The Importance of Eye Contact in Dog Training

Eye contact is the most important technique used in dog training to bring out a higher level of understanding in your dog. People who have practiced this type of training have really seen an amazing level of focused attention in their dog.

If you learn how to incorporate eye contact into your dog training for attention sessions, then you will find your pet always looking to you for guidance and behaving exactly how you would love him to everyday.

Eye contact requires full attention from your dog. This kind of clear thinking will make for a much better behaved pet, build an overall closer bond, and will really set the standard of who the master is in the household. Eye contact is a methods used in dog training for attention. If your dog wants food, to be played with, or admired, then he will have to lock eyes with you and follow your lead. This training process is actually much more humane than to be controlled by the leash because it is easier, faster, and more positive.

First things first: You must say his name to get focused attention in your dog. Display a quick movement after you call to him for a definite response to his name. This will make him look at you. If he comes to you then you can pull out one of the treats you had hidden.

Make sure the treats are always hidden so your dog will constantly respond in the same way instead of just during the obvious "training time". Raise the treat to your eyes so his gaze will lock with yours. Once he does this, then reward him. Slowly increase the seconds of eye contact for each reward. Soon he will know exactly where to look for his prize.

If he is a brand new puppy, you may try to hand feed him for the first few weeks. Use the hand-fed kibble as treats during this exercise but as soon as he learns the concept, then you can wean him off the food and resort to praise when he does well. Always repeat each successful exercise 3-5 times to really embed the concept in your dog.

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.

If you are certain the dog training for attention methods have worked so far then it is time to move to the advanced training exercise. Have a friend come over and offer your dog food. Interject on their moment by saying his name for eye contact. If your dog looks at you praise him greatly and even take the offered food and reward it to him from your hands. If he never does look, then sit off to the side alone and depressed for a few minutes to show how upset he made you, then repeat the exercise.

Chances are, your dog will not want you to be sad and will defiantly look at you the second time around. After a few successful outcomes you know you have focused attention in your dog and all of the dog training for attention will pay off throughout the rest of his life.

Sharing eye contact with your dog brings your relationship to a much higher level. While he learns to read your commands, he is also tuning into your every emotion. Meanwhile you are learning his personality too. In a way you both are "talking" to each other and your bond will be much stronger than a dog that never experienced dog training for attention.

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