Episode 269: Being in the moment

Undoubtedly, the very essence of dog training is encapsulated in a single, albeit often elusive, concept: the moment. Interestingly, this pivotal lesson came into sharp focus for many of us while sharing space with the incomparable Michael Ellis. A master in his field, Michael exemplifies the art of being fully “in the moment.”

When you find yourself fortunate enough to be immersed in his dynamic presence, you can’t help but feel the magnetic allure of present awareness. Importantly, this is not merely a tactical approach, but rather, it evolves into a deeply-lived philosophy.

Further emphasising this, being fully present transcends being just a training technique; it emerges as a transformative dogma that enriches the lives of dogs, trainers, and clients alike.

During training sessions with Michael, you quickly observes a crucial distinction: he’s not simply instructing the human or the dog. Instead, he is communicating, connecting, and deeply understanding on an impressively intuitive level.

This potent engagement with the present moment empowers him to discern even the most subtle cues in a dog’s behaviour.

Having the week with Michael and our good friend Alex Edwards has been an incredible moment which way beyond us has been grateful for.

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