EDUCATION:

Teaching Eye Contact, submitted by Joan M Tuthill
The best way to learn how to train your dog is to take a class with a reputable trainer or training center. This article is my personal opinion and not necessarily the opinion of any other person or organization. You the reader are responsible for seeking a qualified trainer to train you to train your dog. This article is only to give you some insight into how much fun it is to teach your dog and how satisfing it is when your efforts are rewarded with a stronger bond with your dog and a dog that responds to you in a positive manner.

All training should be done using positive reinforcement.

Teaching your dog this very simple lesson could save your dogs life, but it is also one of the very first commands every puppy or dog should learn. Taught correctly, It provides a solid foundation on which to build a relationship with your dog that leads to success with next set of lessons. This lesson should be taught before your dog goes to his or her first class. It will help your dog to focus on you.

TIP: As your dog gets better at this exercise cut back on the treats. Your dog will work for praise and you always have it with you.

Its best to have your dog on leash while training.

Hiding very small treats in your hand, call your dog to you, show him the treat and give him the first one. Praise him. Now show him the next treat, and bring it up to your eye, saying the word "watch" or "watch me", if he makes eye contact with you Praise him and give him the treat. Now, repeat the exercise this time making eye contact and count to 3. If he breaks contact, quickly say the sound ANH! AHA!, bring the food down toward his nose, back to your eye and try again. Sometimes just the uhh-uhh sound is enough or just a quick movement of your hand will bring his eye back to yours.