Michael Ellis on the Most Overlooked Key to Dog Training: Engagement

In this wide-ranging conversation, world-renowned dog trainer Michael Ellis shares what he believes is the most overlooked key to successful dog training: engagement.

Before you can teach a dog what to learn, you first have to teach them how to learn—and that starts by creating motivation, attention, and buy-in. Whether you’re a dog owner, a new trainer, or a seasoned pro, this discussion will change the way you think about dogs, behavior, and obedience.

We cover:
• Why engagement is the foundation of all dog training
• How classical conditioning shapes behavior (often without us realizing it)
• The right and wrong way to use markers and rewards
• How to avoid common mistakes like overshadowing and learned irrelevance
• When to switch from continuous to intermittent reinforcement
• How to address behavior issues like fear, aggression, and anxiety
• The future of dog training and how science is reshaping the field

Learn more from Michael Ellis:
Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers: https://michaelellisschool.com/
Membership Platform: https://michaelellisschool.com/membership/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelellisschoolfordogtr6450
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534012479
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_ellis_school/

Work with Nate Schoemer:
Online Course: From Novice to Pro: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625

⏱ Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Engagement in Reward-Based Dog Training
06:35 – Measuring Dog Training Engagement
13:20 – Delayed Reward Timing in Dog Training
18:13 – Effective Dog Training Commands
26:24 – Intermittent Dog Training Strategies
27:43 – Effects of Continuous Rewards
36:16 – Evolving Dog Training Methods
41:51 – Evolving Dog Training Insights
46:09 – Training People for Dog Skills
51:48 – Dog Training: Beyond Protocols
58:09 – Effective Rewards for Anxious Dogs
01:01:26 – Pavlovian Interference in Dog Training
01:06:29 – Delayed Rewards in Dog Training
01:11:20 – Evolving Approach to Dog Training
01:19:55 – Michael Ellis Membership Launch
01:20:56 – Affordable Dog Training Access

WCA #440 with Tess Greenham - Training the Ears, Understanding the Business, Mastering Notes, Sonic Growth, and Working with Her Dad