How to Get Your Dog’s Attention Using the “Watch Me” Command

Getting your dog’s attention, especially when you’re starting out with training, is the first step to teaching new behaviors. If your dog isn’t watching you, he or she probably isn’t listening either. But how do you get your dog’s attention when there are so many distractions around, especially for playful young puppies?

The best way to do this is to teach your pup a new command called “watch me”. Some people prefer “look” or “look here” as the command but whatever you choose be sure to keep it simple.

Why You Need a “Watch Me” Command

A “watch me” command allows you to control your dog’s focus. This is essential for a variety of reasons, but mainly you want your dog to understand there are times when you want his or her undivided attention, such as during training sessions. Afterall, if your dog isn’t watching you, he or she won’t know what you want them to do next.

There are other reasons to teach a “watch me” command. For example, you may want to get your dog’s attention when you want him or her to lay down on a mat a when delivery person rings the doorbell. Or maybe you want them to sit on their mat during dinner. A “watch me” command prepares your dog when you want to give instructions or when exciting things are distracting them. You can also ask your dog to “watch me” when passing another dog when you’re on a walk at a park, making it easier for your dog to not engage with the other dog.

Eye Contact May Be Uncomfortable for Your Dog at First

One thing to keep in mind when teaching your dog the “watch me” command is some dogs are uncomfortable with eye contact. In the wild, staring can be seen as a threatening gesture. Teaching your dog to look directly in your eyes can start to break down the stress your pup might feel when looking at your face.

Researchers have found dogs use staring behaviors for several reasons.

To get something they want, like to go outside or beg for food.
Express emotions, both positive and negative. An example of a negative emotion is resource guarding, while expressing love is a positive emotion.
Mutual staring between humans and their dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.

Since dogs use staring as part of their body language, you can make this natural tendency of staring work for both of you.

How to Teach the “Watch Me” Command

Here are some tips you can use to help your dog learn the “watch me” command.

Get ready to work with your dog

Before you begin, you will need to get prepared.

High value treats
If you are working on clicker training, you will also need your clicker on hand
An area with little or no distractions

Begin teaching

Teaching your dog the “watch me” command is very easy. Say your dog’s name followed by the “watch me” command. For many dogs, hearing their name will get their attention.
If your dog looks at your face, give him or her the treat and then praise.
Some dogs won’t respond after you say their name and “watch me”. If this happens, wave the high-value treat under his or her nose and then bring the treat up to your face. Some people like to hold the treat next to their nose and others like to hold it between their eyes. Anywhere on your face which draws your dog’s attention to your eyes is fine.
Offer praise or a click and give your dog the treat immediately.
Keep repeating these steps until you’re sure your dog understands the command.

Handling distractions and proofing

Most dogs are easily distracted, especially if they are young. For this reason, it is important you keep working on the “watch me” command in a variety of environments. You might begin in a spare room with no distractions, and then gradually move up until you’re in a busier part of the house. Eventually, you’ll want your dog to understand and respond appropriately in very busy places, like a park or other public place.

Be sure to teach this command around other dogs and people. Keep practicing with your dog until you are confident you can get his or her attention in any situation.

If you’ve been having a hard time getting your dog or puppy’s attention, teaching him or her the “watch me” command will dramatically improve your relationship. Be the source of your dog’s rewards and they will naturally look at you to see when the next good thing is coming. If your dog knows he or she will be rewarded, they are more likely to pay attention to you.

One last thing – never take eye contact for granted. Any time your dog is choosing to look at you instead of something else, give them a reward – a treat, praise, or even affection. Let your dog know you’re someone worth paying attention to and they will be all eyes on you!

Have you taught your dog the “watch me” command? Has this command worked well for you and your dog? Please share your experience in the comments below…