Have you ever heard that saying before. “The eyes are the windows in to the soul.” That saying rings true with human beings and dogs as well. Especially puppies.
Training with dogs and puppies one of the first things I do is get them to check with me with their eyes. Once you get them to check in with you training them is much simpler.
With puppies it is simple but takes time. Hopefully you have a food motivated puppy. You simply say their name if they associate with it but say their name and once they look up at you quickly give them some kibble or a treat that works. You do this for several times and once they have figured out that when you say their name, they look at you, and they get a treat then great. You are off to the races.
The next step is to say nothing just keep your eye on them. Once they do make eye contact give them a treat and praise them. Keep it up, stay with it and soon your puppy will make eye contact with you all the time. Once that occurs it’s time to slowly lessen the treat aspect and get them to do it without food reinforcement. Just praise them with a ‘Yes’ or ‘good boy/girl.’
This is so important in your relationship with your dog. You want them to check with you on all aspects of their life. When on a walk make sure you praise them every time, they look to you. Soon it will be reinforcement and or a correction if needed.
When you have that eye contact it truly is into the eyes of your pup’s soul. They are now trusting in you to lead them and protect them, feed them, water them, air them out. Play with them and did I mention lead them.
I have a GSD that thought he should be the leader of his pack. You can only imagine the trouble it led too. We had him trained by the same guy that trained me to become a trainer and that was one of the things that I learned from him. Once we had the eye contact, my GSD could relax, he didn’t have to be the leader of the pack, he could just enjoy the relationship. It’s been almost 12 years and my GSD is still my best friend. He is a lot slower now and doesn’t go on long walks or runs with me, but he is always by my side when he can be and to me that is an incredible relationship.
So if you want a great relationship with your dog or puppy. “The eyes are the windows in to the soul.”
If you want a good dog but don’t have time to train your dog, I can help, click here and let’s talk. Join our Facebook page and see what’s going on @ Hill Country Dog Trainer.
Until next time don’t forget to Live in the Moment!!!
Sincerely,
Matt
The Hill Country Dog Trainer
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