Get your DOG to PAY ATTENTION & LOOK AT YOU (without having to ask!)

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Offered eye contact/offered engagement is a really important skill for your dog or puppy. Having your dog choose to engage with you allows you to move on to more challenging obedience skills and is the foundation for off-leash training with your dog. In this video we go over a simple exercise to increase the likelihood that your dog will check-in in novel environments. This offered attention exercise can be practiced in just one minute a day!
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[@Smokeybluetheraccoon]

I know this wasn't the main point, but how you mentioned that pet parents focus a lot on addressing the things they want to change, and not so much the things they like, is such an important note.

[@DoggyU]

Yep! Training yourself to look at the positives is an important part of good training!

[@kainazgul4308]

Both of my dogs came running when they heard your clicker 😂 Thank you so much for the training videos, the deep pressure training one has been especially helpful to me.

[@djem3732]

When your dog start to offering a look during a walk should I reward him for that every single time? And when shouldn’t I give him a treat for this behavior anymore (off course building it down slowly)

[@DoggyU]

Hi DJ - yes! I start with a 1 to 1 ratio of food reinforcement to eye contact on a walk. As the dog is consistently checking in, you can start reinforcing with other reinforcers, changing it up so sometimes they get food, sometimes they get a verbal praise, sometimes they get play. I always acknowledge checking in with verbal praise at least, every time. When my dogs are off-leash, I reinforce check-ins on a pretty regular basis since this is such a valuable skill for me.

[@gbballpl]

Great video! Keep it up!!

[@DoggyU]

Thanks! 😊

[@katfain9144]

Thank you so much. Very helpful information.🐶🐾🐾

[@DoggyU]

Thanks so much for commenting Kat! Glad you found it helpful! Happy training!

[@jennalopez9772]

I love these and I understand more for training my dog after these and I know dogs need to be taken care of no matter the weather but I'm not going to walk my dog in a thunderstorm

[@happycamper3561]

You are seriously my favorite!!! ❤️🐾👍👍

[@DoggyU]

Aww thank you! :)

[@halotheangelHotdog]

THANK YIU SO MUCH! This helped with my training!

[@DoggyU]

So glad it was helpful! Happy Training!

[@nicolasmith1460]

Brilliant tips.

[@DoggyU]

Thanks Nicola!

[@thatnamivive7116]

I could be trained to go in the magic box that has bullybutter and pumpkin?!?! Just to get Mom a treat?!?! When am I learning this one?!?! You’re the best Laura!!! 🐶 - Nami

[@rachelminneapolis]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="398">6:38</a> I was wondering about this and found my answer. Ty!!

[@DoggyU]

I know people worry about this. It's not a worry that I've found to hold out in my training - I throw A LOT of food without negative consequences out in public - but I know some programs prefer not to ever allow a dog to take food off the ground. I have a client right now who is using big tupperware buckets to throw food into so that it's never on the floor. It's working out really well for him!

[@beeyouteafull13]

Love these videos! What is a reasonable amount of time for it to take an adult dog to pick up on this? I’m worried my 2 year old BC is too stubborn and too comfortable with her routine already to have huge success :(

[@barronleeds4585]

Another great video Laura! I really didn't understand how she was supposed to check in with me and how often. Such a simple but important training technique. I'm doing it every day now since i saw this video!

[@DoggyU]

Awesome! Yes offered attention is one of the first thing I teach young puppies because attention and engagement are the basis for all training! Just keep the sessions super short. I train for 30 seconds to 10 minutes total (for an adult dog) and rotate between maybe 5-10 exercises during that time. Also check out my video on teaching your dog to listen. It's a fun one and there's a variation on my Patreon that is even more fun for very active/engaged dogs to help with attention and speedy recall.

[@Antiochpopz]

Zara

[@Catbooks]

Just found you through your video on the Toppls and saw this one. Great stuff! I just subscribed and requested all notifications. You're so much fun *and* informative!

