LOL!

Its good stuff, but its a lot of work.

Imagine how weird the world would be if we all walked around with our dogs gazing into our eyes all the time for no reason.

If my dog did that I would probably tell her to stop. It would freak me out!

LOL, I agree, it was a lot of work, but well worth it at the end

When I first started building engagement with my dog, I kept the sessions really short, part of it was because I wanted to keep her drive up, but the main reason was because I would run out of breath

In the Food DVD engagement is discussed strictly in the context of a training session. It is closely related to the concepts of reactive/active dog.

Most dogs start off as reactive - we have to lure them with food or toys and make them want to do things for us. As the training progresses the dog gradually becomes active - the dog makes us to do something (give a command so that the dog could earn a reward. When the dog is active it becomes engaged and actively participates the the training session.

Engagement works both ways - we cannot expect the dog to be fully engaged with us and ourselves not being completely focused on the dog. This explains why it is best (at least in the beginning) to carefully plan training sessions rather than try to do it during the walks.

The OP's long leash game as well as many other games that could be played during walks are not strictly training sessions when we are trying to teach the dog new behaviors but I think such games could be very useful if it's all fun and games.

The OB commands that we expect the dog to perform during the walks are trained separately, starting with an engaged dog in a zero distraction setting and proofed with increasing distractions to the point where these behaviors could be reasonably asked to be performed during walks.

Long but I find the subject fascinating AND we are actively working on engagement with Haydn these days

That kind of long leash game is fun, low pressure and useful.

I still do it with my dog. I love when she turns to look at me and comes back with her butt wiggling like a puppy.

Thanks to everyone!! I appreciate the advice! I am getting a better idea of what I am looking for. If I can figure out how to add a picture of him I will! Thanks again.

Jon