Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   If you've ever thought a stuffed Kong was enough to keep your dog enriched, you might be in for a surprise. Enrichment is about more than keeping our dogs busy. It's about creating experiences that meet their emotional, mental, social, physical, and instinctive needs in ways that truly matter to them. In this episode, you'll discover how everyday activities can turn into meaningful experiences that build your dog's confidence and connection with you while giving them a happier, more enriched life.    In this episode, you'll hear:   • What enrichment really means and why it's essential for every dog. • How true enrichment goes beyond keeping dogs busy. • The difference between meaningful enrichment and passive distraction. • Why variety, choice, and balance matter for your dog's wellbeing. • Common misconceptions about enrichment, including TV, laser pointers, and dog parks. • How to recognize when enrichment becomes monotonous or overwhelming. • The eight stages of the canine predatory sequence and how each relates to enrichment. • Examples of enrichment activities for every stage, from orienting and locating to chasing and consuming. • Safety tips for enrichment toys, puzzles, and play. • How to meet your dog's instinctive needs through simple, creative ideas at home. • A simple homework exercise to help you create your dog's personal enrichment list.   Resources:   1. *West Paw Zogoflex Toppl Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Puzzle - https://geni.us/toppl 2. *KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy - https://geni.us/kong-toy 3. YouTube Playlist: Stop Barking Dogs! Why Dogs Bark And Anti-Bark Action Plan With Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0bpnsTRDCxIC7NrkOuWYsU&si=jN8_e1S-t18bR_Nw 4. Podcast Episode 215: What Your Destructive, Lunging, Nipping Or Hyper Dog Or Puppy Is Trying To Teach You - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/215/ 5. Podcast Episode 85: Understanding Your Dog's Sit: LWT - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/85/ 6. Podcast Episode 232: Canine Predatory Motor Sequence: Understand Your Dog's Prey Drive To Enrich Your Life Together - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/232/ 7. Podcast Episode 71: Pro Dog Trainer's Secret to Help Your Naughty Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/71/ 8. Nina Ottosson Food Puzzles - https://www.nina-ottosson.com/products/all-products/ 9. Podcast Episode 272: 10 Engaging Chase Games To Increase Your Picky Eater Dog's Food Drive - https://dogsthat.com/transcript/episode-272/ 10. Podcast Episode 264: Shaping Tips For Timid, Shy, Softer Or Fearful Dogs To Create Enthusiastic Learners - https://dogsthat.com/transcript/episode-264/ 11. Podcast Episode 89: Why Dogs Should Not Tug: The Truth Revealed - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/89/ 12. YouTube Video: DIY Puppy Bombs: Easy & Affordable Enrichment Toy for Puppies - https://youtu.be/UBveJe2C2dA 13. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/fJUvfrU_zP4   *Amazon Links Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Susan only recommends products she uses herself, and all opinions expressed here are her own. The link above is an affiliate link that, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you decide to buy from it. Thank you!

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   When training your dog stops being fun, it's often a sign that something in the process needs a reset. In this episode, I share how to recognize when you're looping instead of learning and how to shift your mindset to get back on track. With a few simple changes, you can bring clarity, confidence, and joy back into your training sessions for both you and your dog   In this episode, you'll hear:   • What to do when dog training no longer feels fun or rewarding. • How to redefine what "fun" really means for you and your dog. • The powerful question to ask yourself: Am I learning or looping? • What learning looks like and how to adjust your training for success. • What looping looks like and the four steps to move from looping to learning. • Why resetting yourself matters just as much as resetting your dog. • How mentors and guidance can help you find clarity when you're stuck. • Advice for coaches and instructors supporting students through challenges. • A special opportunity to keep learning with Home School The Dog and/or Recallers. • Why target training is a brilliant way to grow your dog's understanding. • How shifting your mindset brings the fun and connection back to training.   Join Home School the Dog: Write to us at wag@dogsthat.com with the subject line "Learning or Looping" for a very special opportunity to join us in Home School the Dog.   Resources:   1. YouTube Playlist: Puppy Training with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2SggplHx3uEWAjXOL9hI21&si=QsXvt3IokvU9VTfa 2. YouTube Playlist: Helping Your Rescue Dog After Adoption: Success Strategies For Rehomed Dogs With Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1uFZJTuWdJCjQYmjjOguax&si=4OpGY8_cLkRX9PbO 3. YouTube Playlist Reactive or Aggressive Dogs: Key Insights with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0Tbd6ZybIXgJk3mtpBLLk7&si=CW8n1yX4bRhhUWHJ 4. Podcast Episode 110: Is Your Over-Aroused Dog Just Over-Faced In Training? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/110/ 5. Podcast Episode 89: Why Dogs Should Not Tug: The Truth Revealed - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/89/ 6. Podcast Episode 133: Become Your Own Dog Training Coach With This Video Strategy - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/133/ 7. Podcast Episode 205: The Hidden World Of Reinforcement For Dogs And Why You Need To Know - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/205/ 8. Podcast Episode 24: Distraction Intensity Index: Help For Dogs Who Chase Chipmunks, Bicycles, And Neighbor's Cats  - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/24/ 9. Podcast Episode 21: The 5 Critical Dog Training Layers for Confidence with Anything - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/21/ 10. Podcast Episode 307: Not Seeing Results In Dog Training? Why Layers Of Learning Lead To Real World Success - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/307/ 11. Podcast Episode 301: When Dog Training Doesn't Go As Planned: How To Make Adjustments To Find Success - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/301/ 12.YouTube Playlist Target Training for Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3 13. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/HjOeqUByTqw

