[sweetlee]

A good "watch me" is invaluable.
I started by holding a treat in my hand, and as soon as the dog looked at my face he got the treat. Then I started holding my hands out to my side with the treats in them. when the dog looked at me instead of my hands, I instantly tossed him treat and told him good boy watch me.
Next I learned to spit small pieces of string cheese from my mouth for the dog to catch.
I keep these with me on walks, and a "watch me" will get him looking right at my face, waiting for the piece of cheese to come flying out. Start at home, then add distractions. I sometimes just have cheese in my mouth and in both hands, and wiggle my hands around. Dodge watches my face because that is where the cheese comes from.
I agree with not making the dog look right at you while they are trying to walk, they need to watch where they are going. I don't want to walk without looking straight ahead. so I always stop and sit before asking for direct eye contact.

Sharon