Good Dog Training Means Using Eye Contact

If you want to see an outstanding level of focused attention by your dog, then use Eye contact in your training methods. The incorporation of eye contact into your daily training results in a higher level of understanding by your dog. You both learn to respond to each other's body language. This results in a better behaved dog who looks to you for guidance.

Dog training or attention requires the use of the dog's name to initially get his attention. Get his attention by giving a quick movement as you call his name. This will encourage him to look at you and make eye contact. He will have to make eye contact before getting food, receiving a play session or being loved on. He will come to recognize you are the master over him.

Reward your dog with a treat when he looks at you. Be sure to keep the treats at various places so he won't just expect a treat at a special training time, but will remain attentive and make eye contact with you at other times as well. He will then begin to obey you every time.

After you have his attention, bring the expected treat to your face, so he will be required to look you in the eyes. Only then are you to give him his reward. Gradually increase the time he has to make eye contact to get the treat. Repeat the exercise several times to make sure the skill is ingrained into your dog.

If you are beginning training with a new puppy, then try to hand feed him for a few weeks. Use the kibble as a training reward. After he becomes consistent at making good eye contact, you can gradually discontinue the food and treat rewards and just use verbal praise.

Once he masters the first exercise and the focused attention in your dog has been steadily maintained, then you can throw in a couple of distractions. Start by calling his name from other rooms. Make sure he meets your eyes upon greeting you there. Then play with his toy. If he wants to jump in on the fun just say his name again to bring his gaze to your stare before letting him join. Be consistent in every exercise you do so your dog does not get confused.

The last part of the dog training for attention exercise requires your friend's assistance. Have someone else offer your dog some food. Interject immediately on their moment by saying his name. Wait for him to make eye contact with you and then praise him greatly for doing so. Even give the offered food to him out of your own hand as a reward. If he fails to look at you after calling for him then separate yourself where he can see you pout for a few minutes. Your friend is never to give him any food during the whole exercise. Try the entire process again until your dog behaves as he should. After several successful outcomes you know you have focused attention in your dog and all of the dog training for attention methods have worked.

Eye contact during training will make for a better behaved dog, a much closer bond, and will encourage a constant higher thinking from your pet. Eye contact is the most important method used in dog training for attention because he will have to lock eyes with you if he ever wants food, to be played with, or praised. This training process is actually much more humane than to be controlled by the leash because it is easier, faster, and more positive.