Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

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!   Training Challenges Are Feedback: What To Do When Things Don’t Go To Plan Training challenges are feedback, and when things don’t go to plan, it’s often a sign there’s something new to discover. I’m sharing what to do when progress feels stuck and how to turn challenges into learning opportunities for you and your dog.   Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha2hXKZDuA4&t=785s

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!   Matching Law in Dog Training: Why Your Dog Chooses One Behavior Over Another I’m sharing the science behind Matching Law and why your dog chooses one behavior over another. Understanding this can transform how you train and connect with your dog and help you grow the behaviors you do want so you can set your dog up for success.   Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZSCQFapIww&t=779s

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 Tell If A Dog Trainer Is The Right Fit For You And Your Dog I’m sharing how to tell if a dog trainer is the right fit for you and your dog by breaking down the five key things I believe every dog owner should consider. When you know what to look for, you can find a coach who supports your goals and helps your dog truly shine.    Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOgXwaysP7w 

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 Your Dog Might Be Barking Excessively And What You Can Do To Help Ever feel like your dog’s barking is constant and you’re not quite sure what’s driving it? I’m sharing why your dog might be barking excessively and what you can do to help them feel more relaxed and confident.  Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfoFvBAue7c

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 “Hope Method” Of Dog Training: What Your Dog Is Really Learning When You’re Not Teaching I'm sharing the 'hope method' of dog training and what your dog is really learning when you’re not teaching. Dogs are incredible at picking up patterns from the world around them, often in ways we don’t even realize. The more we understand how our dogs learn, the more intentional we can be. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNnvP8QtMLA&t=2s

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 Truth About Over-Aroused Dogs And What Shapes Their Emotional Responses Ever had a moment when your dog’s emotions felt bigger than everything else around them? I’m sharing the truth about over-aroused dogs and what shapes their emotional responses. When we understand what’s behind those big reactions, we can better support our dogs and set them and ourselves up for success. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06CyHsE-bEY

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!   Want Your Dog to Listen From Far Away? Here's Where That Training Really Begins Want your dog to listen from far away? I'm sharing where that training really begins so you can help your dog build clarity and confidence to respond reliably anywhere, whether you're standing right beside them or at a distance. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHMzbxNElPs

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 Recalls Fail And The Common Mistakes That Get In The Way Of A Reliable Response I’m breaking down the two biggest reasons why recalls fail and the common mistakes that can get in the way of a reliable response. Recognizing what to avoid is the first step toward building the kind of recall we all want: one that works when it really counts. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8PL2bxL-fk

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Not seeing results in dog training? I’m breaking down why that happens and how layering your dog’s learning is the key to creating real-world success. We often believe our dogs are “trained” when things look great in controlled settings but when connection disappears, distractions take over, or confidence fades in new environments, it’s a sign that a layer of learning is missing. I’ll walk you through how the layers of the 5C Pyramid build lasting reliability and focus, a personal story from my own training, and how shaping behavior through intentional layers leads to long-term success in agility, sports, and everyday life.   In this episode, you’ll hear:   • Why your dog might be great in training games but struggle in real-world situations. • How building intentional layers in training leads to real-world success with your dog • The concept of “real world success” and how it evolves as your relationship with your dog grows. • A deep dive into the 5 Cs of dog training: Connection, Clarity, Confidence, Challenge, and Complexity. • The difference between a connected, driven, and detached dog and why that matters. • A powerful question to ask yourself in every training moment to stay aligned with your long-term goals. • How intentional layers build deep connection and lasting success. • A personal story about my own dog and how the layers of learning led us all the way to the world championships.   Crate Games: Get Crate Games Online - https://get.crategames.com/ Learn How To Play ItsYerChoice: Learn how to play the ItsYerChoice (IYC) Game - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 171: Dog Training With Layered Shaping: Why Classical Conditioning Must Come First - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/171/ 2. Podcast Episode 21: The 5 Critical Dog Training Layers for Confidence with Anything - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/21/ 3. Podcast Episode 202: Getting A Happy Well Behaved Dog With The ABCs Of Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/202/ 4. Podcast Episode 18: 4 Puppy and Dog Training Games for Acquired Bite Inhibition - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/18/ 5. Podcast Episode 68: 3 Easy Tricks Every Dog Should Know - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/68/ 6. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/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!   The Best Way To Talk To Your Dog Trainer When Things Aren’t Working I'm sharing the best way to talk to your dog trainer when things aren’t working. This simple shift opens the door to better conversations, clearer feedback, and real progress in your training so you and your coach are working together to help your dog succeed. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y8lomnqt7Y 

