How do I increase engagement with my dog?
Nils Weimann
2025-07-22 16:52:40
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: 12
Training should be a fun experience for you and your dog. He learns some new tricks, you learn how to communicate with him better, and the bond is strengthened on both ends of the leash. If you and your dog are both having fun, then the dog will be much more engaged. Move around, use a lot of verbal praise in addition to the food and toy treats. Find the right motivators, having something that really turns your dog on can make the difference in a dog that wants to repeat behaviors and a dog that is yawning after one rep of an exercise. Keep training sessions very short and do more short sessions throughout the day instead of one long session, use lots of reinforcement and make it very high value, in the form of enticing treats and toys. If you lose your dog, then do something very short and easy that you are sure your dog can do successfully, and end the session on a positive note. Playing with your dog can also be a reward. Sometimes you need to get very creative as a trainer.
Otho Koch
2025-07-22 12:30:29
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: 7
Make your relationship MATTER to your dog. I hand feed my dog(s) and I put up toys so when I pull them out, I have my dogs undivided attention. Practice having your dog drag the leash IN the house to start. I use their dog food and hand feed and walk with them in the house giving dog food when your dog makes eye contact. Extend the amount of time they pay attention to you by giving rapid fire rewards and hand feeding. Mark and Reward Eye contact whenever your dog offers it. Play hide and seek with your dog. This will help to build engagement and teach your dog that finding you is FUN and rewarding. Use treats, toys petting and praise to engage your dog when they find you. Help them learn that paying attention to you is beneficial. A dog who has practiced engagement is easier to train, has a stronger bond, can better handle distractions, and enjoys the training experience.