Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett
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Training Tips From Susan: Why I Don't Use The Word "No" With My Dogs And What I Teach Instead
07 Nov 2025
00:05:14
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 I Don't Use The Word "No" With My Dogs And What I Teach Instead
I'm sharing why I don't use the word "no" in dog training and what I teach instead to create understanding and connection. Through clear communication and thoughtful reinforcement, we can help our dogs feel confident and know exactly what we DO want.
Training Tips From Susan: Shaping Q&A: Non-Reward Markers, Reinforcement Strategies, And Making Training Work For Every Dog
31 Oct 2025
00:04:29
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!
Shaping Q&A: Non-Reward Markers, Reinforcement Strategies, And Making Training Work For Every Dog
In this mini Shaping Q&A, I'm diving into your top questions about non-reward markers, reinforcement strategies, how to make training work for every dog, and more! You'll discover how to set your sessions up for success, keep motivation high, and make shaping easier and more enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Training Tips From Susan: Using A Variety Of Dog Treats (And Some Of What I Use) To Keep Training Effective, Engaging, And Fun
01 Oct 2025
00:04:20
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.
Recently, I asked for your questions about using shaping in dog training, and wow, did you deliver! I'm covering misconceptions about shaping, where shaping went wrong for me in the 90s with my dogs and a wall, what you need to know about successive approximations, and how behavioral blocks set dogs up for success. Plus, I'm answering some of your most popular questions and sharing the steps so you can shape your dog to close a cupboard door.
In this episode you'll hear:
• About shaping using successive approximations. • Where successive approximations went wrong for me with Twister, Stoni and a wall. . • How to use reinforced behaviors as building blocks for shaping. • Key tips for successful shaping sessions. • Q1: Should I be using a non-reward marker when I'm shaping? • Q2: What is a good exercise to help a dog to learn to be okay with offering responses? • Q3: I've heard the comment, click for action and reward for position. Do you agree? • Q4: I try to shape, but my mechanics suck and my dog and I get very frustrated. So, I've heard shaping isn't for novices. Is this true? • Q5: Susan, do you cue shaping sessions? • Q6: What do you do if the dog keeps getting it wrong? • Q7: Does shaping work with all behaviors and tricks that can be taught or shaping only for specific things? • Q8: Some things I just can't fathom how to shape. • Q9: Does this work with all breeds, even unintelligent breeds?
Ever wondered if your puppy's behavior is normal or cause for concern? From biting to lunging, fearing to growling, chasing, chewing and more, it can be hard to know what's normal and what's not. There's a range of behaviors that people might consider problems, but many really are normal, and they can vary based on a puppy's breed, upbringing, and individual quirks. I've got insights and practical tips for understanding and action-taking on common puppy behavior problems, and more.
In this episode you'll hear:
• The wide range of normal puppy behaviors. • Breed differences and their impact on behavior. • The factors influencing puppy behavior: breed, upbringing, individual quirks. • 2 puppy fear periods and their impact on behavior. • Personal experiences with my own puppies and behavior challenges. • Strategies for managing and helping your puppy. • Importance of understanding and responding to puppy fear and anxiety. • What not to do when addressing puppy behavior issues. • Why to be curious, compassionate, confident, and concerned. • Games for building puppy confidence. • Tips for introducing puppies to new environments and managing triggers. • Importance of seeking professional help for extreme behavior issues.
Are you ready to take your dog training to the next level? Whether you're just starting, have been at it a while, or are an experienced dog trainer, I've got hacks to fast track success and take you and your dog to a completely different level of understanding. I'm diving into shaping behavior and why it's the key to unlocking rapid learning for you and your dog. Shaping is not a training method but how all animals learn, and I've got simple yet powerful tips for shaping success, plus you'll learn how to start training the paws up trick.
In this episode you'll hear:
• The power of shaping in dog training, regardless of skill level. • My journey from using lures to exclusively shaping with my dog Buzz. • Differentiating between "navel gazing" shaping and linear shaping vs. outside-the-box shaping. • My recent experiment with luring and targeting with my puppy Prophet. • The importance of shaping in bringing understanding to dogs. • Reasons why many trainers still prefer luring over shaping. • Why shaping is a natural learning process for all animals, not just dogs. • The game Tater plays when my dogs are chewing bones. • Understanding the ABCs of shaping: antecedent, behavior, consequence. • Importance of reinforcement hierarchy and classical conditioning in shaping. • Why we need to split behaviors into smaller pieces for effective shaping. • How to shape dogs to do the Paws Up trick. • How creating antecedent arrangements guides the dog's behavior. • The cheat code for successful shaping sessions. • About DASH: Desire, Accuracy, Speed, Habitat. • Creating success with a plan and lighthearted approach.
