The Most Important Cue Your Dog Needs? Your Attention.
We spend a lot of time trying to teach our dogs what not to do.
“Don’t jump.”
“Don’t bark.”
“Don’t pull.”
“Don’t chew that, chase that, dig that.”
And when they do settle down, finally relax, or chew on the “right” thing, we barely notice! Not because we don’t care, but because we’re exhuasted. We’ve spent all day redirecting, managing, or just trying to stay one step ahead of the chaos.
But here’s the quiet truth: the most important cue your dog needs isn’t “sit” or “stay.”
It’s you.
Your attention.
What is Attention in Dog Training?
We often think of attention as something we have to ask for from our dogs - either a formal cue, like “watch me” or the moment a dog locks eyes with us before performing a trick or running an obstacle course.
But attention runs much deeper than that. In fact, it starts long before we ever say a word.
Attention is about presence. It’s about noticing. It’s awareness of your dog’s body language, energy, and emotional state - not just their behavior.
From a dog’s perspective, your patterns of attention teach them what matters. If you only interact when they’re being wild, then wildness becomes the fastest route to connection. If you reliably show up when they’re relaxed, sniffing, or chewing calmly, those behaviors start to feel worthwhile.
Bonding and Awareness
Two key pillars of the BASICS Framework are at play here:
Bonding happens through everyday micro-moments, not just the big adventures.
Awareness is your ability to read your dog and respond with intention, not just reactivity. (Yep! The same thing we ask of our dogs.)
When we shift from “what command should I use?” to “what is my dog doing right now and what do they need?”, we create space for communication, rather than control.
The Power of Brief Attention
Here’s where we get practical.
You don’t need to be in training mode all day. In fact, constant attention can backfire, creating clingy or anxious dogs who don’t know how to self-regulate.
Instead, think of your attention like adding a spice to your meal. It’s something you add in thoughtfully, not pour on all at once.
In nature, this looks like the scarcity of the squirrel - it’s there, it’s fun, it zips around, and then…POOF! It’s gone! That unpredictability is part of what makes it interesting. We can use that same principle: be slightly less available, but when you DO show up, be genuinely engaged.
Learn to reward the small moments throughout the day. A glance, a calm “good dog,” a gentle ear scratch as they settle on their mat; these are small reinforcements that teach your dog, “This is good. Do this more.”
Over time, your dog learns a pattern:
Check in with you.
Get some connection.
Then go rest, chew, or settle.
This is how real-life training works - living together rather than cueing and correcting our dogs all day.
Attention Isn’t a Cue, It’s a Currency
Dogs do what works. If barking gets you to look up from your phone, even to say “no,” barking works. If lying quietly by your feet earns a belly rub, that starts to hold value.
We unintentionally teach dogs that being disruptive is more effective than being calm, because calm dogs are easy to ignore, and we’re human.
This is your gentle reminder:
✔️reward the calm.
✔️Acknowledge the quiet.
✔️Value the behavior you want to see again.
Your attention becomes a kind of paycheck. You’re putting value into your relationship bank account. And when life gets messy, and you inevitably have a “human” moment, your dog still trusts that you’re the best investment they can make.
Conclusion
Dog training isn’t about a checklist of commands. It’s about communication, balance, and mutual awareness. Your attention, given with thought, not just urgency, is one of the most powerful tools you have.
So the next time your dog is doing nothing wrong…
Notice it.
Let them know.
Feel great about your buddy.
Because in that moment, you’re teaching them exactly what to do.
Casa Luna Canines is your partner in dog training, human learning. Join us to learn how to be your dog’s best friend using 100% pain and fear free methods. Imagine what it will feel like when your dog chooses to behave well around you, no matter where you are!
