Train Your Dog to Look at You

Once your dog will look at you, instead of holding treats in your left hand, it’s time to move forward by adding a cue.

How to Add a Cue

It’s best and much quicker to add a cue to behavior after your dog understands what to do. Choose a cue meaning “look at me instead of everything else.” I suggest saying your dog’s name. The cue doesn’t really matter, as long as you use the same one each time.

• Holding a treat in your left hand while the leash and clicker are in your right hand, move both hands away from your face. Basically, you’re increasing the distraction level.

• As you move both hands away from you, say your dog’s name once. The moment she looks at you, click and give her the treat.

• Keep practicing. Try moving your hands above your head, waist level and so on. Say your dog’s name once and wait for her to choose looking at you instead. It’s worth the wait. 🙂

RELATED: How to Train Your Dog Around Distractions

Problem Solving

If your dog ignores her name, wait for her to look at you. If she doesn’t look at you after three seconds, then she’s probably confused or really distracted.

• Use super yummy treats. Remember, treats are your dog’s paycheck so the higher you pay, the faster your dog will learn.
• Take a step back from distractions. You may have moved too quickly too soon. This is normal. Think about learning how to drive. It’s not fair expecting you to merge on a 16 lane highway packed with traffic during your second week of driver’s ed. 🙂
• At times, your dog will sit and look around instead. Remember “sit” is usually your dog’s default behavior when confused. She’s thinking, “I don’t know what she wants so I’ll sit. That usually gets me treats.” Instead, wait her out. See if she will over something else, which is usually “look at me.” If, at anytime, your dog becomes confused, take a step back to “capturing look at me.”

VIDEO: Teaching a Dog “Look at Me:” Adding a Cue

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