Does your dog get hyper and lose focus the closer they get to something really exciting? You are not alone, and I have a training plan to help you create calm and focus for over-the-top dogs. I'm covering why dogs can get out of control near things they love and what to do about it when you want to be a positive reinforcement-based dog trainer. Plus, you'll get the steps to play the Threshold Game with a case study of a very excited young dog who visits me with my friend.
In this episode you'll hear:
• Why we can't rely on cheese alone. • The difference between transactional and relational dog training. • Why dogs get out of control as they get nearer to exciting things. • A review of the ABC to solve dog training problems: antecedent, behavior, consequence. • The example of puppy Prophet at the store for creating positive experiences for dogs. • How good triggers and games help dogs change their emotional state. • The Threshold Game training plan to calm dogs down so they focus on you. • About mixing up reinforcement and progressing the Threshold Game
Have you ever wondered how to fix your dog's unwanted behavior when you want to train with positive reinforcement? In episode 256, I covered the magic question, "What was that cookie for?" that helps us all understand how we may be contributing to the behaviors of our dogs that we want to change. So, I'm following up with my top tips on turning things around. The very good news is that the formula I use to get everything back on track is easy to apply to any inadvertent behavior problem you'd like to change.
In this episode you'll hear:
• How unintentional reinforcement contributes to unwanted behaviors. • Why our awareness is the start of fixing unwanted behaviors. • That permission, access and what your dog loves are powerful reinforcements. • Real life examples showing what the cookie was for! • Why to check with your Vet before assuming a behavioral problem. • Three ways dogs get educated. • How using the 'Training Triage' keeps dogs safe and what to do next. • The formula for triaging your dog's behavior. • The effectiveness of games in dog training. • The role of play in speeding up the learning process. • Challenges associated with low intentional learning and high unintentional reinforcement. • Addressing the belief that reinforcement-based training doesn't work. • How to join Recallers at a discounted rate.
Recallers: Write to us at wag@dogsthat.com with the subject line "FUD/ Fun University for Dogs" for a very special opportunity to join us in Recallers.
With the growing popularity of positive reinforcement-based dog training, there's an increasing popularity of criticizing the use of positive reinforcement. And truthfully, it isn't all unfounded because there can be a huge variability in people's results when they choose not to use physical corrections or verbal intimidation in their dog training. I'm addressing the criticism with a look at 5 different scenarios where dogs get rewarded for things you don't want, and how using the magic question "what was that cookie for?" can fast track success and turn unwanted behaviors around.
In this episode you'll hear:
• The growing popularity and criticism of positive reinforcement in dog training. • What variables affect the effectiveness in dog training. • The pivotal question that can transform your approach to dog training. • What "choice point" is in dog training. • Five scenarios illustrating different reinforcement situations and their implications. • What the 5 categories of reinforcements are and knowing what your dog loves. • The impact of reinforcement on both the dog's behavior and the trainer's actions. • Why negative reinforcement is the silent killer of dreams. • How to be intentional, clear, and purposeful when reinforcing desired behaviors. • About asking the magic question "what was that cookie for?".
There are a lot of rescue dogs out there. And bravo for those of you who are opening up your homes and adopting them. In this episode, I'm doing a deep dive into the emotions of rescue dogs, and the priorities I have when I bring a rescue dog into my home. This episode is for everybody, regardless of whether you have a rescue or not. I'm sharing the thought process I go through when evaluating all of my dogs, my training, and the next step I need to take with any dog.
In this episode you'll hear:
• The importance of training the dog in front of you. • Why we should eliminate judgment or preconceived notions. • Why safety is important for you, your family, and the dog. • How to create an environment of great success for the dog. • Conditioning and shaping behaviors to build a strong bond. • The role of location specific reinforcement markers (words), tools, places, and conditioning in training. • Confidence-building games you can play with the dog. • A special discount for Susan Garrett's Home School The Dog program.
