This is the first DVD in the Building Drive and Focus Series with Michael Ellis. This video was updated February 2012.

The foundation of Michael's dog training system lies in marker training. The power of Michael's system lies in how markers are applied within his training program. Unlike trainers who claim they can train every dog with 100% positive motivational methods, we know for a fact that corrections should have a place in any serious dog training program. They are required to guarantee reliability under distractions.

The beauty of Michael's system is that it establishes a method of communication with our dogs that is built on positive reinforcement. It is a communication system that is "black and white" to our dogs. This work builds a non-confrontational relationship with a dog. Because it is non-confrontational and based on positive reinforcement it is perfect for 8 week old puppies or 5 year old dominant and aggressive dogs. It's the perfect system to build or repair a relationship with a dog.

Our DVDs use untrained dogs and untrained handlers The first two DVDs in this series (the second is The Power of Playing Tug with Your Dog) covers the foundation of Michael's training system.

Both of these DVDs were produced with untrained dogs. Unlike other training videos where the training shown is only demonstrated with a trained dog - we chose to only use untrained dogs and untrained handlers.

I edited the training to show Michael demonstrating his training concept and I then fill the DVD with with examples of both untrained dogs and handlers learning the system. There is no question in my mind that people learn more from watching others make mistakes and then learning how to fix those mistakes.

1. Review of Marker Training
   • What is a high value food reward?
   • What size should the food reward be and how this affects training?
   • How to hold and deliver the food reward.
   • Why using both hands to deliver a reward is a critical skill to learn.
   • Making drive with a food reward. How a food reward can be used like a toy to build drive.
   • The purpose of the leash in the foundation work of this system. During this foundation work leashes are not used to make or create behavior.
   • Charging the mark.
   • Training the lure. This is an important skill that most marker trainers misunderstand. There is a difference between charging the mark and training a dog to follow a lure. These are two different and very important parts of an effective marker training program.
   • Training sessions in which the goal is to reduce or eliminate environmental stressors. We explain how to separating work on training for environmental insecurities from training sessions that are designed to teach your dog behaviors and exercises. This is followed by an extensive chapter on "Engagement."


2. Engagement
   • Trainers often talk about how to establish focus with a dog. Michael calls this work "engagement." He makes the point that the quickest way to teach a dog exercises is to first train a dog to get and stay engaged with his handler in every environment.
     
     The goal of this chapter in our DVD is to show you how to take your dog out into new and distracting environments and have a dog that ignores the distractions and maintains an attitude of "WHAT KIND OF FUN THINGS ARE WE GOING TO DO HERE TODAY?” When you can establish a relationship like this you have a dog that is ready to learn behaviors and exercises.
     
     Stop for a minute and think about that statement.
     
     If your dog is distracted, if your dog doesn't want to be where he is, how are you going to train him to do anything? That answer is you only have two options: you either back up your training and engage the dog; or you revert to old school yank and crank training.
     
     During this chapter you will learn the difference between an "Active Dog" and a "Reactive Dog." You will learn why the goal in engagement training is to produce an ACTIVE DOG and how this will make training much easier.
     
     
     While this short video is of a young woman and her horse at the beach, it graphically demonstrates the power of training animals with food rewards. Notice her bait bag and her method of reinforcement as she works with her horse.
   • How to pick a place to train where your dog can concentrate. This is an important part of the learning process.
   • How the rate of reinforcement affects focus and concentration.
   • How movement and animation are your friend when training engagement.
   • How to make rewards an “EVENT” as compared to just handing your dog a piece of food.
   • The correct way to do restrained recalls with markers and how they help build engagement.
   • What "muscle memory heeling" is and how to train it with puppies or older dogs.
   • The length of a training session affects motivation levels. We will explain how a trainer knows when to stop engagement training and move on to training exercises and behaviors.
   • This chapter also teaches the correct way to put focus on cue… with the “Watch or Look” command.
   • And finally, during the engagement portion of Michael's training system the dog learns the concept of learning – by that we mean he is “learning to learn.” This is a critical part of the foundation of all dog training.


3. Shaping Behaviors and Training Exercises
   • The final chapter is on the beginning of shaping behaviors and training exercises. In this extensive chapter we cover the process of teaching touch pads, and positions; sit, down, and stand.
     
