When it comes to training, the first thing I always focus on is engagement. For me, it’s not just about getting my dogs to pay attention—it’s about building a connection where they choose to work with me, even when the world is full of distractions. Or as I like to call it, “none of your business” training.
Engagement doesn’t just happen overnight, though. It’s something I work on every day, in every little moment. Whether we’re in the garden, out for a walk, or doing something more formal like a workshop, engagement is always the priority. For me, it’s what turns training into a partnership rather than a battle.
Take Trixie, for example. The world is becoming so exciting for her now—other dogs, new smells, unfamiliar people—it’s all fascinating! I know that if I don’t keep working on our connection, the distractions will start to win. That’s why I’m always looking for ways to remind her that I’m the best thing in her environment.
It’s not all about formal training sessions. Engagement is something I weave into everyday life. Feeding time, playtime, or even just hanging out in the house are all opportunities to build that bond. Sometimes it’s as simple as making eye contact, giving her a smile, or having a quick play. The goal is to make her think, “Wow, paying attention to her is the best thing ever!”
Of course, it’s not always that simple, especially when the environment gets more exciting. This weekend was a perfect example. Trixie came with me to a workshop that was held in a busy car park, surrounded by other dogs, people, and all sorts of distractions. To make sure she felt supported, I didn’t ask her to do anything new. Instead, I stuck to skills we’d already worked on at home, like boundary games. The environment was challenging enough—I didn’t want to overwhelm her.
One of the highlights for me was seeing her calmly hold her boundary while the world buzzed around us. It wasn’t perfect, and that’s okay—she’s learning. She also had some new experiences that I was really proud of, like meeting three dog-savvy horses and calmly watching a flock of about ten fluffy chickens! These are the kinds of moments where I can see her confidence growing.
As Trixie gets older, I know I’ll have to keep adapting my approach. The world will only get more exciting for her, and I’ll need to up my game to keep her connected to me. That doesn’t mean working harder—it means being smarter. I’ll keep focusing on small wins, keeping sessions short and fun, and making sure she always feels like she’s succeeding.
For me, engagement isn’t just about training—it’s about our relationship. It’s about creating moments where we’re truly connected, where she’s choosing to work with me because she wants to. That’s the magic of it. When you focus on engagement, everything else—training, trust, and behaviour—just falls into place.
Leave a Reply