Hey, it's Oscar.
Welcome to the first issue of the ECA Insights.
6 years ago, I made a 5-video series on dog training fundamentals. It got over a million views combined, and I still get DM’d about it today.
But here's the thing: I've learned A LOT since then.
So over the next 5 weeks, I'm breaking down each of those fundamentals - with what I got right, what I'd change, and what I know NOW that I didn't know then.
Real training insights from 6 years of hands-on work with hundreds of dogs.
Here's what I’m diving into in this issue:
The one word that changes everything
Why engagement comes BEFORE behaviors
What I'd do differently now (6 years later)
Your 5-minute action step for this week
The YES Marker: Your Dog's Paycheck
Before you teach your dog to sit, down, come, or anything else - you teach him one thing:
When I say YES, you're getting paid.
That's it. That's the foundation.
The YES marker means a reward is coming. Food. Tug. Whatever your dog wants.
Here's how you charge it:
Step 1: Grab your dog, put him on leash (just so he doesn't wander off)
Step 2: Stand still and wait for him to look at you
Step 3: As soon as he makes eye contact, say "YES" and immediately give him 2-3 pieces of food
Step 4: Repeat. Yes → reward. Yes → reward.
That's the whole game.
You're not asking him to do anything yet. You're just building the association: YES = payday.
Once your dog understands that, training becomes 10x easier. Because now he's checking in with you. He's waiting to hear that YES. He's invested.
Why This Works:
When I worked with Hustle - a German Shepherd puppy I just got in from Costa Rica - he had zero training. We literally just got him in a couple days before filming.
But watch what happens: I start marking YES every time he looks at me. I give him 2-3 treats each time. Sometimes I jackpot him with 5-6 pieces.
Within one session, this puppy is glued to me. He's not sniffing. He's not wandering. He's locked in.
That's the power of building engagement first.
Common Mistakes I See:
Asking for behaviors too early. People want to teach sit, down, heel before the dog even cares about them. Build engagement first.
Only using one piece of food. Give 2-3 pieces (or even 5-6 sometimes). It creates way more value. Your dog starts thinking, "Oh, THIS is worth it."
Not working with what the dog actually likes. Some dogs aren't food motivated. That's fine. Use a tug. Use play. Find what YOUR dog wants.
What I'd Do Differently Now (6 Years Later):
Back when I made this video, I was heavy on food. And don't get me wrong, food works. But now I balance food and play from day 1.
Some dogs need the game more than the treat. I learned that the hard way with a few dogs who'd take the food but didn't really care. The second I brought out a tug and made them chase it? Totally different dog.
Also, I used to rush this step. I'd do one session and move on. Now? I give some dogs 2-3 full sessions just building focus. No commands. No pressure. Just: look at me, get paid.
It's boring work. But it sets everything else up.
The reason why I put the dog on leash isn't to correct them - it's just so if they're interested in a lot of other things, I can stop them. I'm not gonna correct them. I'm gonna stop them and wait for them to refocus.
Your Action Step This Week:
Pick a 5-minute window today. Grab your dog, grab some food (or a toy), and just practice the YES marker.
Don't ask for anything. Just wait for your dog to look at you, say YES, and pay him.
Do that 10-15 times. End the session.
That's it. You just laid the foundation for everything that comes next.
Let's go.
- Oscar
Elevated Canine Academy
P.S. Next week, I'm breaking down the 3 markers I use for recall training. If your dog doesn't come when called, this one's for you.
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
I'm dropping a full training course on Foundation to Function soon.
3+ hours of exactly how I use these markers to build sport dogs.
This isn't a highlight reel. This is the real process - mistakes, adjustments, corrections, and all.
What's Inside:
I break down play mechanics,
engagement building, and
marker loading step-by-step.
Engagement building (the main ingredient)
Official Launch: December 15th, 2025
Reply “FUNCTION” if interested and I’ll send over the details.
Ways I can help:
1) Elevated Canine Academy — Professional training in LA, San Diego, and Dallas. From pet obedience to competition prep. Book a consultation »Elevated Canine Academy
2) Oscar Mora Obedience Course — My first instructional course drops December 2025. Full foundation to competition-level work. Join the waitlist »
3) Undrdog Brand — Training equipment built by trainers, for trainers. Vests, tugs, and more at Undrdog Brand»
Until next week,
- Oscar Mora
How did you like this week's newsletter? ⚔️ Real talk 💪🏽 Needed this 🚀 More like this