     Touch pads are used when we train the jumps, they are used when we train the send away, and they are used when we train the object guard. They can also be used to promote stability in positions and many other exercises.
     
     The work can begin on very young puppies – you can do it when you are training the dog to follow a lure.
     
     There are good reasons to teach positions correctly. We will explain long term benefits of the dog learning to sit, down and stand Michael's way. Michael will explain why training positions in the order he recommends will have positive effects throughout the training career of your dog whether you are training a pet or a high level competition dog.
     
     At the end of this DVD we explain the point where and why trainers should start to use toys as rewards in training.

If you are not 100% sure you should purchase this DVD, I recommend that you go to Leerburg's Video-on-Demand. You can watch Michael Ellis's Philosophy of Dog Training.

I believe that this is the best dog training DVD I have produced in the 27 years I have been doing dog training videos.

Unlike our more recent training DVDs where we sit down, create an outline and then go out and film the footage we needed for the video, this DVD was different.

Michael and I worked on an outline and the DVD was produced from video filmed at a number of the weekend training seminars over a 2 year period. Some of the video clips used were filmed inside training buildings where lighting was premium and the audio was slightly problematic.

Over the 6 month editing process I made the decision to use video clips that best explained the concept of the training. I always tried to error on the side of content over the actual quality of the video clip. I only say this because I chose to use a several short video clips that were filmed by other people with home video cameras. These short clips are a very small part of the 3 hours and 45 minute DVD. If I wanted to produce a 1 hour DVD this would never have been an issue.

We did the very best we can do with computer enhancement to correct any problems. Bottom line is these few clips are not theater quality but I felt the information in them is important for new trainers to see.

I learned a long time ago that it's best to be up front and honest with people. If you think this is going to bother you, you may not want to buy this video.

October 23, 2010

Hello Cindy and Ed,

I just wanted to thank you so much for all the wonderful training DVDs and products you offer. I have recently purchased all the DVDs that you made with Michael Ellis. They are so wonderful and easy to follow. I have grown up with German Shepherds, and have always enjoyed working with them, but I have learned so much from these DVDs. I just taught my 11 month old female Ava to "hold" things and we are working on the dumbbell retrieve. It is so much fun! I have attatched a picture of her happily holding her basket.

Thanks again,
Daina

April 9, 2010

Hi, Cindy.

Some time ago, I wrote to you asking for advice with my Samoyed who was not focusing in the heelwork. You advised me to by the set of 3 DVDs on (#4013).

Markers, food and tugs I did this and I am reaping the benefits hand over fist. My friend's Bernese is really coming on beautifully as well. Levi, the Samoyed, qualified Class A at Championship show level today. (Off lead heel with one command after every halt. Recall to heel on the move. Retrieve dumbbell. 1 min sit stay, handler in sight. 5 min down stay, handler out of sight. Scent using handler's cloth). LeveI won with 97 percent, being the only dog to qualify with more than 90 percent. Thank you so much for your great advice.

We have just received the Michael Ellis Focused Heeling DVD. Yet another great production! Congratulations again on. Your achievement in the National show with Rush. Excellent!

Kind regards,
SAM

April 2, 2010

Hi,

I've been a trainer for 25 years. I have had German Shepherds literally all my life. I've competed in just about every dog sport there is, and have trained and shown dogs to championships in tracking, herding, obedience, plus more. I became so disgusted at what the "sport" of schutzhund became long ago. I quit cold turkey, and never looked back. Back when I was getting dirty looks for using my clicker & cookies, I would try to explain some of the science of learning to the group of good old boys I would train with, to no avail. I couldn't bare seeing fine dogs being tortured by unfair training methods used by incompetent, ignorant handlers with very poor skills that were unwilling to learn anything new. "That's the way we have always done it," was a commonly heard comment.

Over the years, I've taught hundreds of students, "better" ways to train enthusiastic, accurate, focused, reliable dogs, in AKC obedience. I've written for dog magazines like front and finish and the AKC gazette, given seminars, and made a living teaching private lessons. I don't keep up with any of the protection type dog sports anymore at all. I have never heard of Michael Ellis, so I don't know what made me order these DVDs from you, but I did, and boy am I glad I did! I have to say. Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU! for producing these DVDs! I hope you sell a million of them! :) On these DVDs, not only is Michael using sound scientific principles of learning, he is delivering the information in a very clear, comprehensive, organized, thoughtful manner. It is obvious he has a deep understanding and a ton of experience in what he is teaching. Which is the hallmark of a great teacher, but very rare indeed! In working with the handlers, he is not missing a thing. What a valuable source of information!

