Blog | Engaged Dog Training

Author Profile

Amanda Cruz

I grew up in the Central Valley, on the west side of Tracy, CA. Growing up in the country, we had every domesticated animal imaginable, and some not so domesticated. The only notable exception was a cow. (It's on my bucket list to someday have a cow and name her Macushla.)

I remember being about 10 years old and begging my parents for Joel Silverman's VHS tapes for Hollywood Dog Training. Once they bought it I began training our German Shepherd, Cheyenne. It's fascinating to see how the right movements and behavior can unlock a whole new world in your relationship with your dog.

Although my sole focus is not dog training, I attend workshops and seminars with Mike, read books and listen to podcasts. We share a passion for helping people and a love for dogs. It's a perfect fit.

The Hidden Struggle of Working Breeds in Pet Homes

Part 10 - The Real Secret to Living Peacefully With a Working Dog Working breeds aren’t “too much.” They’re simply under-challenged. The secret isn’t more affection — it’s more purpose. Two working breed dogs resting together. At EDT, we help owners bridge the gap between instinct and everyday life through purposeful play, impulse control, and real-world structure. When a dog understands their job, they finally feel calm enough to rest. Love gives comfort. Purpose gives peace

engageddogtrainer

Oct 271 min read

The Hidden Struggle of Working Breeds in Pet Homes

Part 9 - Before You Bring Home That Working Breed… A Malinois puppy looks amazing online — until you realize they’re built for control work, not couch time. Before adding a working breed to your family, ask honest questions: Can I commit to daily structure and engagement? Do I have time for mental work, not just walks? Am I prepared to lead with calm confidence? If the answer is yes, you’ll gain a partner unlike any other. If not, that’s okay. Choosing the right dog for your

engageddogtrainer

Oct 261 min read

The Hidden Struggle of Working Breeds in Pet Homes

Part 8 - Why Structure Feels Like Freedom to Your Dog To people, “work” sounds stressful. To a working dog, it feels amazing. It’s what their brain was wired to crave. When we give them direction, rules, and purpose, we’re not being strict — we’re being kind. Structure tells your dog, “I’ve got you. You can relax.” Reframing how we see training changes everything. It’s not about control; it’s about communication. Once owners embrace that, frustration turns into fulfillment —

engageddogtrainer

Oct 251 min read

The Hidden Struggle of Working Breeds in Pet Homes

Part 7 - Impulse Control, Focus, and the Off-Switch If you want harmony with a working breed, teach three things: control, focus, and calm. Impulse control teaches them to think before acting — a must for dogs bred to react instantly. German shepherd standing on old tree stump in forest. Focus builds connection — the ability to tune out distractions and tune into you. The off-switch is the holy grail — helping a high-drive dog relax on command. These skills don’t just make li

engageddogtrainer

Oct 241 min read

The Hidden Struggle of Working Breeds in Pet Homes

Part 6 - Turning Play Into Purpose Play is powerful — but only when it has structure. Structured play gives a working dog a chance to use their instincts within rules that build focus and control. Games like tug or flirt pole become teaching tools: wait before you chase, release on cue, focus under pressure. These moments don’t just burn energy; they build discipline. For high-drive dogs, structured play isn’t optional — it’s essential. It gives them the mental satisfaction o

engageddogtrainer

Oct 231 min read

The Hidden Struggle of Working Breeds in Pet Homes

Part 5 - Why a Walk Won’t Fix Everything Many owners try to tire out their dogs with long walks or trips to the park — then wonder why their dog still has energy to burn. The reason? Movement alone doesn’t fulfill a working dog’s brain. four dogs watching training Working breeds need mental exercise as much as physical. Scent games, structured tug, obedience drills, or tracking sessions all tap into their problem-solving instincts. A tired dog isn’t necessarily a fulfilled d

engageddogtrainer

Oct 221 min read

The Hidden Struggle of Working Breeds in Pet Homes

Part 4 - Jobless Dogs Find Their Own Work — and It’s Usually Not the Kind You Want A working dog without a job will always invent one. Sometimes that means herding the kids, guarding the couch, or chasing shadows for hours. Other times it means tearing up the backyard out of sheer boredom. It’s easy to label these dogs “bad,” but that misses the point. They’re not misbehaving — they’re under-employed. Leadership doesn’t mean dominance; it means direction. When we give a dog a

engageddogtrainer

Oct 211 min read

The Hidden Struggle of Working Breeds in Pet Homes

Part 3 - Understanding What Drives Working Breeds Every breed was designed with purpose in mind. Border Collies herd. Malinois protect. Huskies pull. Cattle Dogs push and chase. Those instincts run deep — generations deep. That’s why a Border Collie circles kids, why a Cattle Dog nips at heels, and why a Malinois patrols the backyard fence. These aren’t “problems.” They’re genetics expressing themselves. Our job as owners is to respect those instincts and redirect them. Inste

engageddogtrainer

Oct 201 min read

The Hidden Struggle of Working Breeds in Pet Homes

Part 2 - Inside a Trainer’s Home: Life With Four Working Dogs For me, this isn’t theory — it’s daily life. I share my home with four working-breed dogs, each with their own intensity, instincts, and quirks. They’re not lapdogs or Netflix companions; they’re teammates who need structure, challenge, and meaningful engagement. It’s work — every single day. But it’s also deeply rewarding. When a dog with boundless energy learns to channel that drive into focus, confidence, and ca

engageddogtrainer

Oct 191 min read

The Hidden Struggle of Working Breeds in Pet Homes

Part 1 - The Hidden Struggle of Working Breeds three dogs eating in a row They’re beautiful, intelligent, loyal — and sometimes overwhelming. Breeds like the German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Border Collie capture hearts with their intensity and focus. But here’s the truth most owners don’t realize until they’re in over their heads: these dogs weren’t bred to be pets. They were bred to work. That drive to herd, guard, or protect doesn’t disappear in a suburban backyard.

engageddogtrainer

Oct 181 min read