Home School the Dog: Write to us at wag@dogsthat.com with the subject line "My Dog is Home for Life" for a very special opportunity to join us in Home School the Dog.
Do you have or know a dog or older puppy who still isn't completely house trained? If this is you, don't worry, I've got you covered! I'm sharing the reasons a dog might not be fully house trained, what to do about it, a common mistake people make, and how to teach your dog to tell you when they want to go outside to potty.
In this episode you'll hear:
• Common reasons why older puppies or dogs have accidents inside the house. • How I had house training difficulties in my open-concept home. • Ways dogs can communicate their need to go outside and why tells are important. • When to use positive interrupters. • How to teach your dog to tell you when they want to go outside. • The biggest mistake that people make when they're potty training.
I was recently asked, "Do you think there's a way we could instantly make our dog's life better?" and I thought about it and decided it would be a great topic for an episode of Shaped by Dog. The way I narrowed down my list to 7 things might surprise you. The good news is that putting these proven tips into action will not really cost you any more money and will improve life and happiness for all dogs and people.
In this episode you'll hear:
• The importance of learning a dog's form of communication. • How to know what a dog loves, including favorite foods, toys, and activities. • The value of granting dogs the power of choice. • How to create variety in a dog's life. • About being open to the lessons/feedback dogs provide daily. • Why we should practice compassion in all interactions with dogs. • The significance of providing dogs with a variety of comfortable beds.
*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!
The Raw Feeding Guide To Training Your Dog With All Forms Of Treats #252
Feeding dogs raw food and how to train with raw fed dogs are topics I get asked to talk about a lot! I'm covering how I use raw food to my dog training advantage and how I plan what food I'm using when and where. Even if you don't feed raw, the tips on type of treats for dogs and using treats for training is for everyone.
In this episode you'll hear:
• What it's like training your dogs when you're a raw feeder. • The detailed strategy I use when I'm planning my training. • Why I decided to feed my dogs raw 25 years ago. • Good practices when preparing raw. • 3 resources to get started on raw feeding. • My thoughts on kibble. • How to train as a raw feeder. • Two recipes for dog treats that my dogs love. • What to avoid when buying prepared dog treats. • Why dog training with raw food is an advantage.
*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!
Training Tips From Susan: Listening To Your Dog's "No" And Building A Better "Yes" Together
26 Sep 2025
00:05:59
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.
Non-Reward Markers have long been used in dog training, but are they really necessary? And what drives our choice to use an NRM? An NRM, sometimes called a No Reward Marker, could be a word people use to freeze a dog from making a poor choice during training or even be something like, "ah", "no", "hey", "stop". I'm covering how things have changed for me and the use of Non-Reward Markers over the years and what we can do instead.
In this episode you'll hear:
• Why to consider the balance of compassion and ambition. • About the impact of using non-reward markers in dog training. • Why to use the ABC model to create clarity for dogs. • Personal experiences with my dogs over the years. • Why manipulating the environment sets dogs up for shaping success. • How making a small shift in dog training prevents frustration. • Why to play the "Muffin Tin Game" and how it encourages dogs to offer behaviors. • About considering experimental design and set up.
Recently something happened in my own dog training that I'm sharing in this episode, and it's all about our expectations of our dogs. Along with our expectations, our beliefs and biases play a role in our relationship with our dogs. We're all bombarded with unrealistic expectations about dogs daily, so challenging what we think with curiosity can be a fast track to dog training success. Realistic expectations will bring us closer to our dogs, and help them be less frustrated and happier.
In this episode you'll hear:
• The role of expectations in relationships. • About unrealistic expectations in dog training. • How personal biases are shaped. • My revelation during a training session with my puppy, Prophet. • Why curiosity over disappointment is important in dog training. • About setting up an environment for success. • The shift from expecting perfection to embracing curiosity. • Why we need to manage our expectations. • About questioning our personal biases in dog training.
We've got another ask me anything episode, because your questions are so good! I'm sharing answers on topics like training contacts in dog agility, daily training routines for puppies, overcoming fears in dogs, training in multiple sports, feeding schedules for dogs, exercise for dogs, dealing with reactivity between dogs, zoomies in the agility ring and more. Have a question I've not covered? Jump over to YouTube and let me know what it is in the comments.
