Many dogs struggle to stay relaxed when they see another dog, a person, or a specific environmental stimulus. They often respond with intense stress reactions that can be categorized into four main types: fight (such as barking, lunging), flight (avoiding, hiding), freeze (cowering, shutting down), or fool around (jumping, mouthing) behaviors.
The Engage-Disengage Game is particularly helpful for dogs that respond with a "fight" or "fool around" reaction. These dogs often become over-aroused quickly and hurl themselves toward the trigger out of fear, anxiety, or frustration. Unlike socially savvy dogs that self-interrupt to keep interactions fun and safe, these dogs have immense difficulty disengaging from the trigger.
The Engage-Disengage Game decreases a dog's stress around the trigger and teaches them the peaceful coping skill of self-interruption.
Preparation
Before starting the Engage-Disengage Game, gather the following supplies:
- 3 to 4 types of high-value treats
- A clicker or a verbal marker
- A humane collar or harness (no choke chains, prong collars, or shock collars)
- A leash of appropriate strength, about 1 inch wide
Practice fast U-turns by luring your dog with a treat
How to Play
Level One: Engage
1. Start at a Safe Distance: Choose a position at least 20 feet away from potential triggers, though some dogs may need more space.
2. Wait for Engagement: Be quiet and still while waiting for your dog to notice the trigger.
3. Allow your dog to sniff around and explore the environment.
4. Mark the Engagement: At the exact moment your dog looks at the trigger, mark the behavior with a clicker or a verbal marker.
5. Reward: When your dog looks to you after the mark, deliver a treat. If your dog does not look to you, you are too close to the trigger and need to back away to reset at an easier distance.
6. Repeat: Do this for 3 to 5 successful repetitions at the same distance before moving to Level Two. A successful repetition is when your dog looks to you for the treat after you mark the behavior.
Level Two: Disengage
Start at the Same Distance: Begin at the same distance from the trigger as in Level One.
1. Wait for Disengagement: Let your dog engage with the trigger, then wait 3 to 5 seconds for your dog to look away on their own.
2. Mark the Disengagement: At the exact moment your dog looks away from the trigger, mark the behavior with a clicker or a verbal marker.
3. Reward: Deliver a treat. If your dog does not look to you for the treat or reacts to the trigger, move further away and begin again.
4. Repeat: Repeat for 3 to 5 successful repetitions before moving 1 to 5 steps closer to the trigger. A successful repetition is when your dog comfortably disengages from the trigger on their own.
Benefits and Tips
- Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning: The game uses positive reinforcement to reduce stress responses and train safe behaviors.
- Impulse Control and Self-Interruption: Your dog learns to notice a trigger and then disengage on their own.
- Manage Exposures: Reduce the number of undesired reactions by managing your dog's exposure to triggers.
- Professional Guidance: If your dog has bitten or caused injury, consult with a certified positive reinforcement trainer or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.
Suitable for Various Behaviors
Engage-Disengage is effective for leash reactivity, aggressive behavior, fearful or anxious dogs, puppy socialization, high prey drive, and dogs who are easily excitable or have trouble focusing.
By playing the Engage-Disengage Game, you're helping your dog become less anxious and fearful of the world, teaching them that they can choose another behavior that is both fun and safe. This game is a great starting point for implementing a desensitization and counter-conditioning behavior plan.
For personalized training and support, working with a certified professional dog trainer or behavior consultant is essential. Engage-Disengage is only one piece of the training puzzle, but it's a valuable tool for helping your dog build positive associations and appropriate responses to their triggers.
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