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   If your puppy's potty training isn't going as planned and you're finding puddles where you least expect them, it might be time for a reset. In this episode, I share the 10 most common reasons why puppies have accidents in the house and what you can do to help. You'll discover how to recognize your puppy's "tells," adjust routines, supervision, and expectations and bring clarity and confidence back to potty training for both you and your puppy.   In this episode, you'll hear:   • Why a "potty trained" puppy might still have accidents in the house. • How the H.O.T. Method helps set every puppy up for success. • How accidents could signal a possible health issue and how to rule them out. • Why some puppies avoid going outside in certain weather or on specific surfaces. • How setting realistic expectations helps both you and your puppy. • The connection between supervision, freedom, and potty training progress. • The difference between managing behavior and actually training it. • How to recognize your puppy's "tells" and teach them to communicate. • Examples of some of my own dog's "tells."  • Simple routines that make potty training consistent and reliable. • Why proper clean-up prevents repeat accidents. • How emotions or scolding can create confusion. • What might be reinforcing your puppy's indoor accidents. • How to use a positive interrupter to redirect accidents before they happen. • Why celebrating small wins builds lasting success. • How to see every accident as feedback and keep progress moving forward.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 48: Potty Train Your Puppy in a Week (Easy 3 Step Process) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/48/ 2. Podcast Episode 250: Expectations Vs Reality: Navigating The Path To Dog Training Success - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/250/ 3. Podcast Episode 71: Pro Dog Trainer's Secret to Help Your Naughty Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/71/ 4. Podcast Episode 166: Puppy Freedom: How Much Is Too Much? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/166/ 5. Podcast Episode 30: Why Dog Crates Are Not Dog Cages - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/30/ 6. YouTube Playlist: Target Training for Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3&si=43hw1UJ7r7fV12Sf 7. Podcast Episode 275: How To Teach A Dog To Speak: From Parlor Trick To Working Dog Skill - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/275/ 8. Podcast Episode 115: Understanding Your Dog's Language - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/115/ 9. Podcast Episode 254: Why Your Older Puppy Or Dog Is Not House Trained And What To Do About It - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/254/ 10. Podcast Episode 140: Stop Your Puppy's Excited Peeing Or Submissive Urination - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/140/ 11. Podcast Episode 2: Reinforcement - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/2/ 12. Podcast Episode 158: Stop Your Dog's Unwanted Behaviors With This Positive Interrupter - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/158/ 13. Podcast Episode 228: Navigating Failure In Dog Training: What's Your Plan B? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/228/ 14. Podcast Episode 234: How To Stop Puppy Biting: Avoid Mistakes With Susan Garrett's Backup Plan - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/234/ 15. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/EQpRKDaq9mQ

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   Connected, Driven, Or Detached? How To Recognize And Grow The Right Kind Of Focus In Your Dog I'm sharing what it really means for a dog to be connected, driven, or detached, and how to recognize and grow the right kind of focus in your dog. Understanding where your dog's focus truly lies is the first step to building stronger teamwork, better communication, and lasting connection.   Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGu03YVsN1k  

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   How To Set Up A Successful Shaping Session With Your Dog I'm sharing how to set up a successful shaping session that builds clarity, confidence, and success for you and your dog. When each piece fits together, learning becomes effortless, and your dog's understanding grows step by step into stronger focus and reliable behaviors.   Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOT8z4B81eg

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   Agility Foundations Before Equipment: What Puppies Really Need To Succeed When it comes to preparing your puppy for dog agility, success starts long before any equipment enters the picture. I'm sharing what puppies really need to succeed, including the key foundations that build confidence, connection, and joy in the sport from the very beginning. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMJ0e7HYvPk  

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often, our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   Mini Q&A With Susan: When To Start Contacts, Build Foundations, And Stop Zoomies In Dog Agility  When should you start dog agility contacts? What foundations do puppies need first? And how do you stop zoomies in the ring? I cover it all in this mini Q&A.   Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVtH3LQR0Qs 

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   Using A Variety Of Dog Treats (And Some Of What I Use) To Keep Training Effective, Engaging, And Fun Keeping training effective, engaging, and fun starts with using a variety of dog treats, so I'm sharing some of what I use (and you might like to try) along with a link to my Tasty Treats Recipe Ebook.   Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjiaOy_iWyw Check out our Tasty Treats Recipe eBook for homemade tasty treats your dog will love! https://dogsthat.com/tastytreats/ 