[@DoggyU]

Hey Catbooks! Welcome to the channel! Thanks for subscribing and leaving a comment! What kind of dog(s) do you have?

[@Catbooks]

@@DoggyU Thanks for the nice welcome! He's an American Dingo, a rescue. Probably 6ish when I got him and 10ish now. Used to have an ACD mix, like yours. One of my passions is reading and observing dogs, and teaching them. The learning is fascinating and endless. I love your approach!

[@DoggyU]

@@Catbooks I can never get enough of it either! Always something new to learn!

[@Catbooks]

@@DoggyU I think it's an endless process, lol. Not to mention a super fun one for those of us who are endlessly fascinated by and love interacting with dogs/animals!

[@nikkiefritz32]

This seems like a great way to start with focus and checking in.

[@DoggyU]

It really is the best first step in training engagement! Having a dog that chooses to check in is so much easier than one you have to ask to check in :)

[@ChristinaMGuillen]

Thank you, Laura! So helpful! I'm curious how you got CoolWhip to stay back while there is food being thrown around that she could have dived after but didn't without any command from you 🤯 Amazing!

[@DoggyU]

Ha - it's more habituation and practice. She knows there that I'm working with Jake and it's not her turn. They watch my body and it's clear to her that we're not working together right now. She's also not an overly pushy dog, so that helps too! :)

[@jannellmeagher638]

I worked in a very large guide dog organization. I am a raw feeder only and most organizations do not allow anything but a high processed diet and a traditional vet. Years ago I moved onto canine nutrition from a tcvm standpoint as well as using a holistic vet. I want to say you are lovely. Your training is lovely as is your videos. One of my dogs is a Shepherd Mali mix and structure as well as trick training is his love language. ❤️

[@DoggyU]

I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos! And I love a dog who loves to train! Happy Training!

[@moragmacgregor6792]

New sub here. I held off as long as I could (I don't even have a dog altho I've had quite a few over the last 20 years). I'm currently a first-time cat mom. I'm thinking of trying some of these techniques on him :)

[@DoggyU]

Absolutely! Cats are VERY trainable! The principals that work with dogs are the same that work with all animals. Just take it slow and reward small approximations towards your end goal. Good luck!

[@rpodadventure]

I love your videos!

[@DoggyU]

Thank you ☺

[@muskoseepiservicedogs]

@doggy-u Hi Laura, I know everyone trains different and what im wondering is how you teach take it leave it? Do you not want your dogs to leave everything they see on the ground? Hope this makes sense.

[@coor0kun]

Thank you for the clicker warning - my dog is not yet a clicker-addict, but I do try to control her exposure to that particular sound and limit it to training sessions at the moment. Had time to pause and get my headphones :)

[@DoggyU]

You're welcome! Totally understand that! I have to watch a lot of my videos with headphones to not make the sound irrelevant lol!

[@crelove9959]

Can you do a video on how to introduce a shy puppy to other dogs and objects they don’t like ??? And what does it mean when my puppy is only comfortable around those things sometimes???

[@DoggyU]

Hi Cre - it sounds like you're working through some significant issues. I would get an in-person trainer working with your puppy as soon as possible to help you navigate these issues.

[@Local_gremlin2009]

Start with distance and reward for neutral behaviour. Then once they’re comfortable with that distance bring the thing closer. If they’re not comfortable go a step back. Remember to take your time. I’m not a trainer yet but I’m currently researching for my future prospect. Hope this helps ❤

[@donnamanning9074]

great vid, what kind of dog food are you using for your treats,

[@DoggyU]

Thanks Donna! Jake the cattledog mostly works for his kibble but CoolWhip the Koolie isn't as motivated by kibble so I use a couple different things with her (and for higher value Jake treats): Zuke's Mini: amzn.to/3BxCRyv Rawbble: amzn.to/3OJ2qzu Bil Jac: amzn.to/3boQANl I also use chicken, hot dog, cheese, etc. Hope that helps!

