No you do not have to "be the squirrel"

You call your dog’s name, and they pause—just for a second. But before you can reward that moment of attention, they’re locked onto something else. A bird, a dog, or even a patch of grass becomes the center of their world, and suddenly you’re an afterthought.

It’s not that your dog isn’t paying attention. They’re paying attention to exactly what feels important at the time. And if it’s not you, that doesn’t mean they’re ignoring you—it just means the environment is winning the engagement game.

Why Does the Environment Win?

Distractions aren’t a lack of focus; they’re proof your dog is fully engaged—just not with you. If a squirrel darts across the path, that’s not distraction; that’s directed focus. The world around them is full of things that naturally pull them in, and in many cases, those things feel more rewarding than whatever you’re offering.

But here’s the good news: if your dog can focus on a squirrel, they can focus on you too. It’s not about competing for their attention—it’s about learning to step into the same game and become part of the excitement.

Can Distractions Be Part of the Training?

Instead of seeing distractions as obstacles, think of them as opportunities. The Premack Principle teaches us that what your dog wants can reinforce what you want.

If your dog is pulling toward another dog, ask for a sit first. The reward? They get to say hello. If they’re locked in on a tree, ask for eye contact before releasing them to investigate. The distraction becomes the reward.

Over time, your dog starts to understand that listening to you isn’t the opposite of fun—it’s the gateway to it.

What Happens When They Get Too Excited?

Even when your dog “knows” what to do, excitement can make it harder for them to follow through. Dogs feel moods, just like we do. Some days, they’re calm and responsive. Other times, their energy feels electric, and every little thing around them tugs at their attention.

But excitement isn’t the problem. It’s a tool. If your dog is amped up, try channeling that energy into training. Ask for a down and follow it with a game of chase. Reward a hand touch with a tug session. By pairing excitement with cues, you teach them to move between high and low arousal.

“Training through excitement teaches control—not suppression.”

Why Does Focus Break Down in New Places?

It’s frustrating when your dog nails their cues at home but seems to forget everything in a new environment. But that’s not forgetting—it’s a learning gap.

Dogs are contextual learners. A sit in the kitchen feels different than a sit at the park. They’re not ignoring you; they just haven’t practiced enough in that setting.

Think of it like learning to drive. You might feel confident in an empty parking lot, but city traffic? That’s another level. Dogs need practice in different environments to build the same confidence and connection.

Can Rewards Work Against You?

Yes—sometimes the very thing we use to motivate can become the distraction itself. Holding food or a toy during training automatically introduces excitement. But that’s not a bad thing.

Asking for focus while holding the reward is part of impulse control. Your dog learns to stay engaged even when they want something badly. This foundational skill lays the groundwork for real-world situations, where distractions hold just as much (if not more) weight as treats.

When your dog can hold focus in the presence of food, you’re building their ability to stay connected during bigger distractions.

How Do You Level Up the Challenge?

Raising the stakes doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with movement.

Jog in place while asking for sits. Bounce a ball while working on down-stays. Movement naturally introduces excitement, and by incorporating it into training, you teach your dog to stay grounded while energy builds.

Next, blend play directly into the session. Mid-fetch, ask for a quick “come” or “down.” In the middle of tug, pause for a moment of stillness before resuming. These simple shifts mirror real-life distractions, preparing your dog to focus even when their excitement level is high.

What if Progress Feels Inconsistent?

Progress isn’t linear. One day, your dog checks in constantly; the next, everything else feels more interesting. This ebb and flow is normal.

The key is to look for small moments of engagement. A quick glance, brief eye contact, or even just slowing down before chasing after something is a win. Reward those moments. They stack over time, creating longer stretches of connection.

Engagement Over Perfection

Ultimately, training isn’t about creating a robot-like dog that ignores the world. It’s about building engagement—so that when the world gets loud, your dog still hears you.

The more we lean into play, movement, and rewarding natural curiosity, the stronger that connection becomes. One day, the squirrel might still catch their eye—but this time, they’ll check in with you first.