In this episode, I'm answering your great questions:
• What age do you start training contacts in dog agility? When do you do full courses, and what foundations do the puppies need to have? • I'm curious how many hours you spend training Prophet each day? • Can you share the exact protocol you used for This! to get her out of her fear? • Are there any disadvantages or severe downside to having a dog trained in multiple sports? • What's on your secret Santa wish list? • Do you plan on competing in the UKI US Open in 2024? • What would you identify as three to five natural abilities or qualities of any agility dog? • How to teach my dog not to destroy toys? My dog, when left alone with a mascot, turns it inside out. • If a dog is not actively training or lounging with you, do you always have them in a crate or a pen? • When to add the verbal cue? Is it right before they do the desired action or right when they do it? • Will you ever do public training again? • Can you tell us a fun fact about Swagger? • How does one get into the agility world? • Do you use crates when traveling in a car? If so, what kind? • Do you feel equally connected to all of your dogs, past and present, or are some extra special? • How do you stop the zoomies in the agility ring? • How do you train your pups to bring toys to your hand? • Dealing with reactivity between dogs in the same household, usually after potty. • What was the science or motivation to switch to once a day feeding? • I love your agility programs. Do you plan on doing any flyball programs? • How can I exercise my dog while we are still learning loose leash walking and recalls. • How do you make sure your elderly dogs still feel valued and loved? • How do you decide where to start? There's so many behaviors I'd like to improve. I'm feeling really overwhelmed. • Who do you think you will mate? This! with? Prophet when it's the right time? • How do you know when it's time to let go of a dog? either age or sickness. • How do you deal with discouragement? If you had a previous job before, how did you make the big jump to the dog world job only?
Ever set goals for your dog but struggled to make progress? I'm doing a deep dive on how to change that! Whether you're a new puppy owner, facing challenges with your dog or want to excel in dog sports, achieving your training goals is possible! Discover the power of setting goals and celebrating achievable milestones to transform your dog training and create success.
In this episode you'll hear:
• Where you are in your goals for dog training. • The importance of breaking down your goals. • How to have the most amazing family pet. • Why knowing what your goal is and what it looks like creates clarity. • That milestones are a roadmap to achieving your goals. • The value of listing down skills needed to achieve milestones. • How hitting monthly and weekly milestones gets you closer to your goals. • The power of your dog progressing.
What's better than 30 years of dog training experience? It's NOT 31! I'm covering why the duration someone spends training dogs does not create expertise, going against the commonly held belief that longevity in a profession guarantees proficiency. Now, 30 years of growing skills and being open to new ideas can create mastery, but living the same year 30 times does the opposite. Get all the critical tips to maximize the next year of your dog training experience and success.
In this episode you'll hear:
• That experience does not equate to expertise in dog training. • Why some experts or trainers get worse with time. • About the reasons to embrace continual growth.. • Tips to maximize the next year of your dog training experience. • Why it's important to be deliberate and purposeful in quest for growth. • The importance of being able to read your dog's T.E.M.P. • How creating a training plan is like putting together a recipe. • The value of listening to your dog's feedback. • How to be deliberate and purposeful in your training
*Susan only recommends products she uses herself, and all opinions expressed here are her own. The links below are an affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you decide to buy from it. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Susan Garrett's Puppy Socialization Strategies For Raising Confident, Happy Dogs #246
For every puppy owner using a socialization strategy that grows confidence and connection, there's a thousand who don't do it at all or do it terribly wrong. I'm sharing exactly how I socialize my puppies, including my current five-month-old, Prophet, so that everyone can do the same thing to get the best start to a life of joy with their dog.
In this episode you'll hear:
• The exact things I do to socialize my own puppies. • Common misconceptions in puppy socialization. • Why puppy daycare and dog parks are potential disasters. • Top 3 reasons why we should train our dog. • How to grow a puppy's confidence in different environments. • What puppy socialization looks like to Susan Garrett. • How I train my five-month-old puppy, Prophet. • How to turn distractions into white noise. • Why growing connections is important for puppies. • How to grow positive CER's in context with husbandries. • What distractions really mean for our puppies. • How I train in the form of games. • 3 groups of games and when to use each. • How "Crate Games" minimizes distractions for our puppies. • Why an overstimulated dog is not ideal for socialization. • That most dogs don't need doggy friends.
