How to Teach a Dog the Watch Me Command

"Watch me" is an important command that every dog should know and every dog owner should have in their repertoire. Use the "Watch me" command to get your dog's attention, whether you're training him or trying to call him back after chasing a squirrel. The "Watch me" command focuses your dog on making eye contact with you in a non-threatening way.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leash
• Bag of favorite treats

1. Clip a leash onto your dog's collar and show your dog a treat to get his attention. Bring the treat up to the bridge of your nose.

2. Say "Watch me!" in an upbeat voice the moment your dog makes eye contact with you. If he doesn't make eye contact, say your dog's name and show him the treat again, repeating the action.

3. Give your dog the treat for making eye contact.

4. Repeat showing the treat, bringing it to the bridge of your nose, saying "Watch me!" and then giving the treat until you're confident that your dog is expecting the command.

5. Say "Watch me!" and wait for your dog to make eye contact. Give him a treat. Repeat this step several times.

6. Practice "Watch me!" off-leash in an enclosed area such as a backyard where there are distractions. If at any time your dog doesn't make eye contact, use a treat to lure him back to making eye contact.

7. Practice "Watch me!" on leash in a busy area that is fully of distractions. Say "Watch me!" and give him a treat when he makes eye contact.

Tips & Warnings

• Use tiny bits of a favorite treat, pieces of dried liver, cheese or hot dogs. Always be sure your dog masters one step before attempting the next. If your dog backslides, be sure to practice an earlier step and get that perfected before proceeding.
• Never have your dog off-leash in a place where he isn't safe or can run away.

References

• The Complete Guide to Mutts, Margaret H. Bonham, 2004
• The Simple Guide to Getting Active with Your Dog, Margaret H. Bonham, 2001.

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