I do also love how you edit the DVDs to point out reviews, comments or step by step points with text on the screen. These DVDs are a true asset to ANYONE who trains dogs, no matter what sport it is! I will be recommending them to all my students. Bravo!

PS-The video of Cindy and Rush actually brought a tear to my eye, knowing that there really is good protection type training going on out there, might just motivate me to dig out some of my old bite work equipment. :) I'm not that far from Wisconsin ;)

Thanks again!
Lori

January 4, 2010

Hello Cindy and Ed.

I treated myself for Christmas by getting your 2 new videos with Michael Ellis. So far I have just watched the first one (Training with food). I want to thank you for creating these videos. The content is superb. It is refreshing to know that there are still people passionate and proud enough to turn their work into an art form.

Laurent

November 12, 2009

LOVE the Michael Ellis video you put out on training with food. I taught both my dogs (a husky and GSD mix) the stand using that exact guidance. The husky still needs a bit of the hand cue (but no lure) and the GSD mix has it on command. He swings his butt around halfway toward a heel position, a bit when we do it a lot, but the first few times is a perfect kick back stand. I wish I had the finances to take one Michael Ellis week long seminars. But this will have to do for now. I live in NorCal so its not unrealistic for me to go to one! Can't wait to get this [The Power of Playing Tug with Your Dog] video for my alligator... I've been training his down in drive using the tug and it is just amazing. sometimes (very rarely) he slips his grip and id like to know some good game rules to use. When he slips his grip, I really tease him a lot and make him work for a moving prey item, then I make him down and when I release him, I give him the tug instantly to bite rather than tease him some more. trying to encourage him to never slip his grip. But I'm not sure if this is the best way to go about it. The point of the exercise is two fold anyway. Working his down while in prey drive as well as teaching him not to slip his grip by making the prey item hard to get. I'm excited to get this video and try new things with him!

Julie

September 12, 2009

Hi Cindy,

AWESOME DVD. My GSD/Formosan mix is anxious (as I’ve written before) and absolutely HATES compulsion training and has resisted it from day one when I rescued him. (though now he understands corrections for behaviors he knows 100%).

Today in my training school we worked on “stand” and the trainers used, I wouldn’t say true compulsion, but basically sliding your hand along the side of the body into the crock of the back leg to get the dog to stand and then verbal praise while repeating the cue. (to me that’s even compulsion/force even if its gentle.) Most of the dogs there didn’t mind it. But my GSD/Formosan dog HATES that kind of training. probably from some bad past experiences. Who knows. (the husky is ok with it tho.) Anyway, from your website and marker videos before, I’ve trained ALL his NEW behaviors with marker training. and tho they aren’t “competitive” in appearance, they are solid and good. (and use compulsion only if he blows me off.) Today after trying to make him stand using my hand on his side in class, which just drove him insane, raised his drive, he talked back, jumped around, etc…I decided THAT wasn’t going to work. So I came home to watch the rest of the Michael Ellis DVD. I hadn’t gotten to the positions section yet. Well, when I got half way through that section, I couldn’t help it, I had to get out and try the stand. Within 20 minutes I lured him into a “kick back” stand from a sit and at the end he was starting to offer it on his own. Even my husky (You know how people say huskies can’t hold focus), was doing a pretty decent kick back stand… tho it wasn’t perfect in anyway, I was tickled she was doing it.

I’m pretty sure by end of the week, both dogs will be on cue for stand. I had previously had my GSD/Formosan do “stand” before, but it was kind of all over the place and not that great. But now using the lure, and pressure of my body moving into his nose/chest area, just as Michael outlines, it was PERFECT. My anxious dog, LOVES using his head rather than being forced by hand, even a gentle hand.

