August 26, 2002
Monday

You definitely want Rover to know his name. But you also want a command that instantly, and without hesitation, gets you eye contact with Rover NOW. So at the same time you're teaching

--- Puka Family Pet of RoseAnne Dyakanoff Digital photo by M.C. Kauffman ---

your young pup to respond to the series of sounds that ends up as 'Rover', teach him to lockeyes with you every time he hears the command 'Watch'. You'll always have control of your beloved pup, no matter what.

Remember how I told you that you never want to end up being the Coke machine treat dispenser, giving a treat every time you give a command. Well, I lied. The command 'watch' is the only exception to the slot machine treat dispenser rule. This is the only command you will use that will ALWAYS get Rover a treat. That's what will get you the automatic and unthinking response you want.

So start with a treat in your hand. Let Rover know it's in your hand, then say 'Rover, watch' as you bring that hand up to your eye level. When Rover's eyes meet yours, he gets the treat. Repeat this sequence while Rover is doing a wide variety of activities, ranging from doing nothing, to sniffing around in the corner, to waiting for you to throw a toy or ball. Gradually bring your hand down from your face, while still requiring eye contact for a treat reward.

Right now, Rover is learning to look at you when he hears the command 'Roverwatch'. Once you can get consistent eye contact, you can start splitting those two apart, using 'Rover' with 'Come'.'Sit', 'Down' and all your other commands, as a prefix to let Rover know you're talking to

--- Mocha Family Pet of RoseAnne Dyakanoff Digital photo by M.C. Kauffman ---

him. Rover is a smart little boy, and has the capacity for a vocabulary of 250 words or more, so start naming things for him. Give yourself some deadlines to work for, such as 'Come', 'Sit,' 'Down', 'Outside', 'Poop', 'Car', and the names of everyone in the family by the time he's ten weeks old. More if you can. The more you can teach him, the better.

And, of course, 'Watch'.

Don't forget to practice the 'Watch' command at least two or three times a day. A treat every time. And this is one that you should practice throughout Rover's life. Make it a habit to have him 'Watch' at least once a day for the rest of his life. Get in this habit, and one day this is the habit that may save his life.

Next: Rover, come...

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