[@TheChulo18]

Omg !! Love this channel ! I currently own a shiba inu who is now going to be 4 years old .. Although it’s been over a year since I last trained him … is it still not too late to train him off leash and work on his anxiety?

[@DoggyU]

Thanks Felix! I'm glad you found the channel! It's never too late to train your dog or help them feel more comfortable in the world (decrease anxiety)! That being said, not every dog is an off-leash dog. It takes a long time to build a good recall and some dogs are never truly trustworthy off-leash. But I would definitely start working on that recall and see where that takes you! :) Come Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3zIaaOFedKtmNU

[@lindamason8073]

Such a simple way to get the check in with you. My dog has food sensitivities so I have to adapt your methods to work without the treats. Do you have any suggestions for how I can do this.

[@DoggyU]

Hey Linda! This is a pretty hard one to teach without food, but, I would play the same game and just use your dog's normal meal. When I say treat, in most of the videos, if I'm working with the black tri-colored cattle dog, I'm just using his regular meal ration :)

[@lindamason8073]

Thanks for the feedback😊

[@abigailgarcia3068]

Hi! I love your videos! I don’t have a clicker, is there anything else I can use besides a clicker?

[@DoggyU]

Hi Abigail - you can use (and load) the word "yes" in leu of a clicker. Watch my "using a clicker" video and just place the click with Yes and you're good to go! Happy Training!

[@Catbooks]

@@DoggyU That's exactly what I do :)

[@emilychallis1327]

Thank you for posting! I've just got a 6 month old cocker spaniel puppy, previous home clearly did no training at all with her, she hadn't even been on a lead. I really want to get ontop kf her training as she ks becoming reactive but after about the 3rd/4th treat she doesn't want to know and completely switches off! Even when i train before her meals so i know shes hungery she is just very reluctant to work for food. Do you have aby tips to combat this or am o just going to have to give it time? Thanks again! 😊

[@DoggyU]

Hey Emily! I just did a whole video on increasing food motivation that I think will have several tips to help her be more intersted in engaging for food. Happy Training! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j37Si316ltx5o8k

[@debb6054]

Do you add a word later like ' watch me' , "focus" or anything when you need them to look at you?

[@DoggyU]

While you can add a cue for looking at you, I generally don't. The goal of this exercise is for them to initiate (offer) attention to you. Generally, if I want them to look at me, I use their name, which is their cue to look at me. If you haven't checked out this video, this will help with a nice "head-turn" name response: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKa2ZGmHa8qjoas

[@Or1on..ther1an]

Can you use the yes and clicker at the same time?

[@DoggyU]

You can use either or, but I wouldn't click and say yes at the same time. If I use a clicker, I click first. I may excitedly say "yes" after that, but that's not actually helpful to the dog, it's just a human error thing that's extraneous info for the dog. But you can teach the dog that both the clicker and the word yes both are markers that mean that food is being delivered.

[@breahogenkamp]

Gonna try thus but do u have a video about swerving dog on leash my dog when I put on leash cannot pick a side and keeps walking one side then another then the other and sometimes middle he's done that with previous owner and not being trained hoping I can break that habit cuz I can only fall so many times LOL

[@DoggyU]

Hey Brea! I might use a longer leash (10-15 ft) so you're less frustrated with that swerving and then work on loose leash walking when you're using a shorter leash so he stays on one side. Here's a video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raPHaWyYf9meaJo

[@breahogenkamp]

@DOGGY•U I do have a I think it's a 10ft or 15ft retractable leash he does very well on it should I try the loose leash using that or one that's not retractable

[@DoggyU]

@@breahogenkamp I would not recommend using the retractable. It is difficult to manage. A 4-6 ft. leash would be better. I will have a video coming out in the next few weeks on leash walking and leash skills for the human (since we're half of the team!) so stay tuned for that!

[@questionablejudgement3137]

How do I get my dog to understand the clicker? Is there a certain method? I want to use one but I'm not sure how! Thank you!

