Watch Me
Okay, so now you understand that you must be consistent in your training, and you must teach good habits first. What sort of training do you do? The first useful command is the “Watch me!” command. This command is excellent in training but also in situations where you must get your rottie's attention quickly, such as in competition or perhaps in a crowded area. “Watch me!” strengthens the bond between your rottie and you.
Dogs generally won't make eye contact with another dog. Making eye contact is often considered challenging or aggressive. When you initiate eye contact with your rottweiler, you're teaching him that you're in command of the situation. Once your rottie accepts this, it is comforting to him and gives him the assurance that you're the one who will lead.
Pick one word for a command and stick with it. Don't confuse your rottie by changing commands. This will only serve to frustrate both you (as you aren't getting the behavior you want) and your dog (as he is unsure of what you want him to do).
“Watch me!” is great for keeping your rottweiler's attention focused even in the most confusing circumstances. Practice “Watch me!” everywhere you can with your rottie so that you can use it when there are a lot of distractions.
Positive Method
To teach “Watch me,” start with a treat, such as a bit of cheese or luncheon meat. Hold the treat up between your eyes and say, “Watch me!” Holding the treat in such a way will help keep your rottie focused on you and not on distractions. When your rottweiler makes eye contact, even for a second, toss him the treat and praise him. Work on this a few times and again as you teach him other commands.
Clicker Training
Hold your clicker and wait for your rottie to accidentally make eye contact, then click and treat. Again, wait for him to make eye contact and click and treat. As he figures out that he's being clicked and treated for making eye contact, the behavior will continue. Add the keyword, “Watch me!” with the eye contact, and click and treat.
