Training for "Watch Me"

[Tammy & Gracie]

Gracie and I just started advanced obedience. We are doing okay at heeling, and good with about face, u turn, sit-stay, down-stay and come. I seem to be having a little trouble with watch me. During our seemingly very long stays where I am 10-15 feet away, I notice the other humans have the full attention of their dogs. Gracie looks left...then right...then at her foot....then a quick glance at me...etc. I tried working on this during the week with a treat at my nose, the command, than treating her when she looks. I can get a look from her when I command bit she then drifts away with her eyes. I can't seem to keep her attention. Any suggestions? I know she would be a much better heeler if she did more watching me!

[Doodle Kisses]

I know positive training often emphasizes eye contact...but my old school trained dogs and I don't worry a bit about it. I want my dog to enjoy the scenery, sights, etc while he's relaxing in a down stay. And in real life it's not necessary. If my dog has to hold a down stay for 30 min while I'm at a restaurant it isn't realistic to have him stare at me. So I don't require him to do so. I can heel my dogs for a whole walk and if they are paying attention to the task they also don't need to watch me.

But I guess it's personal preference...I just find it very 'performance' like when I see handlers staring their dogs down while the dog is in a stay. Doesn't seem very relaxed and more for 'show' than real life obedience. But others disagree.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

I agree with Adina, as long as the dog is staying down (preferrably rolled over on hip) I don't mind if the dog looks at me or not. Years ago I had an English Setter that I tried NOT to make eye contact. On more than one occassion he broke his down stay in the obedience ring when we made eye contact. It took us 5 attempts to get his 3 legs for his CD.

[Kyoko]

We practiced this today at Charlie's class... Ours are not an advanced class, it's still basic obedience.
But the trainer had us standing in front of the dog, who is sitting. We said "yes" and gave treat every time the dog gave us eye contact ( no command). My problem was that I could not see her eyes because of her long shaggy hair!! LOL!!

After I got home, I wet my hand and slicked back her hair so I can see her eyes, and practiced!
She might need hair gel for the next class!!