Teach Your Dog to Look Into the Eye
Eye contact may be the most powerful form of communication for human beings but your dog may not really think so. Many dogs find looking directly into the eye intimidating behavior. But you really need to teach your dog to look into the eye to be able to bond well and exercise a better control over him. The process of teaching eye contact to your dog is not all that difficult. A few easy steps and your dog will be pepping straight into your eyes.

Start off the training in a quiet environment. Hold some tiny bits of your favorite dog food in your hand. Make sure that these bits are small and easy to eat so that you don’t have to wait for long to continue the training.

Seeing the treat in your hand it is likely that your dog will paw at your hands or mouth at them. Your dog may even bark for not being able to get the treat. Don’t give out the treat till the time the dog looks at you. Once he looks at you, say ‘yes’ and then hand out the treat. This will teach your dog that looking at you gets him the treat.

At times, it may happen that the dog may not look at you. In such cases you can assist him by whispering his name. Don’t yell his name, just say it softly. And if he still does not respond, wait. Be patient and let your dog take his own time. Once he looks at you proceed by saying a yes and giving away the treat.

This is just the beginning of the training. At he initial stages, your dog will not give you anything more than a glance. Don’t compel him to keep looking at you. Give your dog time to develop eye contact.

Now that the dog has learnt to make eye contacts, extend the duration of eye contact. Instead of handing him the treat right away, wait for him to look into your eyes for a few seconds. If you don’t want the eye contact to break assist your pooch with a smile. This will encourage him to keep looking at you.

If your dog does not retain the eye contact for long and looks away, then simply say ‘uh!’ and pull your hand back. Don’t scold your dog. The idea is only to express disappointment.

Now the dog would start searching for the treat when you have pulled your hand back. Bring your hands out again and wait for him to look at you. Once he does that say ‘yes’ with an affirming smile and then hand over the treat.
 
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