Focus First? – because FOCUS must happen before engagement and learning can take place! This is where learning begins- a progressive series of exercises, games and techniques that are foundational to building focus and relationship, built on positive conditioned response and clear communication.

What is “Focus First“? This program was developed through compilation and adaptation of various sources from whom Char has learned and been a student of through the years (see acknowledgements below). Focus First! continues to evolve as updated learning and concepts are put into practice. The goal in Focus First! is to maintain user friendly applications and provide a clear understanding of the big picture of acclimation, environmental effects and reinforcement strategies, prioritizing the dog’s emotional state throughout the process. Small steps to success make it fun and rewarding for all involved!

Topics include:

• Focus as a Skill – adapting and changing focus to meet the purpose
• Building Focus as the gateway to engagement, relationship and enhanced learning
• Setting up training sessions- communicate the beginning and end with clarity
• Acclimation is everything! A systematic process that sets the tone for everything that follows.
• Being fair to your dog with mechanics, clarity, and clear communication in training
• Food Drive- strategic use of food as reinforcement
• Toys– when/if to use as reinforcement
• Delivery Specific Markers-how delivery markers are game changing, “magic markers”!
• Games and Exercises to build offered focus and engagement with duration
• Focus on Fitness- using targeting skills, movement and body awareness in focus work
• Generalization – taking your training on the road, when and how

*Email Char for info on private lessons or classes: dogsontheball@gmail.com

“Acknowledgement and gratitude for the inspiration and development of my Focus First! program goes to: Clicker Expo and Fenzi Dog Sport Academy, and the many individuals from whom I have learned and studied under: Most notably Deb Jones PhD, a great teacher and mentor for whom I serve as online teaching assistant to in her Zen Logic and Fully Focused classes at Fenzi Dog Sport Academy, and from whom I continue to learn. Also Leslie McDevitt, Shade Whitesel, Julie Daniels, Kamal Fernandez, Michele Pouliot, Sharon Carroll and Denise Fenzi for their expertise and generous teaching, from whom I have benefitted greatly.”