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Amanda Cruz

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Growing up, in rural Tracy, CA, I had just about every domesticated (and some not) animal that you can image, with the lone exception of a cow.  (It's on my bucket list to have a cow and name them Macushla).  We always had at least a few dogs and my favorite shows on TV featured dogs.  When I saw that Joel Silverman came out with a VHS series for how to train dogs I begged my parents for it so I could start training our German Shepherd, Cheyenne.  Fast forward to meeting Mike at 17 and the journey we began together through the ups and downs of 25 years and the health challenges he has faced.  Our life has become about helping dogs and helping learn to live together in the best way possible.

Although my full-time focus is not dog training, I attend the workshops and seminars, read the books, listen to the podcasts and assist Mike in training the dogs.  It's a shared passion to help people with not only dog obedience, but really educating them on the behavior of their dog and how to live in harmony with their dog.  

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The Hidden Struggle of Working Breeds in Pet Homes

  • engageddogtrainer
  • 4 days ago
  • 1 min read

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 of a job well done, right in your backyard.


At EDT, we call this “purposeful play.” It’s fun, fair, and transformative.

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