Dogs LOVE to play. They also love to eat! Why not combine both into a fun game that teaches reorientation and focus at the same time? The game of FIND IT is easily played both indoors and outdoors.

Why play FIND IT? Find it can be used at the beginning of a walk to jump start focus and burn off excess energy, can help teach a dog to turn on cue, and taps into the natural behavior of sniffing, which is self-calming for dogs.

FIND IT is an excellent indoor activity for bad weather days and helps improve focus and reorientation. Without focus, it is difficult to achieve any other behavior you will want from your dog.

Here’s how to begin: Teach Reorientation

1. Begin with a small handful of treats. Toss a treat on the floor where your dog can see it.
2. Give the  cue “FIND IT” .
3. As soon as your dog picks up the treat mark the behavior with YES.
4. As he turns around to look at you toss another treat!
5. Repeat several times.

After several games you can begin to work on Focus

1. Begin with a small handful of treats. Toss a treat on the floor where your dog can see it.
2. Give the  cue “FIND IT” .
3. Wait until your dog turns toward you before you tell him yes.
4. Toss another treat and repeat!

After several games at the new level you can begin to work on Eye Contact

1. Begin with a small handful of treats. Toss a treat on the floor where your dog can see it.
2. Give the  cue “FIND IT” .
3. Wait until your dog makes brief eye contact before you tell him yes.
4. Toss another treat and repeat!

This game game be played outside for even more mental and physical energy release!

Some additional uses for the game of FIND IT are:

• When your dog is distracted by other dogs on walks
• When your dog is waiting at the vet clinic (keeps your throws close)
• When your want your dog to wait patiently as you talk to someone (scatter several treats instead of one)

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

If you have a puppy, keep your throws short, within 3-4 feet of your puppy. Their distance eye sight is still developing and they haven’t learned to effectively “hunt”.

If you have an adolescent or adult dog, begin tossing the treat a short distance away, gradually increasing the distance he must search for it. Don’t help him! Their nose is much better than ours and they are searching using scent, not eyesight.