Post by icewhisker on Sept 1, 2014 11:04:41 GMT -5
Asking your dog for eye contact is a great way to start getting them to redirect their attention back on you. Why should you teach it to your dog? There are a few good reasons why. For starters, eye contact is very offensive in the dog world. It can be looked at as an insult or disrespect. It can instigate a fight. If you notice when dogs great each other or are playing, they avoid eye contact at all costs to avoid a fight. If you notice when you look your dog directly in the face they will look away and give calming signals (licking their lips, yawning, etc) to calm the situation cause it makes them very uncomfortable for that reason. Depending on how well your dog knows you, they may look you in the face no problem, but more often than not they will avoid it. Other times it looks like dogs are making eye contact but are actually looking off to the side.
So back to the question why. It can desensitize them from that intimidation or uncomfortable feeling of looking at humans and other dogs in the face. It can lessen the tension. If you have a really insecure dog, this could help them a long way with socializing with other dogs and people who just love to smother your pooches face and get real close to the bite zone! This also, is one reason why children get bit by an older dog because it is disrespectful to get in their face like that! That is why children must ALWAYS be supervised when around your dog. You may be thinking to yourself. "Oh my dog would never do that! He is such a good boy!" That doesn't mean anything though. He may be a good dog, but they have limits. They will give out warning signals that escalate to the bite because they don't want a fight. (calming signals, snarling, growling etc) Think of it as a human child being obnoxious and climbing all over you or being loud. You will warn them to calm down or time out will follow.
Another reason is to grab back their attention when they are really distracted and you are asking them to do something. Going out and about it is really hard to do anything when your dog is focused on children playing, loud noises, people walking by, etc. This will help to gain back their focus on you, especially when you are trying to train. Of course you can't just expect them to be able to do so in an over stimulating environment. Building up to that point is they key and knowing what point your dog gets distracted based on distance. Working in a quiet environment such as your house is a great place to start. Practice in each room and build up the seconds he looks at you. So when you get them to 10 seconds move to another room. Then build up the distractions (T.V., people talking, Children playing etc.) All you need is a clicker, treats, and a word for that command such as "Focus" or "Watch Me" You must always be more high value than what ever is distracting your dog so make sure you have tasty treats! Hot dogs are always a great treat. Or if your dog's tummy gets upset easily, you could do boiled chicken and cut it up to small pieces. Anything your dog goes crazy for. Bring the treat up to between your eyes or slightly above, making a kissing noise to get their attention and as soon as they look at you click and reward. When they start doing it consistently work in your command word.
If you have any questions you can ask Devon, Shari, or myself! Shari also holds classes at Dave's Pet City in Ludlow MA that teaches this command and so many more! All are very beneficial for your pooch!
So back to the question why. It can desensitize them from that intimidation or uncomfortable feeling of looking at humans and other dogs in the face. It can lessen the tension. If you have a really insecure dog, this could help them a long way with socializing with other dogs and people who just love to smother your pooches face and get real close to the bite zone! This also, is one reason why children get bit by an older dog because it is disrespectful to get in their face like that! That is why children must ALWAYS be supervised when around your dog. You may be thinking to yourself. "Oh my dog would never do that! He is such a good boy!" That doesn't mean anything though. He may be a good dog, but they have limits. They will give out warning signals that escalate to the bite because they don't want a fight. (calming signals, snarling, growling etc) Think of it as a human child being obnoxious and climbing all over you or being loud. You will warn them to calm down or time out will follow.
Another reason is to grab back their attention when they are really distracted and you are asking them to do something. Going out and about it is really hard to do anything when your dog is focused on children playing, loud noises, people walking by, etc. This will help to gain back their focus on you, especially when you are trying to train. Of course you can't just expect them to be able to do so in an over stimulating environment. Building up to that point is they key and knowing what point your dog gets distracted based on distance. Working in a quiet environment such as your house is a great place to start. Practice in each room and build up the seconds he looks at you. So when you get them to 10 seconds move to another room. Then build up the distractions (T.V., people talking, Children playing etc.) All you need is a clicker, treats, and a word for that command such as "Focus" or "Watch Me" You must always be more high value than what ever is distracting your dog so make sure you have tasty treats! Hot dogs are always a great treat. Or if your dog's tummy gets upset easily, you could do boiled chicken and cut it up to small pieces. Anything your dog goes crazy for. Bring the treat up to between your eyes or slightly above, making a kissing noise to get their attention and as soon as they look at you click and reward. When they start doing it consistently work in your command word.
If you have any questions you can ask Devon, Shari, or myself! Shari also holds classes at Dave's Pet City in Ludlow MA that teaches this command and so many more! All are very beneficial for your pooch!