Watch Me
“Watch me” is a technique that involves training your puppy to look at you for gradually increasing periods of time. It is a valuable command to teach a pup. Once he learns it, it will enable you to exercise a great degree of control over him.
“Watch me” is taught in stages: Get your puppy to look at you, then click-and-treat. Gradually increase to five seconds, ten and then fifteen, until you can hold his attention for twenty seconds. This requires frequent practice, not just at home, but in many different places, such as the yard, the park, and when visiting friends. Once your puppy is doing this correctly on a regular basis, change your approach by keeping the treat in your pocket or bag. Hold your hand by the puppy’s nose, then up to your face and when he is watching you, click and give him the treat.
Being able to get his attention is an essential part of teaching your puppy the important commands that form part of his training.
Step 1
Show your puppy a food treat in your hand, and then raise it to your face. Click-and-treat when the puppy looks at you. Gradually increase this time to five seconds.
Step 2
Now, with food in your hand, try to build up keeping your puppy’s attention on your face for between ten and fifteen seconds. If he looks away, put the food on his nose and start again. Start using the cue words “watch me” while he is looking at you. Click-and-treat and praise.
Step 3
Without holding a food treat, use your hand as a signal. Click when he is looking at you and then give him the reward from your pocket.
Step 4
Gradually you will phase out the hand signal, and simply use the cue words. Remember to praise your puppy and give him lots of attention for doing it right!
