Training Tips with Gizzy (and Cherie): Issue 15

🐾 Training Tips from Gizzy: Spring Into Focus! 🐾

Hey friends, it’s me—Gizzy! Your favorite four-pawed professional in chasing dreams, snacks, and… literally everything that moves.

And let me tell you, Spring. Is. Here.

Which means one thing: distractions EVERYWHERE.
Birds are flapping, squirrels are bouncing, bees are buzzing (don’t touch them, I learned that the hard way), and the wind keeps throwing leaves at me like it’s a game.

Cherie says this is what they call "spring fever." I call it "how is anyone supposed to focus when nature is having a party?!"

So this week, Cherie said we were gonna "spring into focus." I thought that meant we were literally jumping into something, which I was very excited about… but no. It meant working on paying attention to her even when everything around me was screaming "zoomie time!"

At first, I was like, “nah.” But then she pulled out my favorite treats and squeaky ball and suddenly—I was dialed in. Turns out, paying attention can be fun AND rewarding. Who knew?

🌼 Gizzy’s Tips for Building Springtime Focus 🌼

🐾 Be the Most Interesting Thing Around
Use your voice, movement, and rewards to stay way more exciting than that squirrel. Be the VIP human your dog wants to keep watching!

👀 Reward Eye Contact
Every time your pup checks in with you? YES! Jackpot! Reinforce that focus and make it a game—“look at me” = snacks or toys!

🎯 Start Easy, Build Up
Don’t expect laser focus in a squirrel-filled park on day one. Start in the backyard or driveway and level up from there!

🎾 Make Focus Part of Playtime
Add recalls, "watch me," or tricks in between games of fetch or tug to keep your pup working with you even while having fun.

🧠 Use Engagement Games
Try rapid-fire sits, spins, or “find it” with tossed treats to keep their brain on you when they’re feeling wild. It's like a mental leash!

Cherie says learning to focus in chaos is what helps me be a good teammate—whether we’re training, walking through crowds, or just enjoying the sunshine together.

Got spring distractions where you are? Show us how you’re working through them in the Facebook Group—I wanna see those smart pups shine!

Until next time, keep wagging, stay focused, and try not to chase the bees.

Love,
Gizzy 🐝🌸