The Engage-Disengage Game

The Engage-Disengage Game is a powerful tool in dog training, especially for helping dogs who are reactive, easily overexcited, or nervous around specific triggers (like other dogs, people, or moving objects). It teaches dogs to notice a trigger calmly and then look away or check in with their handler, rather than reacting impulsively.

Here’s how to effectively use the Engage-Disengage game in your training:

🎯 Goal of the Game

To teach your dog that:

  • Looking at a trigger is safe.
  • Looking away from the trigger (and back to you) is rewarding.
  • Staying calm pays off.

✅ When to Use This Game

  • Your dog is under threshold (they notice the trigger but aren’t barking, lunging, or overly stressed).
  • You want to build positive associations with triggers.
  • You’re working on focus and impulse control in stimulating environments.

Step-by-Step: How to Play Engage-Disengage

🔹 Phase 1: Mark for Looking at the Trigger (Engage Phase)

Goal: Help your dog learn that calmly noticing a trigger is good.

  1. Set up at a safe distance where your dog can see the trigger but is not reacting.
  2. When your dog looks at the trigger, immediately mark (e.g., “Yes!” or click).
  3. Give a treat after the mark — ideally handed to the dog or dropped near you.
  4. Let your dog look again. Repeat every time they look at the trigger calmly.

🧠 This phase teaches that noticing the trigger is rewarding — no need to bark or lunge.

🔹 Phase 2: Mark for Looking Away (Disengage Phase)

Goal: Teach your dog to choose to look away from the trigger and check in with you.

  1. Start the same way — let your dog look at the trigger.
  2. Wait quietly after they look. When they voluntarily look away, mark (“Yes!” or click).
  3. Reward generously with treats and praise.
  4. Repeat each time they disengage from the trigger.

🧠 Now your dog learns: “Looking at it is fine, but looking away is even better!”

🧩 Pro Tips for Success

  • Use high-value treats that your dog loves, especially early on.
  • Keep sessions short and below threshold — progress happens best when your dog is calm.
  • If your dog can’t disengage, increase distance from the trigger.
  • Practice in controlled environments before trying it in unpredictable places like busy parks.

📈 Progression Ideas

  • Gradually decrease distance to the trigger over sessions (as long as your dog stays relaxed).
  • Use different types of triggers (dogs, bikes, people with hats, etc.).
  • Add mild distractions to strengthen your dog’s focus.

🐶 When It Works Best

  • Dogs who are visually triggered (e.g., see a dog and react).
  • Dogs who tend to fixate or hyperfocus.
  • As a prep step for Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) or Counter-Conditioning & Desensitization.

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