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Ahh, yes, Christine. We seem to be on the same page now. Now that we are, we can now discuss something without having to rehash where we have been so far.

It is good that you are developing an understanding of each system that you study. In that light, I would like to present to you an alternative to the "free shaping" session that these trainers use to foster engagement. Many working dog trainers use indicators to signal a dog when it is time to train or time to work. When given the indicator, the dog's drive will begin to build. The trainer then does some brief drive building, using known commands that are pertinent to the work, and the drive peaks. Drive brings focus and engagement. Some may then cap the dog, some may not, but once you've peaked the dog's drive, you move straightaway into obedience.

If you watch the ME marker videos and motivation videos, you will see that this is how he begins a session, and he uses drive building exercises at certain points during the session to maintain the engagement. He uses some shaping to charge the mark when he works with puppies, but as the dog learns the system, he does more motivation.

You explained it exactly to the point. That's the big secret. I've got in my mind now but not yet in my paws! Thanks Duane!