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   Listening To Your Dog's "No" And Building A Better "Yes" Together  Every time your dog says "no," they are giving you important information. I'm sharing how to listen to your dog's "no" and build a better "yes" together so you can turn those moments into opportunities for learning, growth, and connection.   Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzoUUJT5eiQ 

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   How To Use Everyday Reinforcement To Grow Lasting Skills  I'm sharing my step by step plan on how to use everyday reinforcement to grow lasting skills, helping you open the door to brilliant behaviors, stronger focus, and a deeper connection with your dog.    Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MIAwmx1450   

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   Mini Q&A With Susan: Cue Clarity And Start-Line Focus For Agility Success  In this mini Q&A, I'm diving into cue clarity and start-line focus for agility success, sharing how I track and rehearse my cues so they become second nature, and how I help dogs bring calm, confident focus to the start line.   Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RITzOlo6uw8

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   Why Consent Matters: Building Trust And Choice In Dog Training I'm sharing why consent matters and how giving our dogs choice builds deeper trust and transforms the way we train and care for them. When our dogs are heard, they show up with clarity, confidence, and joy.   Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzoUUJT5eiQ

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   Mini Q&A With Susan: Body Awareness Exercises And My Warm-Up For Dog Agility In this mini Q&A, I'm sharing my top body awareness exercises for dogs and the warm-up routine you can use to prepare your dog for success on and off the agility field.   Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RITzOlo6uw8

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   How I Create A Relationship Where My Dog Wants To Work With Me (And How You Can Too  Every great partnership with a dog is built on connection, not control. I'm sharing how I create a relationship where my dog wants to work with me and how you can too. By focusing on what matters most to your dog, training turns into teamwork instead of work.   Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdCQuzXcm2M

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   Mini Q&A With Susan: How To Keep Connection Strong And Motivation High In Dog Agility  In this mini Q&A, I'm sharing how to keep connection strong and motivation high in dog agility with simple strategies every handler can use. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RITzOlo6uw8

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   The Step-by-Step Plan That Turns Hesitant Dogs Into Happy Swimmers  I'm sharing my step-by-step plan that turns hesitant dogs into happy swimmers by building confidence one stage at a time. You'll learn how to create positive associations with water, keep the process fun, and set your dog up for success every step of the way. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oexSF-V3ELg 

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   How Dopamine Drives Your Dog's Motivation And Training Success I'm sharing how dopamine drives your dog's motivation and training success, and why finding the right balance is the key to making training more rewarding and addictive for your dog in the best possible way. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMzI6VzIU_w

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   Ever wonder how world champion agility dogs are made? I'm sharing how to build dog agility foundations and train skills right in your living room! From simple daily games to fun exercises, discover the secrets that helped all 11 of my dogs reach the top, while creating a confident and focused dog that makes brilliant choices. Whether you're new to agility or already competing, you'll discover practical ways to bring out the best in your dog while having fun together.   In this episode, you'll hear:   • How all 11 of my dogs achieved top-level success in agility. • My early beginnings in the sport and my experiences. • Why so-called "naughty" dogs can shine in agility. • The common myths about what makes a good agility dog. • How to build value for multiple reinforcers: food, toys, and most importantly, YOU. • Why "learning how to learn" is an important skill for dogs. • About the role of recall and Reinforcement Zone in developing focus. • How to build attention even in distracting environments. • Why "Spotlights" (location-specific reinforcement markers) create clarity and confidence. • How simple choice games like "This or That" accelerate learning. Free ItsYerChoice Summit Learn How to Play ItsYerChoice - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 177: Dog Training Outside The Box: Transfer Of Value Case Study - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/177/ 2. Nina Ottosson's Puzzle Toys - https://www.nina-ottosson.com/products/all-products/ 3. Podcast Episode 302: The Recall Myth: Why Your Off Leash Dog Isn't Coming When Called And How To Fix It - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/302/   4. Podcast Episode 242: Help! Why Won't My Dog Pay Attention? (Secrets Of Focus) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/242/ 5. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://youtu.be/OaUAScgaFAg 6. Blog Post: How to Use the Distraction Intensity Index to Help Your Dog - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2020/09/distraction-intensity-index/ 7. Podcast Episode 6: The Art of Manipulation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/6/ 8. Podcast Episode 151: How Location Specific Reinforcement Markers Will Improve Your Dog Training! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/151/ 9. Podcast Episode 32: 20 Easy Ways to Exercise Your Dog at Home - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/32/ 10. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/gLiRTY9iNrc

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   The Kind Of Relationship That Leads To Real Connection With Your Dog I'm sharing how to build the kind of relationship that creates real connection with your dog, bringing out the best in both of you. This grows into a bond that strengthens over time, adding joy and clarity to everything you do together. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdCQuzXcm2M

Message From Susan Hey everyone, it's Susan, and you're about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let's dive in!   Inadvertent Time Outs In Dog Training: What They Are, Why They Matter, And How To Avoid Them In dog training, inadvertent time outs happen more often than many realize, so I'm sharing what they are, why they matter, and how to avoid them. Being aware of these moments can help you stay present with your dog and keep training and everyday time together more connected and engaging. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TIcuLA_Z4U