Recently, a professional dog trainer told me her favorite Shaped by Dog episode is 16, where I explain the simple concept of "antecedent arrangements" as one of the most effective, animal behavior science solutions to ANY dog training problem. Although it's an all-time favorite of my students and dog training professionals, it's a hidden gem to the general public. So, I'm revisiting the topic of how to increase brilliant dog behavior – while decreasing undesired ones – with one easy focus shift. As my mentor, Bob Bailey, says, "When dog training is right, it's easy." Enjoy this game changer!
In this episode you'll hear:
• How to increase desired dog behaviors while reducing unwanted ones. • The ABC's of learned behaviors in the animal kingdom. • What some dog owners and trainers focus on to fix behaviors. • Why "get a bigger meatball" and punishment don't work in dog training. • That knowing "the thing before the thing" is your dog training salvation. • What "antecedent arrangements" are in triggering behavior. • The stimuli that make a behavior desirable for dogs. • Why lure training makes dog behavior a negotiation rather than a desire. • What sensory stimuli get attached to behavior triggers. • The importance of training in different environments at different times. • Why varying your dog's daily routine is ideal. • How past experiences influence a dog's emotional state. • About your dog's motivations and distractions. • An example of how to stop counter surfing. • How "ItsYerChoice" teaches dogs to choose the right behavior. • About incompatible behaviors. • What "Hot Zones" are and how they help your dog choose wisely. • When dog training is right, it's easy.
There are 14 canine myths commonly accepted as truths and I'm doing some serious debunking to separate fact from fiction. For example, have you heard the myth about "Doodles never shed"? It's a myth because it's genetics. If you breed a shedding breed to a non-shedding breed, we can't predict what we're going to get. Don't miss this one, because I'm "shedding" even more light on popular lore about dogs that too many people still believe. Enjoy!
In this episode we're mythbusting:
• Old dogs can't learn new tricks. • Puppies outgrow naughty behavior. • Show your dog who's the boss, alpha, pack leader. • Begin puppy training at six months old. • Dogs defy, grow stubborn or ignore you near tempting distractions. • Feeding scared dogs rewards fear. • Wagging tails means happy dogs. • Yawning dogs are tired dogs. • Good dogs tolerate children. • Puppies love hugs and cuddles. • Dogs only see in black and white. • Dogs admit they're wrong with guilty looks. • Rescue dogs are damaged. • Two puppies provide companionship for one another.
My puppy, Prophet, turned four months old this week! At this point, the Prophet knows nothing. What!? Now, my definition of 'know' is different. Although he doesn't "know" much, Prophet recognizes many behaviors and several markers, and that's the start of true understanding. I'm sharing exactly what my daily routine and puppy-training plan looks like and my top priorities for raising a confident, joyful dog.
In this episode you'll hear:
• What goes into raising confident, joyful puppies. • My definition of a dog truly knowing a behavior. • The difference between a puppy recognizing cues vs. knowing cues. • That when a dog knows the cue, they perform the behavior. • My top priorities when raising a puppy. • About teaching a dog or puppy to want what you want. • My goal is environmental neutrality for my puppy. • A day in the life of Susan Garrett and Prophet the Puppy. • Two reasons to not walk puppies often. • How I create a successful puppy training environment. • About conditioning, shaping and target training for puppies. • The importance of verbal override training for puppies. • Why I always take a puppy to relieve themselves on leash.
*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!
Help! Why Won't My Dog Pay Attention? (Secrets Of Focus) #242
Help! How do I get my dog to focus on me and pay attention? Today I'm sharing the positive reinforcement "secrets" that make your dog prioritize you over environmental distractions. If you feel non-existent to your dog around other dogs, squirrels, cats, people, bicycles, etc. – but you've been taught to collar pop and say things like "leave it!" – I'm going to teach you to combine two of my proven, science-based games to inspire your dog to focus on you without you demanding it. No physical or verbal corrections needed.
In this episode you'll hear:
• How to create desire in your dog to choose you over distractions. • The tools to train canine attention. • About one rescue dog's complete transformation. • How to get your dog to pay attention to you. • What "old school" dog trainers teach about distractions. • That focus is a reflection of priorities. • How sustained focus happens. • That strongly desired outcomes create laser focus; e.g. dog chasing squirrel. • That nagging doesn't create drive in humans or dogs. • How to become your dog's priority with engaging games. • How to journal all of your dog's priorities. • Why recalling my puppy off bunnies is easy. • Why we don't bribe dog behavior but reinforce good choices. • The importance of erasing habits that reward your dog away from you. • That good focus habits begin with dog training games. • The difference between inspired focus and forced focus. • That good relationships require daily investment. • The two games to play so your dog chooses you. • How and when to combine Hand Targets and ItsYerChoice to overcome distractions.
