Team

Very often I do not see a team between owner and dog. One of the best exercises for closing the gap on creating a team relationship, is the look exercise.
If you take a treat, show it to the dog and bring under one of your eyes and say Look, as soon as the dog looks in your eyes, praise and treat. You must have no distractions, so it is easier for the dog. Once your dog has mastered in the house, then take to the backyard. Now if you have a dog who gets distracted when you are walking, before the dog reacts to anything, say Look, as soon as the dog looks at you, praise and treat. Eventually you can phase out the treats and just say the word look.