GETTING YOUR DOG'S ATTENTION

The goal of a "ready" command is to get your dog's undivided attention. It also serves to let your dog know that you have something for him to do.

The first step is to take a piece of cheese or kibble and hold it in front of your dog's nose. Once his attention is squarely on the treat, draw your hand up close to your mouth. The dog's eyes will naturally follow. Once he is looking at your face, praise him, repeat the word "ready" and give him the treat. Do this a few times and your dog will begin looking at your face before you get the treat close to your mouth.

The next step (you'll want to use cheese for this) is to put the treat in your mouth. When you say "ready" and your dog looks at you, spit the cheese toward your dog.

The next step is to hold his attention a tad longer. Simply wait a fraction of a second longer before you spit the treat out to your dog.

Most dogs will understand that "ready" means "look at me" in the first lesson. It's a good idea to reinforce this command regularly. It comes in very handy when your dog is intent on something you'd rather he ignore. It's very helpful when there are multiple distractions and you need to get your dog's attention. Sometimes that might be on a walk, in the vet's office, in an obedience ring or you guessed it, when you want to take a photo.