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!   Seamless Dog Training Sessions Start With This Simple Setup Plan The key to seamless dog training sessions starts with this simple setup plan that keeps you organized and helps your dog stay focused and engaged. With a little planning, your sessions will be set up for success and your dog will love the clarity and confidence that brings. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcae85wYXBE 

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!   30 Years Ago, They Laughed. Today, It’s How We Train Dogs. 30 years ago, they laughed. Today, it’s how we train dogs. I'm sharing the pivotal shift in dog training over the past three decades and what’s possible when we stay open, curious, and committed to doing what’s best for our dogs. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xH1JqN34Sr0

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!   Clarity Is Kind: What Your Dog Needs You to Understand Ever wonder if your dog really gets what you’re asking them? I’m sharing why clarity is kind and what your dog needs you to understand to build trust and confidence, both in training and in life. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFpQ8i9YHUo

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 Safely Introduce A Puppy To An Adult Dog: Tips & Strategies I’m sharing my tips and strategies on how to safely introduce a puppy to an adult dog so they both feel comfortable and protected. You’ll hear about what to avoid, what to watch for, and how to know when your puppy just isn’t reading the room. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kbDlNIxtn4 

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Do you feel your dog only listens when you have treats? Or maybe you’ve been told dogs should work because you said so. No one needs to choose between insisting on their dog's compliance without rewards or getting stuck as a treat-dispensing machine, so I’m sharing my 5 step process to help you build better behaviors. This process is the solution for our dogs to listen anywhere, anytime, with joy and clarity!   In this episode, you’ll hear:   • Debunking the myth that “your dog should work because you said so”. • How to use your relationship bank with your dog effectively. • A real-life example with my dogs, treats, and my husband, John. • The 5 Step Process to build better behaviors and use food to your training advantage. • How to transfer value from food into other reinforcers like toys, games, and activities. • The power of surprise reinforcement deposits - dog bed example. • What to do when your dog becomes a bit of a “demand-ica.” • A training example with a target stick and my dog, This! on eroding great behavior. • An invitation to join Home School the Dog or Recallers.    To know more about our online programs: Write to us at wag@dogsthat.com with the subject line: I want to know more about rewarding  Learn How To Play ItsYerChoice: ItsYerChoice Summit - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/ Crate Games Get Crate Games Online - https://get.crategames.com/ Hand Target and More Functional Games Get the Hand Target Game and more foundational training games in our free Connected Dog Season of Nuance Video Series running for a limited time - https://learn.doggyflix.com/interactive/   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 272: 10 Engaging Chase Games To Increase Your Picky Eater Dog’s Food Drive - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/272/ 2. Podcast Episode 151: How Location Specific Reinforcement Markers Will Improve Your Dog Training! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/151/ 3. Podcast Episode 172: How To Teach Your Dog Anything With My Training Plan - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/172/ 4. Podcast Episode 89: Why Dogs Should Not Tug: The Truth Revealed - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/89/ 5. Podcast Episode 68: 3 Easy Tricks Every Dog Should Know - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/68/ 6. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaUAScgaFAg 7. Podcast Episode 266: Hot Zone And Stays – How One Dog Training Nuance Can Fix Anxiety And Duration - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/266/ 8. Episode 126: How Dog Training Goes Better When You Begin With The End In Mind (Backchaining) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/126/ 9. YouTube Playlist: Sit, Down, Stand, Stay! Dog Training Duration with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2cY7Fg3MLUaobkSdnVx0jt&si=DNIYIVzhai67AfYf 10. YouTube Playlist: Target Training for Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3&si=FSv06pl_2ffxfEDN 11. Podcast Episode 289: Stop Just Watching Dog Training Videos: Mastering Active Learning Instead! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/289/ 12. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/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!   The 5P Test: How To Tell If Your Dog REALLY Understands Their Cues! Wondering how to tell if your dog really understands their cues? I’m sharing a simple evaluation I call the “5P Test” to help you determine if your dog truly understands what you’re asking, no matter the environment, your position, or level of distractions around them.  Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AeiSv4KVo4

