"Play" oriented barking in public

Yes, "watch me" is the more official command...I dont know how I adopted "look" LOL

Boxermom2Marley

Yes, "watch me" is the more official command...I dont know how I adopted "look" LOL

The word or phrase doesn't matter. :) You can use any word you want or the dog's name.  The important part is to reward eye contact at the instant the dog looks at your eyes.  Clicker is the easiest way to train this but you don't have to use one.

Boxermom2Marley

Yes, "watch me" is the more official command...I dont know how I adopted "look" LOL

I use "look" too because then if I say "kijk es" (Dutch) or make a little cluck sound it's basically the same thing to the dog, all having the "k" sound.

I started working on "look" more this morning (we were taught "look at me" in her puppy class but glossed over how useful it was as a command).  I tried it between chuck-it throws and was pleased I could get her to look in my face at all with the loaded chuck-it in my hand.  I had some very tasty treats.  I will continue to work on this.  I believe it will be very beneficial.  Thanks!

organictroll

I started working on "look" more this morning (we were taught "look at me" in her puppy class but glossed over how useful it was as a command).  I tried it between chuck-it throws and was pleased I could get her to look in my face at all with the loaded chuck-it in my hand.  I had some very tasty treats.  I will continue to work on this.  I believe it will be very beneficial.  Thanks!

Awesome! Your dog sounds very willing and smart, I'm sure this will be no problem.

I can attest to the value of a "look" command.  I didn't do this with Nikon as much as I should have.  With Pan I resolved to make it a main priority.  As a puppy, I taught "look" above all else.  When he was ready to start learning his formal competition heeling, he was so accustomed to looking at me, I didn't even have to teach him to heel, he just naturally focuses on my face and moves with me.  He could heel for five minutes straight without taking his eyes off me before I even started introducing an actual command for heel.  It's also given me more control over him in many situations.  He has *always* been praised and rewarded for being in heel or front position and looking at my face.  To him those are the best places in the world to be.

organictroll

I started working on "look" more this morning (we were taught "look at me" in her puppy class but glossed over how useful it was as a command).  I tried it between chuck-it throws and was pleased I could get her to look in my face at all with the loaded chuck-it in my hand.  I had some very tasty treats.  I will continue to work on this.  I believe it will be very beneficial.  Thanks!

Great! 

organictroll

I started working on "look" more this morning (we were taught "look at me" in her puppy class but glossed over how useful it was as a command).  I tried it between chuck-it throws and was pleased I could get her to look in my face at all with the loaded chuck-it in my hand.  I had some very tasty treats.  I will continue to work on this.  I believe it will be very beneficial.  Thanks!

Awesome...you will see great progress when she focuses on you when out and about!  Between the focus and the highest value toy with you...you will help her be successful.  Great job!

JackieG

Boxermom2Marley

Yes, "watch me" is the more official command...I dont know how I adopted "look" LOL

The word or phrase doesn't matter. :) You can use any word you want or the dog's name. 

I wish you could tell this to the trainer I am working with.  I will likely start a post sometime in the near future about how aggravating he can be  

It really does not matter, as long as you and your dog understand each other.  Thats most important.  I use lots of terminology that differs from the norm.  Such as I have never used the command: "leave it."  I've (for whatever reason) have always used "not for you."  And, believe me...it works just as well.