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.



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.

Once he comes to your call you should present a treat you had hidden. Always keep treats randomly hidden throughout the house so your dog does not grow accustomed to only following your command during the obvious "training time". Instead he will learn will obey every time and you will be promoting a higher level of focused attention in your dog.

Bring the treat up to your eyes to make his gaze land on your stare. Once he gets eye contact idea, reward him with praise and the treat. Increase the seconds you make him lock eyes with you for each treat. Always repeat the successful trials 3-5 times to make the exercise common knowledge for 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.

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.