When to Reward Eye Contact in Dog Training: A Boise Guide by Amy Pishner
“After one session with Amy Pishner, I realized how powerful eye contact is in dog training. Our dog’s focus improved instantly just by marking eye contact!”
— Lindsay B., Boise, ID
Eye Contact Is Everything in Dog Training
In Boise dog training, engagement is everything—and the foundation of engagement is eye contact. I’m Amy Pishner, founder of Valor K9 Academy, and I teach this in every private lesson and board and train program we offer. Knowing when to reward eye contact is critical for building focus and communication with your dog.
How to Build Eye Contact
One of the first things we teach at Valor K9 Academy is The Name Game. This simple exercise helps dogs associate their name with positive reinforcement and teaches them to make eye contact with their handler.
Watch our free video tutorial:
Note: We now use the marker word “Good” instead of “Yes.”
When to Reward Eye Contact in Dog Training
Once your dog starts offering eye contact, reward it consistently. Reinforce the behavior you want to see repeated.
Examples of when to reward eye contact:
- When they are in front of you, looking at you
- When they are in heel position, checking in
- During a sit or down stay, maintaining focus
- When they look back at you off-leash
- When they choose you over a distraction
Boise dog training tip: If your dog looks into your soul… mark and reward! Even a “Good” and a gentle pat is enough to reinforce that connection. Sustained eye contact is the goal, so don’t wait for your dog to look away from you. Mark and reward them!
How to Maintain Engagement Through Eye Contact
Engagement doesn’t happen by accident—it’s created through consistent reinforcement. Eye contact tells your dog that their focus matters to you.
Every time they choose focus over distraction—mark and reward.
The moment they offer eye contact during training—mark and reward.
If you stop rewarding it, they’ll stop offering it. Keep the behavior alive with praise, food, and a happy tone.
How to Increase Eye Contact
Eye contact is always a choice. That’s what makes it so powerful. Increase your dog’s focus by marking it during more challenging situations.
Great opportunities to reward eye contact:
- They remain in a sit/stay while a dog runs by
- They stay in a down/stay when a door slams
- They wait at the door and look at you for permission
- They are recalling and stay visually locked in
- They choose to look at you instead of reacting to a trigger
Every time they choose focus—reward it.
When Not to Reward Eye Contact
There are only two exceptions:
- When they’re on the place bed and shouldn’t need your approval.
- When they’re following you obsessively, and you’re trying to build independence.
Otherwise? Be generous. Reward eye contact, especially during Training Mode.
Why This Matters in Boise Dog Training
Training in busy environments like Boise parks, city sidewalks, and pet-friendly stores means your dog will face distractions. Teaching them to stay focused on you through eye contact is key.
Want to learn more? Explore:
Final Thoughts
If you’re training your dog in Boise and want better focus, start by marking and rewarding eye contact. It’s the single most powerful way to build lasting engagement. A little “Good” goes a long way.
Need help getting started? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Amy Pishner
Founder & Head Trainer