Through the "Food Chase with Michael Ellis" self-study course at Leerburg Online University, I learned how to build engagement and drive in dogs using structured food-based games. The course emphasized clear movement, consistent cues, and proper mechanics to enhance communication.
I practiced moving without the dog to develop straight, purposeful motion, as dogs tend to drift if movement is unclear. Footwork and hand positioning were key, and starting the game at the dog’s shoulder height helped improve timing and targeting.
As the dog progressed, I learned to introduce variability—such as missed catches—and transition to toys for safety and stronger engagement. The course also stressed working in low-distraction environments and using tools like leashes and specific setups to shape behavior effectively.
Overall, the training taught me how to make engagement rewarding, clear, and controlled, setting a strong foundation for further obedience and play-based learning.
- Farrah Leakvold on 06/03/2025
Michael is one of the OG's of dog training. His courses are filled with fantastic information. He does a great job of breaking down the movements, food/toy presentation, building drive , etc. I've implemented a lot from the food game course with my board & train dogs as well as my own and using more movement and proper presentation have really improved the training sessions.
The micro course set up seems like it'll be a hit. I like being able to choose smaller segments of information I can go through fairly quickly and start using quickly.
- RICH CASSENS on 06/03/2025
Great course. Michael Ellis was born to be a teacher. There wasn't a ton of new content for me but I appreciated all the demonstration. The biggest thing I probably took away was in regards to the ball on a string, makes a lot of sense to hold off on that until the dog is better at targeting on a tug.
- Rachel Weaver on 06/03/2025
Found out about this course thru a Facebook ad! Since it was free I figured why not. OMG, I never realized I was playing wrong with my Malinois. She was doing everything right, but I wasn't. That is how I injured my knee! Watching what the handler is supposed to do really was an eye opener. Since I watched and practiced this course, it has really helped me not hurt my back or knee. Thank you for offering this course. My dog loves the ball on the string, and I use it for agility rewards, I use treats for rally obedience. We are currently in Open class, and she loves her dumbell, so I might end up taking another class here, for learning how to give up the possessiveness of it. As handlers we forget sometimes about ourselves so we don't get injured.
- Susan Pomichter on 06/03/2025
I learned to lure in a straight line and how to hold my hand to not get bit by an enthusiastic treat motivated dog.
- Kathryn Kleckner on 06/03/2025
Food Chase Games with Michael Ellis - Self Study
I found this course to be very informative in short, easy to follow sections. Perhaps the most useful to me personally is Module 2 - Pre-Dog Principles and Module 3 Food Chase Games. The explanations of following a line, moving smoothly, and proper food presentation are very important details that have not been thoroughly explained in any other materials or trainers I have learned from. I also found Module 5 - Transferring to Toys especially useful for moving forward in training.
My ideal improvement would be written transcriptions or module descriptions to aid in studying the material. I find this to be a particular advantage of online classes over DVDs, so that the learner can read the class material as well as watching the video.
- Amanda Mills on 06/03/2025
I learned the steps you should take. I had never turned my foot and that really helped me. Also, when and how to throw the treat. Speaking of that, and not to throw on grass and only throw on flat surfaces. How to graduate to a toy and how to reward with the toy. That really helped me with the ball reward. I also learned why I keep dropping the treat and how to correct it.
- Kathy Young on 06/03/2025
I enjoyed the straightforward clarity at which Micheal delivers his instructions. Such as when he told you to always move the food in straight paths and then pulled out the chairs and strings to show you how to practice . I learned to how to keep the dogs attention if he starts to sniff and get distracted. As far as improvement of the course I think it’s pretty well how it is without going for a live in person workshop . Thank you for your guidance .
- Chris Benefield on 06/03/2025
Practicing the fundamentals without a dog is first and foremost. Getting the fundamentals down on your food reload is also very important with timing practicing fundamentals with targeting a straight line while luring/chasing with the dog. As a dog gets more advanced, you can start presenting the target higher while I also add adding misses. Although you don’t wanna apply too many misses to the Chase because it can cause the dog to give up. When you add a mess during the chase, it builds frustration leading to motivation. Which builds the drive in the Dog. There are different food variations. You can use while chasing and playing with your dog. For an example, you can throw the food out run back through at the opposite direction then repeat the process. Food chase can reward behavior as a dynamic reward. You can also add in distractions when engaging with your dog by using a person as a distraction to walk behind the handler engaging with the dog. You can take this step further and have the person as a distraction grab a leash and hold the dog back as you run backwards, then the distraction releases the lease, allowing the puppy to chase and then be rewarded for engaging. Don’t allow your equipment to be an indicator that the session is over. End sessions with a leash on/off. It’s important to create a reward system that’s more valuable than the environment.
- Mercedes Trimble on 06/03/2025
I learned a better way to describe food motivation to my clients as well as a better understanding on how to properly lure a dog without overcorrecting. I liked the use of a visual straight line to help practice footwork and reloading rewards. I do feel like I missed a ton by not doing the whole seminar so I will definitely be adding that to my list of to do so that I can feel like I have a complete understanding of this course material.
- Kasie Matson on 06/03/2025