How to Train for Attention

Teach your dog to look at you when you say his name.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• treats
• patience

1. Come up with a consistent auditory reward (something the dog can hear). Clickers work well. So does the word "yes". It should be short and sweet.

2. Hold your dog on the leash. When he looks in your general direction, auditory reward, then a treat immediately after.

3. Now add the dog's name. When he looks in your general direction, auditory and treat.

4. When the dog is consistent, try saying the dog's name and waiting until he looks in your eyes before giving the auditory and treat.

5. Gradually increase the amount of time between you saying his name and the auditory reward, to increase the amount of attention he gives you. If he breaks the attention, start over with his name (and maybe shorten the time a little - baby steps).

Tips & Warnings

• Useful if your dog is misbehaving.
• If the dog doesn't look in your eyes, try holding the treat behind your head. Gradually move the treat away.
• Keep training fun for you and your dog.