The Best Dog Training Focus Exercises

3 Easy Dog Training Exercises to Get (and Keep) Your Puppy’s Attention

So, you brought home a wiggly, fluffy ball of joy,and now you’re wondering where to start with training. You’re not alone. With all the excitement of a new puppy, figuring out how to actually get their attention can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to train your pup to do backflips. Start small. Focus training is one of the best places to begin—and it opens the door to everything else your dog will learn.

From “sit” and “stay” to “heel” and “come,” all cues rely on one simple skill: your dog knowing how to tune into you.

Let’s dive into three of the best focus-building exercises you can start today, with no fancy equipment and just a few treats or toys in your pocket.

 1. Eye Contact Training: “Look at Me!”

If you're wondering how to grab your pup’s attention, teaching eye contact is your go-to starting point. This exercise is all about helping your dog learn that looking at you = something awesome is about to happen.

How to do it:

• Sit with your puppy in a quiet, distraction-free spot.

• Have a few small treats or a favourite toy ready.

• When your pup looks at your face—even just a glance—mark it with a cheerful “Yes!” and reward.

• Repeat! Each time they make eye contact, reward again.

Trainer tip: If your pup is having trouble, hold the treat near your face, then hide it behind your back. If they keep looking at you, jackpot! If they follow the treat, that’s okay—just bring it back to your face and try again. They’ll catch on.

2. Impulse Control: “Wait for It…”

Impulse control is a game-changer. It helps your pup learn that calm behaviour gets rewarded—and wild, impulsive behaviour doesn’t. This is great for those door-dashers, treat-grabbers, and toy-pouncers.

How to do it:

• Sit down with your dog and their toy or treat.

• Gently place the item on the floor in front of you.

• If your dog dives for it, calmly block it with your foot. Wait for them to back off, then try again.

• Once your dog can hold back, encourage eye contact before offering the reward.

  This teaches your dog not just to stay calm, but to check in with you first before reacting.

 3. Hand Targeting: “Touch My Hand!”

Hand target training is a fantastic way to build focus—and it becomes a go-to tool when your dog is stressed, overstimulated, or needs help settling in new environments.

How to do it:

• Sit at your dog’s level with a reward ready.

• Hold your open palm near their nose.

• When they touch your hand with their nose, mark and reward!

• Practice several short repetitions.

 Bonus: Once your dog knows the “touch” cue, you can use it to redirect them from distractions, help them move calmly, or give them something familiar to focus on in tough moments.

 Tips to Make Focus Training Stick

 Use What Your Dog Loves

Every dog is different—some work for treats, others go wild for toys. Test both and see what gets your pup excited to work with you.

 Give Them Your Full Attention

It’s only fair! If you want your dog to focus, make sure you’re not distracted either. That means putting the phone down and turning off the TV. They notice!

 Keep Rewards Hidden (at First)

If your dog sees the treat right away, they’ll just fixate on it. Tuck it in your pocket or behind your back so the focus stays on you, not the snack.

 Add Distractions Later

Start in a quiet space, but once your dog is getting the hang of it, slowly introduce distractions—like toys, background noise, or different locations. This helps build real-world focus.

 Keep Sessions Short & Fun

Two to five minutes is plenty! Puppies (and adult dogs) have short attention spans. Quit while you’re ahead so your pup stays excited to train next time.

 Use Mealtimes for Training

Why not put that puppy hunger to work? Try incorporating a few focus exercises right before you serve their meal. It’s a great time to reinforce calm, attentive behaviour—and they’re already motivated!

 Final Thoughts

Focus training isn’t about perfection, it’s about building a connection. These simple exercises help your dog learn that you’re worth paying attention to, no matter what else is going on. With consistency, clear communication, and lots of praise, you’ll lay the foundation for a lifetime of successful training—and a pup who’s eager to check in with you, even in the middle of chaos.

Happy training!