Eye contact is crucial when working with a deaf dog. Teaching your dog to watch you can strengthen your bond and ability to communicate. For training watch me, I do not use an actual command, but rather associated looking at me as a positive experience. Some people prefer rot use a command, either way is acceptable.

​

Step 1: Have treats in hand and place your dog into a sit directly in front of you. The dog should be facing you.

Step 2: Every time your dog naturally looks at you, give it a treat. If you plan to use a command, you would give your command right after the dog naturally looks at you and then treat it.

Step 3: Repeat the above steps. The ultimate goal is that your dog will learn to naturally watch you.

 

Remember to keep these sessions short - even just a few minutes at a time, to keep things interesting for the dog. Always end sessions on a high note, and set your dog up to succeed. If you find yourself, or your dog getting frustrated, take a break and try again later.

​

While these methods have worked for us, it is important to remember that every dog is different and what works for one, may not work for another.

​