If I allow my 8 month old dog to sniff on walks I'm afraid she won't want to focus on me during training sessions. Can you help?

I always allow my dogs to sniff on walks, it's a vital activity that stimulates them in a way that we can't. I work on engagement in my regular training sessions and through those sessions, my dogs learn our communication system. When I say "done" or "OK" they are free to sniff and disengage from me. When I say "ready" they know it's time to pay attention. I think in the Come When Called course you'll see me walking my GSD Art and allowing him to do what he wants and then using his name to get him re-engaged with me.

If you have Power of Training Dogs with Food (Michael Ellis) or Training Dogs with Food Rewards (newer release with Ed) that's the foundation I do with all my pups and young dogs.

I think your dog will be a happier working partner if you let her sniff and do a bit of exploring on the long line first and then do your training sessions after or intermittently sprinkle some quick engagement into the long line walks.