An indoor space in your house may be ideal. Turn off devices such as phones and televisions. Keep children and other animals in another room so they don’t distract the dog.
Open your hand and let him eat the food directly from your hand.
Offer him the entire ration of kibble at this time. If the dog does not make eye contact with you on his own, you can say his name to get his attention. Do not open your hand to show or offer the kibble until he makes eye contact. That will defeat the training.
Practice this everyday. Each day, require that he maintain eye contact for a little bit longer, until he can maintain eye contact for at least eight seconds before you offer the ration of kibble.
Do not attempt to practice in a place with distractions until the dog has mastered eye contact and focus in a controlled environment. Increase the amount of distractions slowly. Don’t just go from complete seclusion to a raucous dog park. Once your dog has mastered the behavior in a place with distractions, practice without offering him a treat. Instead, simply give him verbal praise and pet him.
Clickers are useful because they provide a sound that is more consistent than your own voice or vocal commands. Clickers are most effective when used in tandem with treats. That way, the dog will associate the clicking sound with the positive reinforcement of the treat.
After the dog eats the treat, he may spend time looking for more. Stay patient and wait while he does this.
You can also praise the dog for performing the desired behavior.
Repeat this pattern five to ten times in one sitting. By then end of the session, your dog will probably look back at you pretty quickly after finding the treat. Continue to practice this for a week or more depending on how long it takes your dog to master orienting toward you. Once your dog has mastered the behavior in a place with distractions, practice without offering him a treat or using the clicker. Instead, simply give him verbal praise and pet him.
In your other hand, hold a clicker. A clicker can be bought at a pet supply store for very little money. It’s a tool that makes small clicking sounds to signal to the dog that he’s done a good job. Your dog will probably focus on the toy. He may jump or bark to get you to start playing. Stay calm and be patient. Do not move. Don’t move the toy.
Your dog may act very frustrated or upset when you won’t play with him. Stay strong. You need to allow your dog to feel a little uncomfortable in order to train him.
Be sure to respond immediately to the desired behavior so that your dog will associate it with positive feedback.
Dogs have different attention spans. If your dog seems tired or disinterested, rest for the day and play again tomorrow. Keep your method and reward consistent until your dog has mastered the art of focusing.
Eventually, you’ll be able to simply use the verbal command without needing the toy.
