Let's dive into a pivotal aspect of canine education that can transform your training sessions from mundane to magical – the art of engagement. When we talk about engagement in dog training, we're referring to the quality of the relationship between you and your dog, where the dog is not just following commands but actively wants to participate in the learning process. One of the leading voices in this domain is none other than Michael Ellis, a renowned dog trainer whose methodologies emphasize the significance of engagement.
Why Engagement Matters
1. Fosters a Strong Bond:Â At the heart of every successful training endeavor is the bond between dog and handler. Engagement goes beyond mere obedience; it's about the dog wanting to be with you, looking to you for guidance and cues. Michael Ellis often speaks about how engagement transforms training into a game, making it enjoyable for both parties. This bond is crucial for effective communication and trust-building, which are foundational for all training methods.
2. Enhances Learning:Â Dogs learn best when they are motivated and focused. Engagement ensures that your dog's attention is on you rather than on distractions in the environment. According to Ellis, when a dog is actively engaged, you can teach complex behaviors more efficiently because the dog is eager to learn what you have to offer next. This motivation can lead to quicker learning and more durable behavior patterns.
3. Improves Behavior in Real Life:Â Training doesn't end when the session does. Engagement in training translates to better behavior in daily life. A dog that's engaged with its handler is more likely to respond promptly to commands in distracting or stressful situations, whether it's during a walk in a busy park or when guests come over.
4. Prevents Frustration:Â Both dogs and handlers can become frustrated if training feels like a chore or if communication is lacking. Michael Ellis emphasizes that through engagement, we can turn training into a rewarding experience, reducing frustration and increasing the joy of learning for your dog.
Michael Ellis on Engagement:
Michael Ellis, through his extensive work at Leerburg and his school for dog trainers, has developed a reputation for his clear, concise, and humane training methods. He advocates for:
Movement and Excitement:Â Ellis stresses the importance of incorporating movement and excitement into training to keep dogs engaged. He believes that dynamic training sessions where both dog and handler are actively moving help maintain focus and enthusiasm.
Use of Rewards:Â While Michael is known for his balanced approach, he places a significant emphasis on using rewards effectively to foster engagement. Whether it's food or toys, rewards should be used in a way that increases the dog's desire to interact with the handler.
Marker Training:Â Ellis is a proponent of marker training, where a specific sound or word (like "yes" or a clicker) marks the exact moment a dog does something right. This technique aids in pinpointing the behavior you want, enhancing engagement by making the training process clear and rewarding.
Building Drive:Â Not all dogs naturally have high drive, but Ellis teaches methods to build and channel this drive through engagement exercises. By making training fun, dogs naturally increase their enthusiasm for learning.
How to Implement Engagement:
Start with Short, Fun Sessions:Â Keep training sessions short to maintain your dog's interest. Make each session a game where the dog wins by engaging with you.
Vary the Environment:Â Train in different places to teach your dog to focus on you amidst distractions, much like Michael Ellis does with his dogs.
Be Energetic and Enthusiastic:Â Your energy level directly influences your dog. Be the most exciting thing in your dog's world during training.
Reward Engagement Itself:Â Sometimes, reward your dog for just looking at you or coming back to you during play. This reinforces the idea that being with you is the best place to be.
Engagement, as Michael Ellis teaches, is not just a technique but a way of life with your dog. By focusing on creating an eager learner rather than a mere follower of commands, you set the stage for a lifetime of mutual respect, understanding, and joy. For those interested in delving deeper, resources like Michael Ellis's courses on Leerburg or his seminars provide a wealth of knowledge on this topic.
Remember, training with engagement isn't just about teaching your dog tricks or obedience; it's about building a partnership where both of you are excited to learn from each other.