By Margaret H.Bonham
One mistake that dog owners sometimes make is not making proper eye contact with their dogs and then all of a sudden expecting the dog to accept eye contact. If your dog is uncomfortable with making eye contact, it may be because dogs sometimes consider eye contact as an aggressive, challenging, or domineering behavior.
However, when you’re grooming your dog, you can’t always avoid your dog’s gaze, so you need to train your dog to accept eye contact as something pleasing and not challenging. You may see your dog avert her eyes when you look into them, but don’t fret she’s only saying, “I know you’re boss.”
Training your dog to respond to the Watch-me cue can help you make better eye contact with your dog. Starting with a andful of treats and working with your dog when she’s just a little tired and a little hungry, follow these steps:
1. Get your dog’s full attention by showing her one of the treats.
Hold a treat up to the bridge of your nose. Your dog should follow the treat with her eyes.
2. When your dog makes eye contact, offer her praise and drop the treat so she can catch it.
Repeat this step several times to reinforce the pleasurable aspect of making eye contact. Practice Steps 1 and 2 several times a day.
3. Pair the action in Steps 1 and 2 with a cue, such as “Watch me!”
Say, “Watch me!” show your dog the treat, and then give it to her when she makes eye contact. The Watch-me cue is useful whenever you want to get your dog’s attention
Sources: Dog Grooming For Dummies
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