Pay Attention

Tips to get your dog to pay more attention to you!

1. TEACH DOGS THEIR NAME

WHY YOU SHOULD TEACH YOUR DOG THEIR NAME

Most dogs learn their name early on, but it’s helpful to continue strengthening that skill. That way, you have an easily-recognizable word for getting your dog’s attention – which can come in handy in situations with a lot of noises, distractions, and other words. 

HOW TO TEACH YOUR DOG THEIR NAME

Luckily a lot of dogs naturally learn their name over time. But you can definitely work to speed up the process or strengthen the association between their name and paying attention to you.

Say your dog’s name and use a reward (treat or toy) every time they make eye contact with you in response.

Tip: Don’t use your dog’s name and then punish them. If you want them to create a positive association with their name, you want to use it in association with treats/praise/some other reward.

2. USE A POSITIVE INTERRUPTER TO GET ATTENTION

Teaching a positive interrupter is usually pretty straightforward, as most dogs respond naturally to high-pitched sounds. 

You’ll teach it the same way you teach their name: make the noise and mark/reward when your dog looks at you in response.

The key here is to pick one interrupter and stick to it, whether it be a kissy noise, a whistle, or a specific word said in a high pitched voice. Let your dog form a solid association for the best results!

3. TEACH YOUR DOG ‘TOUCH’

Teaching touch is all about repetition. And practice. And more repetition.

Start by taking the desired target (i.e. your hand) and holding it close to your dog’s nose. When they move closer and touch you – even if it’s just to sniff – say “touch” and reward them.

After some practice, your dog will learn to associate the word touch with their nose touching your hand and will be able to initiate the touch on cue.

4. HAVE A CUE FOR EYE CONTACT, LIKE “LOOK AT ME”

It’s best to teach eye contact with both a verbal cue (like “look at me”) with a hand signal.  That way, you can utilize the hand signal to continue holding their attention so your dog knows to wait until you give them the next task.

Here’s how to teach your dog eye contact or “look at me”:

  1. Hold a training treat out in front of you toward your dog
  2. Bring the treat up towards your face and give the verbal cue (watch me, look at me, etc.) and/or the hand signal
  3. Once they have made eye contact with you, mark and reward
  4. Practice this many times, alternating which hand you use and whether you use a verbal cue or hand signal
  5. Practice without a treat in your hand, still going through the motion of bringing your hand toward your face
  6. Eventually, you’ll want to get to the point where you can just give the cue or signal without tracking your hand to your face