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

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