Start the treat at the dog's nose and slowly move up towards your eyes. Repeat until your dog is giving you eye contact. Your dog does not have to be in any position to work on this. I like to step on my dogs leash, just so they can't leave.
Move the treat behind your head and wait for eye contact. Remember to praise with a "Yes!" and give a treat. Next, move your hands behind your back and wait for your dog to give you eye contact. When your dog is giving you continous eye contact, you are ready to start training other commands. Work on the watch command in different areas with different distractions, keeping in mind that you may have to revert back to treat on nose to eyes, just as a reminder.
