The Engage - Disengage Game

Blank white screen with a thin pink line above

This game is intended to help dogs who are anxious, fearful, or frustrated due to a certain trigger such as other dogs, people, or sounds.

Play the game for 1-5 minute intervals, ensuring your dog has a break frequently.

Watch closely for stress signals such as yawning, scratching, or excessive lip licking.

Simplified illustration of a clipboard with a list.

  1. Have plenty of high-value treats ready

  2. A no-pull harness or humane collar and standard leash

  3. Practice focused leash skills indoors, ensuring your dog does well with quick u-turns using a food lure

  4. Clicker (instead of a clicker, you can use the verbal reward marker “YES!”)

LEVEL 1: ENGAGE

A woman walking a black and white dog on a leash, with a numbered instruction '1' in a circle at the top right corner.

Begin at a distance where your dog sees the trigger but is still calm and non-reactive.

Illustration of a woman in red pants and a white shirt walking a black and white dog on a leash, with a sign saying 'CLICK!' and a number 2 in a circle in the top right corner.

A the moment you notice your dog see the trigger and engage (perk up, freeze and stare), immediately say “YES!” or click.

A woman in red pants and a white shirt standing with a black and white dog on a leash, looking down at the dog, with a red circle containing the number 3 in the top right corner.

If your dog turns toward you after the “YES!” or click, give a treat.

NOTE: If your dog is not turning away from the trigger after the “YES!” or click, move further away from the trigger and try again.

Pink target icon with an arrow hitting the center

The primary objective of this first level is to have your dog turn to you after the “YES!” or click 3-5 times in a row with the trigger at approximately the same distance.

If the trigger is moving or changing in intensity, make sure your dog is able to look away easily and focus on you with the trigger at different angles and intensity levels.

LEVEL 2: DISENGAGE

Woman walking a dog on a leash, with an arrow indicating the dog is moving forward.

Allow your dog to see the trigger, but this time pause 1-5 seconds for your dog to see it and then turn away toward you on their own.

A woman in a white blouse and red pants holding a dog leash with a Border Collie walking beside her. Text says 'CLICK!' and there is a red circle with the number 2.

At the exact moment when your dog looks away, say “YES!” or click.

A woman in red pants and black shoes holding a leash attached to a black and white dog, walking on a gray background with a number 3 in a maroon circle.

After the click, feed a treat.

A pink target with an arrow hitting the bullseye

The primary objective of Level 2 is to have your dog disengage from the trigger on their own 3-5 times in a row as you move 1-5 steps closer.

If the trigger is moving or changing intensity level as you move closer, go back to Level 1 when needed. Remember to watch your dog’s body language closely throughout the exercises to ensure you are setting them up for success. Remember, slow and steady progress is the goal!