Engagement games are essential before formal training. When your dog is focused on you, response to cues like sit-stay and recall become much faster.

Attention game (5 treats): hold a treat in a closed fist, whilst sitting down. Give a cue word, I used ‘giggles’ in the video, then mark the instant your dog notices you stand up (click or “yes”), then touch your head with your hand before you offer the reward from that hand. This will result in your dog looking up at you. Repeat five times to build to the point your dog shows s/he is ready to work..

Hand touch: offer your palm a few inches from the nose, Mark and reward nudges or sniffs. Slowly increase distance and vary timing. Add the cue “touch” once you know your dog understands that a flat palm means for them to bop it with their nose. You can then use the cue to redirect interest when there is a distraction (e.g., someone with food).

Quick tips

• Use high-value treats at first.

• Keep sessions 3–5 minutes, several times daily.

• Mark the exact moment of the behavior.

• Gradually fade visible treats.

These two games build focus and give practical ways to manage real-world distractions.