Engagement means your dog is mentally connected to you, not just attached by a leash. A dog with better engagement checks in more often, responds faster, and is easier to guide around distractions.
Reward Attention
Start by rewarding your dog for looking at you. Do not wait for perfect obedience. If your dog chooses to check in, mark it and reward it.
Be Worth Paying Attention To
Use food, toys, praise, movement, and clear timing to make yourself valuable to your dog. The environment is interesting, so you need to matter too.
Practice Before You Need It
Do not wait until your dog is already distracted. Build engagement in quiet places first.
Use Movement
Dogs often engage better when the handler moves. Turns, changes of direction, and short games can help your dog stay connected.
Keep Sessions Short
Engagement work should feel successful. Short, focused sessions are better than long sessions where the dog checks out.
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