Your puppy’s name has one meaning: “Look at me.” It does not mean “come,” it does not mean “stop,” and it must never become a reprimand.
The name game
- Say the name once Choose a random calm moment when the puppy is near you but looking elsewhere.
- Mark the turn The instant the puppy turns towards you, mark. Do not wait for a sit or a full approach.
- Reward and move on Deliver the reward, then return to normal life. Complete 20 repetitions each day, spread across the whole day.
Build voluntary attention
Engage–Disengage
Reward the look you did not ask for
Voluntary attention is more valuable than attention that appears only after a cue. Mark whenever the puppy chooses to glance at you, then gradually practise around a view through the window, another dog or children.
Look at that
Looking is allowed; returning attention pays
Let the puppy look at the trigger. When it finishes looking and turns back, mark and reward. This foundation later helps the puppy disengage from movement, unfamiliar people and social excitement.