[@DoggyU]

I’ve got a video exactly for that! Clicker basics: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIrWdWyLiJVkoNU

[@questionablejudgement3137]

@@DoggyU I just watched it! Super helpful, thank you!! :)

[@DoggyU]

@@questionablejudgement3137 You're welcome! :)

[@elibonilla8985]

Can this work while hand feeding the treat? Or does it need to be completely down?

[@DoggyU]

Hi Eli, in theory there are other ways you do this with a low fed treat, but it is likely more effective with the bowl method if your concern is your dog eating off the floor. Do you have a specific reason you don't want to pick up the treat off the ground?

[@elibonilla8985]

@@DoggyU thanks! I am training our pup to be a service dog and don’t want him to go after things on the floor and also wanted to do this even if I don’t have a bowl as well as to avoid having him see the bowl as the trigger to look at me rather than simply me.

[@ginag5687]

Hi! My name is Gina and I would like to train my Golden Retriever puppy to be a mobility service dog. I could really use some help in getting started. I don’t know where to begin. Can you help me?

[@DoggyU]

I believe Cooperative Paws and Donna Hill have courses that address these specific tasks. However, right now, as a puppy, your goal is to create a puppy who is confident working out in public. Check out my service dog training playlist for ideas on how to work on this.

[@FenrirAldebrand]

Does it matter if they look at *you* specifically? My pup can be generally pretty good, but his attention is always on his kibble. I've been working on getting eye contact going through the front door, even with distractions, (went from the count of 3 to 5 recently), but I absolutely generally have to bug him for that contact. Plus sometimes we can't do that at all in other places, just due to his insecurity (which I have been working on with him).

[@DoggyU]

Ideally, we're looking for eye contact and the ability to look away from the food. Have you ever heard of the It's Yer Choice game (susan garrett) or clamshell game? I have a few examples over on my Patreon of those games. They can really help with impulse control and eye contact around distractions, like food.

[@DoggyU]

www.patreon.com/posts/impulse-control-66536858

[@FenrirAldebrand]

@@DoggyU I haven't, but I'll see if I can find a similar video, as I'm super broke right now 😅. On a victorious note, my Malinois boy is only 9 months old, for context. Today we were outside, playing in the snowfall having a blast, when my right hip came partially out of place (I have suspected hEDS so it's not an unusual thing). Managed to get myself to the steps, sit down awhile, thought I was ok to get back up, when the searing pain hit again. I had my eyes shut and let out a fairly loud cry. When I opened my eyes, there he was, leaning against my legs, looking up at me as we had practiced in my room (mostly for when I'm dizzy upon standing, but still). Needless to say, I was so proud in that moment. Any distractions, anxiety about things outside - poof. Gone. He knew he had an important job to do in that moment. Once we went past the porch and headed inside, where I still needed him a bit for stability, all bets were off due to the 4 cats in the house, but it's nice to know he was able to step up when I literally had no other help.

[@melodyerskine5930]

Do u travel an train or do u train somewhere

[@DoggyU]

I mostly do online training. I will be starting an in-person program for SDs in Connecticut in the near future, and am based in CT.

[@windywilliamson5069]

How in the world can you train one dog like Jake with Cool whipp, not trying to get treats from you. I can do that from a place, but not like you were doing & I have 3 dogs?

[@DoggyU]

It definitely starts with being on place, and then they kind of just learn that you're working with a specific dog, and they will have a turn next. You can reinforce this behavior by occasionally tossing treats to the waiting dog, away from the space that you're working in.

[@windywilliamson5069]

@DoggyU TY so much. I worked with our 13 yr old rat terrier today. I've real just started training her this last year. Well, today I did downs like Susan Garrett suggested and she dove right onto the place into a down. ❤️

[@DoggyU]

@@windywilliamson5069 wonderful!

[@EmilytheVlogger1]

#DOGGYU are these also good for puppies?

[@DoggyU]

absolutely! I start it as soon as the puppy comes home. Just adjust expectations and only do a few reps at at time.

