Ep. 32 - From Frustration to Focus: Michael Ellis on Smarter Dog Training

Michael Ellis on the Most Overlooked Key to Dog Training: EngagementIn 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 fieldLearn more from Michael Ellis:Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers: https://michaelellisschool.com/Membership Platform: https://michaelellisschool.com/membership/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelellisschoolfordogtr6450Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534012479Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_ellis_school/Work with Nate Schoemer:Online Course: From Novice to Pro: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Traininghttps://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 Training06:35 – Measuring Dog Training Engagement13:20 – Delayed Reward Timing in Dog Training18:13 – Effective Dog Training Commands26:24 – Intermittent Dog Training Strategies27:43 – Effects of Continuous Rewards36:16 – Evolving Dog Training Methods41:51 – Evolving Dog Training Insights46:09 – Training People for Dog Skills51:48 – Dog Training: Beyond Protocols58:09 – Effective Rewards for Anxious Dogs01:01:26 – Pavlovian Interference in Dog Training01:06:29 – Delayed Rewards in Dog Training01:11:20 – Evolving Approach to Dog Training01:19:55 – Michael Ellis Membership Launch01:20:56 – Affordable Dog Training Access