Engagement
The Secret to Better Dog Training? Engagement!
When it comes to dog training, most people focus on teaching cues like “sit,” “stay,” or “come.” While those are important, there’s one foundational skill that often gets overlooked—engagement. Without it, training can feel like a one-way conversation and walks can feel like your dog’s completely forgotten that you’re on the other end of the lead. With it, you and your dog become a true team.
What is Engagement in Dog Training?
Engagement means your dog is actively focused on you—interested, tuned in, and ready to work together. They’re choosing to pay attention, not because they have to, but because they want to. Without it, cues are likely to get lost in the chaos—especially in distracting or high-energy environments.
Why Engagement is So Important
Better learning: A dog that’s engaged is more receptive to training and can retain information more effectively.
Faster progress: When your dog is eager to work with you, training sessions become smoother and more productive.
Real-world reliability: Engagement helps keep your dog focused even in stimulating situations—like the park, around other dogs, or when they're feeling extra excited.
Stronger relationship: Engagement builds a partnership based on trust, fun, and mutual understanding.
How to Improve Engagement With Your Dog
The good news? Engagement can be trained—and it's actually really fun to work on! Here are a few ways to build and boost engagement:
1. Praise Your Dog for Offering Attention
Sometimes we get so focused on cues that we miss the moments when our dog chooses us. If your dog looks at you on their own, make it a big deal! Cheerfully say “Yes!” or “Good!” and reward with a treat, praise, or play. This teaches your dog that checking in with you pays off.
2. Play the Look-at-Me Game
This is a simple and powerful game to build engagement, especially when your dog is in a high-arousal state (like when you’re just arriving at the park or after seeing another dog).
Here’s how to play:
Grab some high-value treats and go to a low-distraction area.
Stand or sit still and wait patiently.
The moment your dog looks at you—even just a quick glance—mark it (say “Yes!” or “good!”) and give them a treat.
Repeat 2-5 times, varying it each time you play the game. You’re reinforcing the idea that looking at you = good things.
Why this works: You’re tapping into your dog’s natural curiosity and turning their attention back to you in a fun, rewarding way. It’s especially helpful when your dog is feeling overstimulated and needs help focusing.
3. Mix up your rewards
Not every dog is food-motivated all the time. For many, tug toys, chase games, or even a good belly rub can be just as valuable. Use whatever your dog loves most as a reward to make engagement more exciting. If your dog is motivated by food, having a mixture of treats in your treat pouch and varying how you deliver the treats (e.g. tossing them into grass, rolling them along the floor or throwing them in the air for your dog to catch) can help to keep the food interesting for them.
4. Keep Sessions Short and Fun
Dogs, like people, check out if things get boring. Keep your training sessions short (just 5-10 minutes), upbeat, and full of praise. Always end on a high note!
Final Thoughts
Engagement is the foundation of great dog training. It’s not about perfect obedience—it’s about creating a dog who wants to work with you because you’re fun, rewarding, and worth paying attention to.
So next time you’re training, take a moment to focus on engagement. Celebrate those check-ins, reward the eye contact, and don’t be afraid to play a little. You’ll build stronger skills—and an even stronger bond—with your pup.
