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Originally Posted by jjschroe  I just had my first training session at Petsmart today and they addressed this. They said first you need to hold the treat between thumb and forefinger and put it to their nose so they can smell it. Then bring your hand with treat up to your eye or cheekbone area so they make eye contact with you for at least a few seconds. Give them a treat and say good or yes, whatever your consistent term is. Don't start using their name with this until you practice several times and they consistently look at your face 10 times in a row without looking away. This is a way to teach them their name and to look at you for commands. Hope it helps. Also best to teach a dog that has had exercise so that it can focus. |
Yes, this the technique our trainer taught us. The 2nd phase is to place the treat near the ground (still in your hand and between your fingers) - naturally, the dog will be interested in the treat - but hold on. Next call the dog's name and the moment you have his attention and he looks you in the eye - give the approval word (either good or yes - I use "yes") and release the treat.
The approval word-method (or what ever you call it) replaces the clicker method. I didn't want to hassel with a clicker and I don't always have treats with me - but I always have my voice with me - so I chose to pick a word - "yes". I say "yes" whenever Bailey has followed through with the command - and its my PROMISE to give her a treat. For instance, whenever I yell COME and then when she starts to come I yell "YES" to mark the moment she has performed - and a treat follows - always! Its the one command that is always treated.
Good luck!!!