Labrador Training: Getting Your Lab To “Look” On Command

The “look” command is a technique every Labrador owner can use to get their dog focused during training as well as to redirect their attention from bad behavior. It’s also commonly used in sports and working canines to get their attention and to provide them with the necessary instructions.

Simply calling your Lab’s name may seem good enough to accomplish this, but it really doesn’t work as well as using a command that is positively enforced and only used for getting his or her attention. On the other hand, getting your puppy’s attention by calling his or her name may not always work because it’s used for various things.

Preparing to teach the “look” command

Teaching the “look” command is not very difficult to do. In fact, all it requires is positive reinforcement and if you’re using one, a clicker. You will also need to find a calm area where there aren’t a lot of distractions around to establish as your training location. Once this is settled, you are ready to begin training with your Lab!

Teaching your Labrador puppy the “look” command

If your Lab puppy already knows his name, use this to your advantage by calling him or her, saying “look” as soon as you get eye contact, clicking and rewarding your dog with a treat and some praise. Eventually, you will have to use the command alone, but using the dog’s name is a great way to begin training.

For puppies that don’t know their name yet or who refuse to respond to it, you will need to use a treat for extra motivation. Start by showing your dog the treat and slowly bringing his or her attention towards your face. Say the command as soon as your Lab is staring right at your face, give the reward, click and then give some praise.

After a couple of days of training, it should be easier to get your dog’s attention. Make changes slowly so that you no longer have to use treats as bait and your dog is responding to the command and the clicker.

Practice makes perfect in Labrador training

Once your Labrador Retriever has mastered the “look” command, you’ll have to build the amount of time that you have his or her attention. All you need to do to accomplish this is make your Lab wait longer before receiving the reward. Make sure to start off slow, as long periods of eye contact can frighten dogs or be interpreted as a challenge. Also, as the time your dog looks at you increases, you’ll need a word such as “okay” that will let him or her know it is okay to relax.

Lastly, it’s essential that you practice the command in different places to get your Labrador used to obeying no matter what the situation is.

 There is no psychiatrist in the world like a Labrador Retriever licking your face. – Unknown

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