Look at me

Look at me

This command along with "touch-target" should be taught as early as possible to your dog. Holding eye contact with you is very important for your dog to master. by practicing this command early and often, you will establish a healthy relationship with your dog, and your dog will learn to check in with you via this eye contact.

1. Take a treat in your hand and let your dog smell it, this is called a lure. 

2. With the treat enclosed in your hand extend your index finger and point at the tip of your nose. This will result in your dog following your finger with their eyes. As soon as your dog makes eye contact with you, say "Yes" and reward.

3. Practice steps 1 and 2 until your dog is reliably making eye contact. Once this is the case you may add the verbal command "look" as you point to your nose. 

4. Practice doing this command for different lengths of time and at different distances. They should get the hang of this pretty quickly.

5. If your dog breaks eye contact with you before you've said "Yes," then wait until they reestablish the eye contact before saying "Yes" and rewarding. If they aren't looking back at you, try clicking your tongue or making another interesting noise to gather their attention.

6. Practice lots, and have fun!