Instructions
Create a sense of dependence on you in your dog. Use basic necessities such as food and water to attract your dog's attention. Before feeding your dog or filling her water bowl, encourage your dog to obey certain commands that you give. If your dog successfully performs your commands, you can reward her with food and water. Initially, make sure the command is simple enough for the dog to perform so that she can successfully obey your command. If the task is too difficult, your dog may not successfully perform the task and you will have to feed her regardless of her success in performing your commands. Also, make sure that the dog knows that there is a potential reward in store by placing her food near you or showing her a treat. Finally, because this technique lets your dog know what you expect of her, it can allow her to perform the same positive behaviors in the future.
Show the dog that you depend on her. This will confer a sense of pride and responsibility within your dog. Invitations to sleep with you at night, commands to fetch the newspaper and trips to the park can all show a dog that you need her. By showing your dog that you depend on her, you can create a mutually beneficial relationship that helps your dog recognize that focusing on you ultimately benefits her, too.
Reward your dog with praise. Praise will reinforce behaviors that you want your dog to adopt. Dogs respond really well to positive reinforcement such as petting, hugging and vocal approval. Your dog will eventually recognize certain words that you use to express your approval, but your dog will also respond to the tone of your voice. Dogs have a keen sense of approval or disapproval through the tone of your voice.
How to Teach My Dog to Focus on Me
Getting your dog to focus on you is an essential component of the relationship you have with your dog. If your dog can't or won't turn its attention to you when you want, it will be difficult for the dog to respect and obey your wishes. Some think that force and fear will motivate a dog to focus its attention on its master, but methods that incorporate such techniques do not produce a loving, respectful, and loyal relationship between master and dog.