The Engage-Disengage Game

Jemma Milne
16 minutes ago
2 min read

If you’ve ever felt your dog lock onto a distraction and completely tune you out, you’re not alone. Whether it’s other dogs, people, wildlife, traffic, or simply the world being exciting, many dogs struggle to stay composed in the presence of triggers.The Engage–Disengage game (also known as Distraction → Mark → Treat) is one of the most effective and gentle ways to teach your dog to remain calm and make good choices.

This simple training technique helps your dog learn how to notice things in the environment without reacting. Over time, it builds confidence, improves focus, and reduces frustration or over-arousal.

What Is the Engage–Disengage Game?

The basic idea is straightforward:

Your dog sees a distraction (this is “engage”).
They naturally pause, glance back at you, or shift their focus (“disengage”).
You immediately mark that behaviour (“yes!” or click).
You follow with a treat.

You’re not teaching your dog to ignore the world. You’re teaching them how to look, think, and choose calmness instead of reacting automatically.

Why It Works

Many unwanted behaviours come from big emotions: frustration, excitement, worry, or simply not knowing what else to do.Engage–Disengage works because it:

Rewards thoughtful behaviour instead of impulsive reactions
Teaches dogs a calmer, more controlled way to respond
Builds positive emotional associations with triggers
Increases your dog’s ability to self-regulate
Reinforces looking back to you for guidance

You’re shaping a dog who can observe the world and stay confident rather than overwhelmed.

How to Play the Engage–Disengage Game

1. Start at a Comfortable Distance

Your dog should be able to notice the distraction without barking, lunging, or becoming overly stressed.If your dog reacts, you’re too close—move back until they can think clearly.

2. Let Your Dog Look

Don’t lure, cue, or pull their attention away. Allow them to watch the distraction calmly.

3. Mark the Moment They Look Away—or Even Pause

You’re looking for tiny signs of self-control, such as:

A quick glance back at you
A head turn
A shift in body weight
A blink
A small exhale

Mark with a clear “yes!” or click.

4. Reward Immediately

Deliver a treat right after the marker. This lets your dog know that staying calm earns something positive.

5. Repeat and Build the Habit

The more repetitions you do, the more automatic this calm response becomes. Over time, your dog learns: “Noticing something interesting means I should check in with my human.”