German Shepherd Dog Training Tip (Watch Me)

Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge

Hi Everyone,

One of my favorite training exercises is “Watch Me”, and this is a very simple exercise that may save the life of your German Shepherd Dog. To begin, take a favorite treat and place your German Shepherd Dog in a sit-stay with you standing directly in front of them. Then allow them see the treat and hold it in front of your face then say your German Shepherd Dogs’ name followed by “watch me”. After they have watched the treat for a few seconds reward them with the treat. Repeat this several times.

After your German Shepherd Dog has mastered this simple exercise leave the treat in your pocket, but hold your hand up near your face. After they have watched your face for a few seconds reward them with a treat. Now no longer hold your hand to your face, but have them watch your face before rewarding them with the treat.

Kodi a Full time Service Dog Given an Impromptu “Watch Me” Command

Once this “watch me” exercise has been perfected by your German shepherd Dog, reinforce it everyday by having them watch you from different locations such as in the house, yard, or park. In addition, have them complete the “watch me” from different locations relative to you and while they are distracted with other activities such as chasing a ball.

If done correctly the command “watch me” should stop your German Shepherd Dog in their tracks with full attention focused on you. This simple exercise in combination with the “come” command may prevent your German Shepherd Dog from being hit by a vehicle or keep them away from other dangers. Grand Champion, Champion and full time service dogs was saved from harm when he accidentally got off lead in a parking lot and was headed straight towards an area where someone had drained their anti-freeze on the asphalt. A sharp “watch me” command stopped him in his track followed by a Kodi “come” command got Kodi to immediately return to his owner.