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.

First thing is 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”.

After you have his attention, bring the expected treat to your face, so he will be required to look you in the eyes. Only then are you to give him his reward. Gradually increase the time he has to make eye contact to get the treat. Repeat the exercise several times to make sure the skill is ingrained into 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 you see that the focused attention in your dog has been steadily maintained then it is time to spice up the exercise with some challenging distractions. The first thing you can do is call out his name from another room. When he comes to you make sure he locks eyes before receiving any positive attention. Next grab his favorite toy and play with it. When he wants to jump in say his name to bring his stare back to your eyes before you allow him to play. Consistency is the only key that will allow him to progress to the advanced part of the exercise.

For the next stage of focused attention training, you need to engage the help of another person. Have the other person offer your dog some food. Before the dog can take it, call his name. If he makes eye contact with you, then take the proffered food and give it to him, hand feeding him. If he doesn’t look at you, then sit off to one side and look very sad. He should be intent on not having you sad, and should then give you the required attention. At that time, reward him. Never let the other person give your dog the food. Only you are to do that. After several successful attempts, you will know you have succeeded in focused attention training.

Once you have become successful in getting your dog to give you focused attention, your relationship with your dog will greatly improve. He will be tuning into your emotions, and you will learn about his personality as well. The two of you will be communicating and forming a strong bond. It is a very humane way to train your dog.