Mastering Eye Contact: A Guide to Training Focus and Connection with Your Pup
Training eye contact between you and your pup is a valuable skill that can enhance your bond and improve obedience. Eye contact serves as a visual cue that your dog is ready to pay attention and follow your commands, especially in distracting environments. Encouraging and rewarding this behavior can help your pup make eye contact with you more frequently.
To start training:
Begin training in an environment with minimal distractions to help your pup concentrate and progress quickly.
Reward your dog with treats each time they initiate eye contact. Stay stationary, and once they make eye contact, reward them. Remain still until they look at you again, and repeat this process.
Choose a simple phrase or word, such as "Look!" as a cue for your pup to make eye contact with you.
Start using the command and reward your dog when they make eye contact with you.
To train your pup to maintain focus on you despite treat distractions, follow these steps:
Hold a treat at arm's length away from you.
Say the command "Look!" to your dog.
Once they make eye contact, promptly reward them with a treat.
Repeat this process.
With eye contact, you can recognize when your dog is ready to pay attention and be able to guide them through various situations more effectively. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to success. With patience and practice, your pup will learn to make eye contact with you more often, making training and daily interactions more enjoyable for both of you. For more training guidance customized to your dog’s needs, contact Pat’s Pat today!
Happy Training!
