Let’s Review

Name Attention & Orientation Game

Week 6

 

Introduction

Welcome to Puppy Elementary School! At this stage, we begin building on the strong foundation you and your puppy have already created.

In this lesson, we revisit two core skills — Name Attention and the Orientation Game — with a focus on improving clarity, timing, and communication. These exercises help strengthen your puppy’s responsiveness and engagement as we begin to work in more distracting environments.

Name Attention

Boundary work helps puppies learn how to remain calm and relaxed on their mat even when things are happening around them. In this lesson, Linda and Laura begin introducing small distractions while the puppies practice staying settled on their spot. The goal is for puppies to understand that they can notice activity around them without needing to get up or leave their mat.

Orientation Game

Quick Notes for Name Attention

Name Attention is only as strong as your timing and clarity.

  • Your marker word (“yes” or “good”) means two things:

    • Your puppy did the correct behavior

    • A reward is coming

  • Say your puppy’s name once, then wait for the response.

  • The moment your puppy looks at you, mark immediately.

  • Timing matters — mark exactly when the behavior happens.

  • Marking too early or too late can confuse your puppy.

  • Reward right after the marker to reinforce the behavior.

  • Use your release word (“free,” “go,” etc.) to tell your puppy they are done.

  • Keep your reps clean and intentional — clarity builds understanding.

Quick Notes for Orientation Game

The Orientation Game builds automatic engagement — and this review focuses on doing it cleanly and simply.

  • Toss a treat away from you to reset the exercise.

  • Stay stationary — you do not need to move.

  • When your puppy turns back toward you, mark immediately.

  • Use your marker word (“yes” or “good”) to capture the turn.

  • Toss another treat to reset and repeat.

  • You do not need multiple treat types for this exercise.

  • Keep tosses short and controlled — not too far away.

  • Focus on marking the moment your puppy re-engages with you

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