Orientation Game

You’re in – Here’s your training!

Below you’ll find your Orientation Game video and handout so you can get started right away.

How the game works and why it helps

This game provides you and your dog with a framework to build focus on you in novel environments, and grow a foundation skill for great loose leash walking and off-leash freedom.

By playing this game, you prime your dog’s mental pathway to check in with you regardless of what is happening in the environment.

The secret behind the game is simple: Build an amazing reward experience (they get to chase and hunt down a piece of food) that focuses your dog’s energy on orienting to you. When faced with a choice of the environment or you, your dog will start to choose you each and every time.

By playing the Orientation Game, you are:

  • Building a new habit: disengaging from the environment, checking in with you.

  • Strengthening your bond through play and engagement.

  • Taking a positive step toward improving your relationship.

Dogs get better at what they practice every day so the more you play the game, the more your dog will start to choose you over the environment.

To get started, watch the video, download the handout and enjoy playing the Orientation Game with your dog.

Have Fun! ❤️

Heather

Wait – who’s Heather? 🐾

Hi, I’m Heather – a certified dog trainer from New Denver, BC Canada

I am a Karen Pryor Academy, and Fear Free certified dog trainer. I am a games-based trainer having taken the Absolute Dogs ProDog Trainer, Geek, and Genius programs. My businss is BCSPCA AnimalKind accredited and I am an NACSW Certified Nosework Instructor.

I came across games-based training and knew right from the start that this was how I wanted to work with my dogs. Focusing on teaching concepts and skills instead of behaviours resonated with me and I started to see results.

I gradually incorporated the games-based training into my classes and my students also experienced positive changes in their dog’s ability to be calm, focused, and engaged.

Here is what a two of my students had to say:

"The class was fun and engaging, and Heather was more than happy to answer any questions I had about raising a young dog. She covered all the bases in her course, and her training helped me and my dog connect more. He is far more confident and responsive to me since we took Heather's course. Thank you so much Heather for your patience and care throughout this experience.” Amber and Akash

and

In regards to your training, it was TOP NOTCH! We didn’t know what to expect due to Frankie’s excitement levels, lack of self control and our unrealistic expectations. Before training, Frankie was quite rambunctious, hyper and energetic. As we progressed through the classes, we learned valuable knowledge of a dogs habits, needs and behaviour. We also learned a lot about ownership and the relationship between owner and dog. The games taught in the class are invaluable! They work extremely well and Frankie loves them! We now use them for training, distraction and play time. Frankie is able to self regulate better now and it gets better each day. We’ve all learned that quiet time is a good thing and Frankie enjoys it. It is a great technique to bring his arousal down. His recall has gotten better but leaves something to be desired. We look forward to more classes in the spring! Shawn, Joanne and Frankie

Would You Like to Learn More?

By learning and playing the Orientation Game, you’ve taken an important step towards building a dog who can better focus and engage with you.

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