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“Watch Me” is one of the first commands I taught my dog Maple when I got her. Maple was a reactive dog that barked and lunged at people. By teaching her to focus on me, it meant that she was not focused on anyone else and limited her amount of reactivity.

Teaching Your Dog the “Watch Me” command

Creating focus and building a strong connection with your dog can make all the difference, especially when distractions like squirrels or other dogs are around. At Follow the Leader Dog Training School, we know how valuable it is to teach your dog the “Watch Me” command—a simple yet effective tool to strengthen your bond and help your dog look to you for guidance. Using positive reinforcement and the word “yes” as a marker, this training helps your dog learn that focusing on you is always rewarding. Here’s how to teach “Watch Me” and make it a reliable part of your dog’s training toolkit!

Reinforcing Eye Contact and Your Dog’s Attention

I started by getting Maple’s attention in a quiet, distraction-free setting. I held a treat in my hand where Maple could see or smell it, but I didn’t give it to her. I was patient; some dogs may need a moment, but as soon as Maple looked at my face, I marked the behaviour with a cheerful “Yes!” and gave her the treat. This “Yes!” acts as a marker to let her know she did the right thing by making eye contact. I repeated this process a few times to help reinforce that looking at me brings rewards.

Once I had reliable eye contact, I added the verbal cue “Watch Me.” Say it, then mark the behaviour with “Yes!” and reward them. Soon, she started associating the words “Watch Me” with looking at me. After Maple mastered the cue, I worked on increasing the time she had to hold my gaze. I started with just a second or two, gradually built up to longer intervals. I kept each session upbeat and fun to keep her interest.

When Maple had a solid grasp of “Watch Me,”  I practiced in different environments. We started with mildly distracting locations, like the backyard, and eventually worked up to busier areas, like the park. Each time she focused on me, I rewarded her, to reinforce that my cue is more rewarding than anything happening around her.

Helpful Tips from Follow the Leader for Teaching “Watch Me”

Reward frequently, especially in the beginning, to make sure your dog associates the cue with something positive.

Avoid repeating the cue if your dog gets distracted—reset instead to build consistency.

Remember to stay positive, as a cheerful tone keeps training enjoyable and motivates your dog to stay engaged.

With consistent practice, “Watch Me” will become your go-to for capturing your dog’s attention, whether to manage their reaction to a squirrel or guide them in a busy area. At Follow the Leader Dog Training School, we’re here to help you overcome training challenges and celebrate every success.

Let us know how the “Watch Me” command works for you and your pup!

At Follow the Leader Dog Training School, we know a reliable “come” command is crucial for a well-trained dog, enhancing safety and making life easier and more enjoyable for both you and your pup. Teaching your dog to come when called takes patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, but it’s well worth the effort. Our proven approach, using treats, praise, and gentle guidance, can help your dog learn to come every time—no matter what exciting distractions may be around.

How to Teach Your Dog to Come

The first step is to build positive associations with your dog’s name. Say their name in a happy tone and immediately reward them with a treat, even if they don’t move toward you. You’re not asking them to come just yet; instead, you’re helping them connect hearing their name with something positive. Repeating this throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors, will soon have your dog perking up happily whenever they hear their name.

Teaching Your Dog to Come from a Distance

Once they respond to their name consistently, introduce a short distance. Toss a treat a few feet away, call their name in an upbeat tone, and say “Come!” As they move toward you, have a treat ready and shower them with praise. This setup allows them to experience the excitement of the command while creating a predictable, rewarding routine. When they reach you, gently grab their collar before giving the treat. This teaches them to feel comfortable with you touching their collar, which is helpful in situations where you need to secure them quickly.

Teaching Your Dog to Come with Distractions

Once your dog reliably responds to “come” in quiet settings, begin increasing the distance and adding mild distractions. Practice in your yard or a fenced area to ensure they’re secure, and keep up the rewards to reinforce their response. Consistency is key, and each successful recall strengthens their habit. Use a happy tone and plenty of praise to keep them enthusiastic about coming to you. As they progress, continue to reward their recall, especially in new settings or around distractions. Avoid using the command for anything unpleasant, like ending playtime, so they don’t start associating “come” with something they’d rather avoid.

Dog Training Tips for Come on Command

A few troubleshooting tips: if your dog doesn’t respond right away, avoid repeating the command. Instead, reset by practicing in a more familiar environment, or using a toy to get their attention. For extra fun, make it a game by occasionally running backward as you call them to add excitement. With regular practice and patience, “come when called” will become second nature. If you need more personalized support, the Follow the Leader team is here to help with tailored dog training strategies for you and your dog’s unique needs.

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