[@notlisztening9821]

What do i do with an 8 week old pup, that's not really food motivated (yet) and can't be entertained with a toy for more than 1 minute? All of these videos are about dogs that already are several months old, but you'd want to work this skill much earlier when you get a new puppy, don't you?

[@DoggyU]

Hi NotLisztening - you definitely want to start early! When they're that young, it's all about VERY short training sessions (30 seconds to 2 minutes max) and high value rewards like chicken, cheese, steak etc. Here's a couple videos of 8 week old puppies working that you might find helpful: Bringing Home Puppy (the first week): kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2bNp2qwettqrbM Service Dog Puppy (1st week): kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWmkm4Ohn552rqM

[@arielnscoutsadventures]

A bit off topic but is 12 months to old to start service dog training

[@DoggyU]

Not if the dog has an appropriate temperament for the work. Here's a video you can use to help assess whether or not they might be a good fit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5DSdGaeeLeMerM

[@tenantattorney703]

What kind of treats do you use? Mine get gas from everything!!

[@DoggyU]

Oh no! lol. I use all sorts of things. At home, sometimes I just use their kibble, or this raw kibble that they seem to really like: amzn.to/3JPLwwD But if you're really struggling with gas, maybe something like boiled chicken or boiled hamburger would work? I have also used: steak, cheese, carrots, blueberries, commercial treats like Zuke's, dried liver, dried hearts, etc. Hope that at least gives you some new things to try! (and maybe a probiotic for gut health?)

[@tenantattorney703]

@@DoggyU Thanks! I did find some "cookies" that they seem to tolerate. But MAN we need a LOT of treats for training! I'm essentially starting over (they're both 6) and it's going well, but the loose leash/pay attention requires many, many cookies.

[@DoggyU]

@@tenantattorney703 SO. MANY. COOKIES. That's why I like using a complete food like the Rawbble that they like, but also is good if I need to use a lot. I also like to make a trail mix that has some lamer treats mixed in with higher value treats so they never know what they're going to get! :)

[@FirefliesMulti]

Doesn't the clicker druive you (and the dog) crazy? to me... it just feels so OCD! Voice is better and more personal?

[@DoggyU]

Hi Fireflies! So the clicker has a lot of advantages over your voice, while your voice works well in certain situations too! But basically think of the clicker like a scalpel over a your voice which is a butter knife. The clicker is more precise and does a better job if precision is needed. The clicker makes a distinct sound that is the same no matter who clicks it and it's also faster and easier for the dog to pick out amongst the noise that is humans constantly talking. Your voice is great because you have it with you all the time but it also carries bias, and inflection. You don't "yes" the same way every time like you do with the clicker, and the dog can have "feelings" about your voice that they don't have about the clicker. Anyways, there's more in this video here if you want to learn more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIrWdWyLiJVkoNU

[@FirefliesMulti]

@@DoggyU Thank you. We are wanting to train a therapy dog, but not sure on the clicker even though we do own one it's still in it's packaging as, We have DID and some of my alters, don't want the clicker. it could be trauma related? Not suer. At the moment we are just teaching our dog the focus, and sit, and going out to pet friendly locations with her. Thank you for your video's.

[@DoggyU]

@@FirefliesMulti Hi Fireflies - not sure what DID or alters are, but clickers are for skill acquisition, so you can you use it to train new things and then transition to the "yes" marker after the dog understands what you're asking.

[@FirefliesMulti]

@@DoggyU DID is dissociative Identity Disorder use to be known as multiple personality disorder. Alters are the alternate states of consciousness or alternate personalities caused by child hoold trauma, thus our need for a service dog. Thanks for the info.

[@DoggyU]

@@FirefliesMulti Thank you for the explanation. If the clicker doesn't work for you, it's definitely not a required part of training this behavior.

[@motohomorvlife6374]

Lost my attention w 2much talking! (My owner, too!!!)

[@nitraale13]

Love your videos! Learning so much in training my rescue fosters! 🐶🫶

[@DoggyU]

Hi Nitraale! I'm so glad you're finding the videos helpful with your foster pups! Happy Training!