So, you’re successfully building your dog’s focus with the micro-training sessions from Week 1’s Name Game. Great job! But now it’s time for the next challenge: How is your Dog’s Focus Amid Distraction?

And if you’re reading this in December… you already know the vibe. Holiday distractions are everywhere: noise, visitors, wrapping paper explosions, random décor that suddenly lights up or sings. It’s a full sensory circus.

If you’re grimacing right now, don’t worry—you are absolutely not alone. Dogs learn in context, so when the context shifts (like tossing distractions into the mix), their behavior shifts too. That’s totally normal.

But here’s the good news: you can build more reliable, consistent responses even when the environment gets busier. Once you’ve created a solid foundation in a calm space, it’s time to add small, managed distractions inside your sessions.

And before you start thinking this training will go on forever, let me reassure you: the best work you’ll do with your dog happens in micro-sessions or woven naturally into everyday life. So take a breath, shake off the overwhelm, and let me help you build your dog’s focus around distractions—one tiny, successful session at a time.

Remember, the goal of The Distracted Dog Lover is to support those of us who get overwhelmed by everything dog training can involve. We break it down, make it accessible, and most importantly, we make it fun.

Why Distraction Training Matters 

Dogs learn in context. They often tie behaviors to specific environments, which means it can be surprisingly hard for them to transfer a skill from one setting to another—especially when new distractions pop up in a place where they usually perform cues easily.

To help your dog generalize their skills, you need to practice in different locations and with varying levels of distraction. Building a strong reward history across multiple contexts makes the behavior far more reliable.

This foundation starts with controlled distractions. When you introduce distractions intentionally, you can ensure your dog learns that distractions don’t pay off—you do.

This is important, because in real life, those distractions absolutely can “pay.” Squirrels run, smells drift, people move, ornaments swing, packages crinkle. And when something in the environment overstimulates your dog, it’s unfair to expect perfect responses if we haven’t prepared them.

By planning sessions ahead of time—and choosing the distractions your dog is likely to face—we stack the odds in your favor. This week’s focus is holiday chaos, but you can easily swap in whatever distractions show up most in your daily life.

Training before those real-world distractions hit dramatically increases the chances your dog will respond the way you need them to.

And that’s exactly what this week’s exercise is going to help you build: consistent, confident Dog’s Focus Amid Distraction.

This week’s exercise will help get you started!

This Week’s Training Game: Look There!

Let’s think of this like a simple recipe you can repeat anywhere.

Materials Needed

• A small distraction item (ornament, holiday décor, wrapped gift, etc.)
• Treats
• A calm environment to start
  

Instructions

1. Hold the distraction behind your back, then bring it out to your side.
   (Start high and farther away from your dog to keep things easy.)
2. When your dog looks at the item, simply wait.
   No cues, no sounds—just observation.
3. The moment your dog looks back at you, mark (“Yes!” or click).
4. Reward.
5. Reset by walking a small circle or shifting your position.
   Repeat for 5–8 quick reps.
   

Important Notes

• Keep distractions mild—you’re building success, not stress.
• If your dog can’t disengage, move the distraction farther away or choose a less exciting item.
• Keep sessions under 5 minutes. Micro-training makes learning fun, keeps frustration low, and helps you progress steadily.
  

Advanced Steps

Once you’ve cycled through several different distractions and your dog is succeeding consistently, it’s time to change the picture so your dog can start generalizing focus in new contexts. This is the key to improving your Dog’s Focus Amid Distraction.

1. Adding Movement

Revisit the base exercise but now present the distraction with motion.

• Start with slow, gentle movement.
• Gradually increase speed as your dog reliably looks away from the distraction and back to you.
  

Dogs with prey drive may find this harder, so go slow.

Fun progression: Try using wrapping paper or tissue paper. When you move it up and down, it creates flowy, unpredictable motion that many dogs find very stimulating. Begin with tiny movements and build up slowly.

2. Changing the Position of the Distraction

In the base version, you present the distraction. Now let’s shift the context.

Ask a helper to stand across the room holding the distraction.
All the original rules still apply:

• Dog looks at the helper → you wait.
• Dog looks back at you → you mark and reward.
  

This step is essential for teaching your dog to focus even when distractions appear in different locations or come from different people.

Keep Mixing It Up

Sprinkle short sessions throughout your day—two minutes here, one minute there. Tiny, consistent practice builds the strongest habits and helps your dog confidently navigate distractions in the real world.

What This Game Builds

This little game packs a big punch. Over time, it helps create automatic check-ins—your dog learns to notice something interesting, then quickly look back at you without being asked. By slowly adding a variety of distractions, you’re strengthening your dog’s attention even as the environment around them gets busier or more exciting.

Instead of the common “Don’t look at that!” approach (which rarely works and often adds pressure), this game teaches your dog something much more useful:

 You can look at the distraction… just don’t get stuck on it. Come back to me.

That skill translates beautifully into real-life situations.

This simple LAT-style exercise also supports overall obedience. Attention is the root of every other behavior we teach—sit, stay, loose-leash walking, recall, all of it. When your dog can stay connected to you despite what’s happening around them, everything else becomes easier.

Mindfulness: The Attention Test

Between your micro-training sessions, spend a little time simply watching your dog. Notice what captures their attention throughout the day. For example:

• Their reaction the first time they see the Christmas tree or new décor in the house
  
• How they respond to holiday decorations in the neighborhood during walks
  
• Whether they pause or perk up when they hear seasonal noises—like a snowblower, delivery truck, or crinkling gift wrap
  

This isn’t about correcting them. It’s about observing with curiosity.

When your dog looks away from something and chooses to check in with you—praise and treat that moment. These tiny, organic check-ins are just as valuable as the structured training game.

Let your dog be curious. Let them explore. Then celebrate every small glance back your way. That’s where the real magic (and mindfulness) happens.

Troubleshooting for Success

To build your dog’s focus amid distraction effectively, you want to keep sessions moving forward while keeping errors as minimal as possible. But mistakes will happen—because you’re human and your dog is learning. Use those moments as data, not defeat. Each misstep shows you exactly how to adjust your next session.

Here’s how to handle the most common training bumps:

Your dog won’t look away from the distraction

• Increase distance from the distraction, or
• Switch to something less exciting.
  This usually fixes the issue instantly.
  

Your dog gets overexcited after a few reps

• Shorten the session. Micro-training really is your friend. A minute or two is plenty.
  
  

Your dog looks back at you, but very slowly

• Increase reward value. If you’re using kibble, switch to something more motivating—cheese, hot dogs, chicken, or a favorite high-value treat for a few sessions.

In Conclusion

As you move through Week 2, remember that building your dog’s focus amid distraction is a journey made of tiny, consistent wins. Every look-away, every check-in, every moment your dog chooses you over the environment is a step toward calmer walks, smoother holiday moments, and a stronger relationship.

Keep it short, keep it fun, and celebrate the small victories.
Your dog isn’t just learning to tune out the world— they’re learning to tune into you.