I think I told you in another email I trained his “bow” using marker training. today I showed the class his bow and everyone was like “how’d you do that?” (everyone in class knows my dog as a highly anxious/talker and so they were impressed). I laughed, because I know my dog knows “YES” is his marker word… What I had done was I had trained it not through luring, but just catching it when he woke up and stretched…gave him his marker word, then his tug and a piece of food (that’s sort of his jackpot) so he knew right away that behavior (bowing/stretching) brought his favorite toy and food… and he offered it over and over that morning so I put it on cue.

I wish more people would teach this way, especially for sensitive/anxious dogs who don’t like being forced into a position, even gently forced.

I won’t ever have a competitive dog but darn, compared to the typical household pet, he looks like a star thanks to your DVDs and marker training (and also my school too… I can’t discount the good trainers there who’ve helped me with his naughty behavior.)

Thanks so much! Marker training has really helped a dog who is anxious and doesn’t like being forced via a hand into a position.

Julie

September 10, 2009

Cindy, Ed and Michael,

Training Dogs with Markers and The Power of Training Dogs with Food are great tools. The first time I wrote to Cindy my 3 year old was 10 months old and had just gotten kicked out of obedience training because of a sudden onset of dog aggression and then people aggression. Of course when this happened I was at a loss of what to do as were the trainers, I guess, since I was never allowed to come back to train with her. Our vet put her on clomicalm since she lost twelve pounds. One person offered me the name of a dog trainer with the caveat that she had just heard the name but did not know him or his method. I called him, drove 70 miles signed a contract, wrote a check and proceeded to spend three months with him trying to make her sit but nearly strangling her with a choke chain. I then took Cindy's advice and ordered some DVDs. Correcting aggression was difficult since we had no other contact with dogs (and I was scared to death of meeting people!!) but we started roaming around town looking for situations and still do. Anyway Macha's self esteem had really taken a hit during those times and she didn't enjoy training, she had no appetite and lost weight and saddest of all had lost trust in me. My self esteem took a hit too and I suffered from a lot of guilt because I ruined this beautiful, smart, loving dog. Since we have started the marker training (which we had used before) but now with rewards versus compulsion and all the knowledge that you all have passed on in the DVDs there has been an immediate change in this dog. She eats breakfast during the morning training and at the evening feeding she is actually wolfing down her food. She walks proud on our walks and actually wants to train and her excitement level is high during training. She even initiated a friendly contact with a man we see and stop to speak to every day. Both he and I were stunned and pleased and now Macha looks for him every day. Four little dogs attacked their fence as we walked by yesterday and were very aggressive towards Macha. Well we stayed there for fifteen minutes and talked to their owner, a very nice eighty year old, helped her put her trash out and Macha lay at my feet and did not show one bit of aggression to these little barking machines! This dog will never compete or show but I will order the series of DVDs because I believe a dog needs purpose in life, just like us. Thank you for the last three years and keep up the good work.

Beverly

February 23, 2009

The Power of Training Dogs with Markers is the best dog training DVD! Very clear, detailed and to the point. It answered all of the questions we had left after going through a local clicker training classes with our dogs.

Thank you,
Anastasia

August 19, 2009

Hi Michael,

I got the Leerburg DVD of you and finally had a couple of days to watch it - it's *superb*! Can't wait for the next one once I work on some things from this one! :-) This DVD helped to fill in some holes in my understanding of the basics of your method, and frankly, I'm just dying to start a puppy now. Being dog-less is becoming unbearable. I even have a somewhat clever C name ready in case a pup from your next litter works out for us. :-)

Anyhow, your DVD was inspiring to me all over again, I'm glad I can watch segments of it again, and I'm ready to get into some serious, thoughtful training. I'll work as much as I can on engagement in particular with the little black GSD I get to work sometimes, that I brought to Boston seminars. I've advised a couple of my students to buy the DVD, too.

Thank you very much for doing these videos!

Janice

August 17, 2009

Dear Michael:

I do not have shepherds, just my three terriers- however, I purchased the DVD you just did with Ed. I loved it! and better than me loving it, my dogs have sprung to life! They love the new teaching I incorporated in their daily training sessions. We are having a ball and they are loving to learn. Now they follow me around the house waiting for me to do something, even after training sessions, walks and time on the treadmill.

Thank you for taking the time to make this video with Ed. I understand you are making another one with him, I am looking forward to it.