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Can you really stop a dog from chasing deer or anything else without an e-collar? Yes, and I’m sharing how. There’s an ongoing commentary that it's impossible to train certain dogs, especially those with high prey drive, to come when called using only reinforcement-based methods. Now, those of us who are reinforcement-based trainers know that it's absolutely possible. The secret lies in understanding the Canine Predatory Motor Sequence. Rather than trying to stop dogs at the end of the sequence when it's way too late, we focus on the early stages and what we want our dogs to do.    In this episode, you’ll hear:   • Why some say reinforcement-based training alone can’t stop high prey drive dogs. • How the canine predatory motor sequence works and why it matters for your dog’s behavior • Why suppressing behavior isn’t training, and what I do instead. • The three common ways people deal with behavior problems and which one really works. • How I use predatory redirection to interrupt chase drive. • A real-life example of Prophet ignoring deer just 15 feet away. • How we changed Tater Salad’s behavior using relationship-building games. • Special opportunity to join my Home School the Dog program. • Why head halters can act like emergency brakes when you need them. • How I redirect Kim’s rescue dog Waffles from distractions to focus back to me and what you can take away from it.   Join Home School the Dog: To join Home School the Dog at a special discount, write to us at wag@dogsthat.com with the subject line: Prey Drive Learn To Play ItsYerChoice: Learn how to play the ItsYerChoice (IYC) Game - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/ Hand Target and More Foundational Games Get the Hand Target Game and more foundational training games in our free Connected Dog Season of Nuance Video Series running for a limited time - https://learn.doggyflix.com/   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 232: Canine Predatory Motor Sequence: Understand Your Dog’s Prey Drive To Enrich Your Life Together - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/232/ 2. Podcast Episode 304: Let’s Talk About E-Collars: Why Dog Trainers Are So Divided - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/304/ 3. Podcast Episode 7: You, Your Dog, Maslow and Lizard Brain - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/7/ 4. Podcast Episode 234: How To Stop Puppy Biting: Avoid Mistakes With Susan Garrett’s Backup Plan - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/234/ 5. Podcast Episode 293: MRI: A Simple 3 Part Dog Training Formula To Fix Problems Like Counter Surfing, Reactivity And More - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/293/ 6. Blog Post: A GAME to Preserve Your Dog’s Recall Cue - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/06/game-to-preserve-your-dogs-recall-cue/ 7. Podcast Episode 276: What No One Tells You About The Best Place To Train Your Puppy Or Rescue Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/276/ 8. Podcast Episode 89: Why Dogs Should Not Tug: The Truth Revealed - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/89/ 9. Podcast Episode 68: 3 Easy Tricks Every Dog Should Know - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/68/ 10. Podcast Episode 155: 10 Ways To Teach A Sit WITHOUT A Food Lure! Unreal Results For Puppies And Dogs Of All Ages - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/155/ 11. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog’s Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://youtu.be/OaUAScgaFAg?si=wgM4jNT5J7XT617w 12. Podcast Episode 40: Using A Head Halter On A Dog, Why My Approach Is So Different - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/40/ 13. Podcast Episode 145: 10 Ways To Teach A Dog To Lay Down And How To Shape It Without Luring - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/145/ 14. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/FlvAlCa2RRk

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 Words You Use with Your Dog Matter More Than You Think The words you use with and about your dog matter more than you think, not just in meaning but in energy. While timing, criteria, and reinforcement are vital for great dog training, don’t overlook the energy of words and their role in creating the trust and joy that make our relationship with our dogs extraordinary. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W42o4O2iEkc

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!   Training Tips From Susan: How Recording Your Dog Training Sessions Can Help You Grow as a Trainer I'm sharing how recording your dog training sessions can help you grow as a trainer and fast-track your dog’s progress. When you press “record,” you’re not just capturing footage. You’re capturing memories and the opportunity for you and your dog to grow together and shine.  Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKvRI8XDSWU&t=258s

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!   Training Tips from Susan: Susan Garrett's Tip for Training Frantic Dogs: Stimulus Control Does your dog get frantic, throwing all sorts of behaviors at you one after another when you want to train or teach a new trick? Helping your dog with stimulus control is the key to success. Stimulus control is when your dog does something until you give a release word or a new cue.