How do I get my dog's attention?

Question: I have a dog I'd like to show but he doesn't pay attention to me in the ring. I always tell him to "watch me" and he looks up but then looks away immediately and pays no attention when we're heeling. What have I done wrong?

 Answer: This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions or the problem most often seen in the ring. The answer isn't simple because it goes back to the fundamentals training that the dog has received.

It's very easy to fall into the trap of teaching the dog that you're always going to remind him to pay attention to you by use of the phrase "watch me" or by luring with a cookie. Well, it works when you say something to the dog or present a goodie but all falls apart when you rely on the dog to pay attention without these aids.

Attention is most easily taught initially as a static exercise. You should stand in front of a mirror, so you can see what the dog

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