Picture this: Your dog is a star student at home, mastering every cue with enthusiasm. But step outside? Suddenly that perfect “sit” dissolves into thin air at the sight of a squirrel, the sound of a skateboard, or the distant bark of another dog. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone – and more importantly, there’s a solution that goes beyond simply teaching your dog to “leave it.”
Meet Dana Shove, CPDT-KA, the creative force behind our groundbreaking Overcoming Distractions class at K9 Turbo Training in downtown Ferndale. Early in her teaching career, Dana noticed a common thread among her Metro Detroit students: dogs who excelled in the training room often struggled to maintain focus in real-world environments. “I kept hearing from people that their dogs did so well here but couldn’t focus at home or outside,” Dana explains. “When we had dogs who would get distracted by squirrels or environmental triggers, we would joke that we needed a ‘squirrel class’ – but that joke eventually sparked something real.”
Inspired by her observations and drawing from the innovative work of Leslie McDevitt, Dana developed a curriculum that doesn’t just teach dogs to ignore distractions – it helps them learn to navigate a complex world with confidence and choice. “I wanted to help handlers recognize what their dogs were going through and how to adjust their training and connection,” Dana shares. “It’s not just about getting your dog to focus on you – it’s about building a team dynamic where your dog can look to you and be confident that you can take on these distractions together.”
Who Can Benefit?
This class is perfect for:
- Dogs who become overwhelmed or anxious in new environments
- Happy, social dogs who get overly excited about meeting people or other dogs
- Dogs who have trouble focusing outside due to interesting sights, sounds, or smells
- Enthusiastic pups who get overexcited by environmental triggers like squirrels, bikes, or skateboards
- Dogs who struggle with impulse control around distractions
- Teams who are doing well but want to take their training to the next level
- Dogs who have completed basic manners training and are ready for new challenges
- Dogs who have a hard time maintaining focus or responding to cues in new environments
What Makes This Approach Different?
Unlike traditional methods that focus on controlling or suppressing behavior, this class puts your dog in the driver’s seat. Through carefully structured pattern games and exercises, dogs learn that they can choose to engage with you even when the environment is exciting or challenging. “We want the dog to be choosing their person voluntarily,” Dana emphasizes. “It’s not about having a tight leash – it’s about your dog deciding that working with you is more rewarding than chasing that squirrel.”
What to Expect
Over four weeks, you and your dog will learn:
- How to make the unpredictable distracting moments feel more predictable and manageable
- Patterns and games that help your dog process information at the pace they need to be successful
- Techniques for building focus and attention in challenging environments
- Strategies for helping your dog regulate their emotions around distractions
- Ways to strengthen your teamwork and communication
Classes run for 45 minutes each week at our downtown Ferndale training location, with a small group size (maximum of 5 dogs) to ensure personalized attention. You’ll need plenty of high-value treats, a treat pouch, and some form of “comfort item” for your dog, whether it’s a stuffed Kong, licky mat, a chewy toy, or a snuffle mat.
My Dog is Reactive! Can I Still Take This Class?
This is one of our most common questions, and the answer is: it depends on your dog’s specific needs. We have successfully worked with many graduates of our Reactive Series who have been able to transition into this class, but timing is important.
This class might be a good fit if your dog:
- Can work comfortably within 10-15 feet of other dogs
- Shows some barking or minor reactivity but can settle and refocus with appropriate distance, breaks, or engagement
- Can eat treats and engage in training when other dogs are present
- Has completed reactive classes and is ready for the next steps
We recommend starting with our Reactive Series first if:
- Your dog needs more than 15 feet of space to remain comfortable around other dogs
- They have difficulty taking treats or engaging when other dogs are present
- You want to gain skills to learn how to manage reactive behaviors first
- They’ve been asked to leave or hold off on group classes due to reactivity
- They show strong reactive responses to people
Not sure which path is right for your dog? We’re happy to help you evaluate their needs and recommend the most appropriate starting point.
Interested in Signing Up? Here’s What You Need to Know
Prerequisites:
- Completion of at least one of our basic manners classes (Puppy, Basic, or Intermediate Manners)
- Or equivalent training from another positive reinforcement facility
- Current on vaccinations
What You’ll Gain
By the end of the course, you and your dog will develop:
- A stronger relationship and ability to communicate
- The ability to work as a team even when things get challenging
- Strategies for appropriately introducing and working around distractions
- Tools for helping your dog when they need extra support
- The confidence to navigate new environments together
Success stories from the class are as diverse as the dogs themselves. From a high-energy golden retriever learning to check in with her handler around exciting distractions, to a sensitive husky mix gaining confidence to explore her environment while staying connected to her person – each team finds their own path to success.
Dana loves seeing teams return to build on their skills: “Every distraction is different, and we can always work on new challenges. Whether it’s practicing around new sounds, working with moving distractions, or building duration – there’s always room to grow and have fun together.”
Located in the heart of downtown Ferndale, K9 Turbo Training offers convenient access for residents throughout Metro Detroit, including Royal Oak, Birmingham, Pleasant Ridge, and surrounding communities. Contact our certified dog training team today to learn more about upcoming class dates and to save your spot in this transformative training experience.
Remember, as Dana often tells her students: “It’s not about getting your dog to ignore the world – it’s about teaching them they can experience the world while staying connected to you.”
