Triggers – Great Woods Pet Sitting

Does your dog bark, lunge, stare, or become overly excited when they see another dog, person, squirrel, or other distraction? The Engage / Disengage game is a simple, positive reinforcement training exercise that helps dogs learn to remain calm and check in with their owners instead of reacting.

This exercise is commonly used with fearful, anxious, reactive, or overly excited dogs, but it can benefit any dog that needs help focusing around distractions.

What Is Engage / Disengage?

The goal is to teach your dog that noticing a trigger is a good thing and that looking back at you earns rewards. Over time, your dog learns to automatically check in with you when they see something exciting or concerning.

Rather than forcing your dog to ignore a distraction, we teach them that calmly observing it and reconnecting with their handler is rewarding.

Before You Begin

You’ll need:

A clicker (or a verbal marker such as “Yes!”)
High-value treats
A leash
A distraction or trigger at a safe distance

The most important part of this exercise is distance. Your dog should be far enough away that they can notice the trigger but remain calm and able to eat treats.

Step 1: Pair the Clicker with Treats

your dog is new to clicker training, begin by teaching them that the click predicts a reward.

Click.

Give a treat.

Repeat 10–15 times.

Soon your dog will understand that the click means a reward is coming.

Step 2: Work at a Distance

Position yourself far enough away from the trigger that your dog can see it without barking, lunging, whining, or becoming overly excited.

Remember: Distance is your friend. It’s much easier for dogs to learn when they feel safe and comfortable.

Step 3: Click When Your Dog Notices the Trigger

The moment your dog looks at the trigger, click.

Don’t wait for them to stare. The instant they notice the distraction, mark the behavior.

At this stage, you’re teaching your dog that calmly observing the trigger makes good things happen.

Step 4: Reward Your Dog for Looking Back at You

After the click, your dog will usually turn toward you to get their treat.

When they do, reward generously.

Your dog is beginning to learn that checking in with you is more rewarding than focusing on the distraction.

Step 5: Practice Until Your Dog Automatically Looks Back

Step 6: Gradually Decrease Distance

Once your dog can calmly engage and disengage at their current distance, complete 4–5 successful repetitions.

Then move slightly closer and repeat the exercise.

Take small steps and progress at your dog’s pace.

Step 7: Increase Distance If Needed

If your dog begins barking, lunging, fixating, whining, or is unable to look back at you, you’re too close to the trigger.

Simply increase distance until your dog can think, learn, and respond again.

Training should feel successful, not overwhelming.

Common Mistakes

Moving Too Close Too Quickly

Many owners rush the process. Progress happens faster when dogs remain under threshold and successful.

Waiting too long to click

Click the moment your dog notices the trigger, not after they’ve been staring for several seconds.

Training When Your Dog Is Already Overwhelmed

If your dog is reacting, they’re no longer in a good learning state. Increase distance and try again.

Why This Works

The Engage / Disengage game changes your dog’s emotional response to triggers while teaching a practical behavior. Instead of reacting, your dog learns to calmly observe the environment and check in with you for guidance.

With patience and practice, many dogs become more confident, relaxed, and focused on walks.

Need help?

At Great Woods Pet Sitting, we use positive reinforcement training methods to help dogs build confidence and develop better manners around distractions. Whether you have a puppy, an adolescent dog, or an adult dog who struggles with focus on walks, we can help you create a training plan that works for your dog’s individual needs.