The single most important command your puppy needs to learn is Focus. Distractions are a potentially dangerous part of everyday life, teaching your dog how to ignore then and pay attention to you is essential. If he is not looking at you, he is listening to what he is looking at. His focus on you will not only improve his ability to be trained, but will keep him safe.



Calling your puppy by his name alone will not ensure you'll get his attention. Think about it - you use his name dozens of times a day for many reasons, perhaps even yell it at him when he's doing something wrong.

The term you decide to use to teach your dog to focus on you will need to be consistently reinforced in a positive manner. He has to learn to look at you on command regardless of what is going on around him. Once this is achieved, he will learn to come to you when you call, as opposed to running away into the distance!

The best time to begin training is when your dog has not seen you for several hours. A perfect time for most people would then be mornings, as generally you have had no contact with him overnight. After the length of time, your dog is more likely to want to give you his attention when he as opportunity to do so.

First, you should walk your dog before starting his training. Don't feed him yet, and don't interact too much with him; just walk him for elimination purposes. Afterwards, take him back into the house so you can start training. Keep your dog leashed so you can retain an element of control.

Tip: Knowing what types of food your dog enjoys, use food as a reward. Since your dog has not been fed yet he will be more motivated to please you. A well fed dog may well not be as interested.

Now you will be teaching him to look at your face on command. As good a reason as any for him to look at your face would be that you are holding a treat near your mouth. If your dog is small, get lower to the ground so he can see you, and retrieve the treat. As he takes the treat, give him small food treats. Slowly, increase the space between dog and you until you are standing up right and he is watching inventively at your face.

So what command should you use? Typically, "ready," "look," or "focus," can be used. The key here is consistency. Making a "clicking" sound from your mouth after your command will help to teach your dog to look at you.

Consistent practice and reward will bring success. As your dog progresses, start demanding longer periods of time, and training for increasing times with various levels of distractions. The next level is training your dog to focus on you; all the while someone else is calling him.

A safe dog is a dog that focuses on his owner when distractions are around. Not only will this help in his training; as his owner, you need to ensure he will look to you and obey you whenever you say. He will not understand the potential dangers around him, but will understand that it is in his interest to obey you.