Sharon

August 17, 2009

Good Morning,

I had to write to let you know how very pleased I am that you included the training video clip with Cindy and Rush in the last newsletter. I have a a 5 month working dobe pup, (schutzhund) that I am working with as well as my 3 year old dobe bitch. I was struggling with positions and keeping the front end in place when going from sit to stand to down or whatever. I did attend the Ellis seminar when he was in Albany, NY last month. It was wonderful. But I didn't see him talk about using a touch pad for the 'positions' (sit, stand and down) at that time. WHAT A PERFECT WAY TO GET CONSISTENTLY CORRECT POSITIONS!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I started to use the pad for 'touch' and eventually for the send away, as he teaches. I did order the new Ellis video, thank you for making it. HE is the best trainer I have worked with to date, I am a marker trainer anyway, and have been for quite a few years, Well 4 at least, because I was introduced to it with my first 'bred for working' dobe bitch who is now just over 3 years old. I can not wait until the Leerburg Ellis video comes, and have been searching your site in the meantime, to keep me 'on track' and to keep me from going crazy while waiting. LOL.

You have saved my relationship with my older dog, and have made my understanding of dogs and dog behavior grow tremendously. I almost gave up my 3 year old when she was just 5 months old, because I didn't understand her or what my part was in her life, and how to fulfill her potential. Your site saved us. Literally, I kept her only after finding your site and realizing you had answers that made sense and worked for us. (I actually sent her home back to the breeder at that age, but took her back after about a month of reading and finding your site). Thank you for making ours a wonderful relationship! If not for you and your staff and site, I would not have her with me now.

Thank You
-Susan

August 11, 2009

Love your products.

Just viewed the video The Power of Training Dogs with Food. A testimonial, I loved it! Looking forward to the second video you and Michael are doing. I learned so much. My dogs are not being trained in Schutzhund or AKC obedience, since they are rescued terrier mixes, however I learned a lot in just the first hour of this video. I learned I need to go back and retrain my dogs, getting them to engage with me before I begin any training. So, I am beginning again, with a new sense of hope and confidence. I knew something was missing in my training, but being new to training I did not know what. Thank you Ed and Cindy for making this video, and thank you Michael for taking so much time to explain and re-explain your concepts. I look forward to putting what I learned into action. Thank you

Sharon

August 5, 2009

Hello Mr. Frawley,

I was so excited to get your new DVD (The Power of Training Dogs with Food) in yesterday. I have read several books that Cindy has recommended to me for Crossover training and this DVD filled in all the gaps. I am a visual learner and the detail with which Michael explains and shows things makes it so much easier for me to actually take the information and use it correctly.

Everything that Michael explains makes perfect sense. I love the structure and the play involved in everything he teaches. I feel that my dogs will greatly appreciate this new way of training! Tell Michael thank you for sharing his knowledge! Thank you Ed for putting it all together in such a great DVD!

I really appreciate all the work your team has done to make this information so accessible to people. Every litter I ever breed in the future is going to their new home with several of your DVDs and eBooks.

Have a wonderful day!

Andrea

August 3, 2009

Hi Ed,

I just received and watched the DVD with Michael Ellis “The Power of Training dogs with food.”

Wow, what an eye opener. I have been training dogs for over 20 years and I thought I knew a lot about training dogs with food. What you and Michael Ellis have done in this video is just incredible. For me, it really put together the pieces of training that have been missing in how dogs view the relationship with the handler. I had heard about Michael Ellis but have never had the opportunity to go to one of his seminars. While I know seminars are a great learning tool. The video allows the trainer to really sit back and absorb the information much better then sitting in a Seminar and trying to remember everything that was taught days or even weeks later. I know that even experienced dog trainers and competitors like my self can benefit from Michael’s approach. It got me so excited that I couldn’t wait to get out and put the training strategies to work with my dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed how the DVD was put together. You made it very easy to understand each step in the process, and how to know when the dog was ready to move to the next step. I can’t wait to watch the rest of the series with Michael Ellis. Keep up the great work.

Jim

August 3, 2009

Thank you, I have many other DVDs from you and other editors. The Food Drive DVD I just received from you is unsurpassed in practicality and can be applied to any breed.....keep up the great work!

Sincerely,
Alex

July 30, 2009

Great job on the “Power of Training Dogs with Food DVD!” This will be a very valuable training guide.

Thanks for all of your hard work on the video.

Take Care,
Cathi