Training Tips From Susan: How To Use Everyday Reinforcement To Grow Lasting Skills
24 Sep 2025
00:07:42
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.
Trick or Treat! It's almost Halloween and although not every country celebrates it, I want to suggest a dog training plan-a-palooza to prep for holidays and celebrations no matter where you live. Halloween and similar events can be scary and dangerous for dogs! I'm sharing common but deadly candy ingredients your dog must avoid, why you shouldn't take most dogs trick-or-treating and how to prevent reactivity and anxiety when spooky, costumed strangers knock and ding at your door.
• My Halloween dog training plan challenge. • Candy ingredients that are deadly to dogs. • Why we shouldn't take dogs trick-or-treating (not including service dogs). • How costumed people appear to dogs. • Tips to reduce anxiety for your dog during Halloween. • Why you should never take puppies trick or treating. • Why Halloween is a great time to dog train if they enjoy participating. • How to condition your dog to Halloween costumes and decorations. • Why ItsYerChoice is great to stop dogs from stealing candy. • Why playing Crate Games creates a strong Hot Zone behavior. • How Hot Zone allows your dog to join in Halloween safely. • About Halloween costumes for dogs. • Tricks for your dog to entertain guests from the Hot Zone.
Has your dog's barking ever had you consider using an anti-bark collar? I did in the Nineties with my dog, Buzz, and I'm letting you know the results right up front. Lessons were learned and I developed an action plan to stop annoying barking that's proven to work, so I'm sharing what to do step-by-step. Plus, if you want your dog to settle down when greeting houseguests, don't miss the protocol for using a remote feeder to create calm at home.
In this episode you'll hear:
• My experience using a spray bark collar in the 90's. • Steps to replace a barking habit. • Why a few 90 second training "quickies" are more powerful than one weekly long session. • It helps to be predictably unpredictable with your dog's schedule. • Great, easy ideas for dog enrichment. • The importance of noting your dog's barking triggers and reinforcements. • To temporarily alter the environment where your dog barks most. • The six games to play during "Daily Quickie" training. • How to counter condition barking triggers. • How to decrease reactivity to doorbells and door knocks. • How to use a remote feeder to reinforce Hot Zone for polite door greetings. • Why to train this with one dog at a time. • How to fade the remote feeder.
*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!
Barking Dogs! How To Help Your Dog Be Quiet And Stop Annoying Barking #239
All the details on how to minimize excessive and annoying dog barking with seven fun and fast dog training games! Remember that canine vocalizing can be an expression of emotion, so the solution to nuisance barking begins with a dog's physical and emotional needs being met. There are also times we DON'T want our dogs to stop barking and times we unconsciously reinforce unwanted vocalizing. Understanding canine vocal communication is the path to a more harmonious relationship with dogs!
In this episode you'll hear:
• Results of nuisance barking poll. • That dogs bark to express emotions. • That a lot of unwanted barking gets reinforced by us. • Why dog barking can be good at times. • 7 training games to minimize barking. • About The Dog Relaxation Protocol. • That cued barking also needs a "stop" cue. • That it only took 21 days to teach my 4-month-old puppy barking manners. • Reasons dogs bark excessively. • Why we shouldn't blame the breed for the barking. • How to condition dogs to entertain themselves with enrichment. • That reinforcement builds behavior. • Examples of how we unconsciously reinforce dog behavior. • That you shouldn't cave to "demand barking." • About barking to initiate play. • That vocalizing you allow your dog to do must be universal. • About the FRIDA protocol for anxiety barking. • How to decrease alarm barking with habituation to stimuli. • When dogs bark from frustration. • How the environment reinforces barking. • Tips for when dogs bark at feeding time. • Why to be predictably unpredictable with dog schedules.
Help, how do I stop my dog barking! This topic gets requested so much I'm turning it into a series. Most people refer to a dog's verbal communication as barking, but what if you reframed it as vocalizing – just as humans do with whispers, laughing, yelling, sobbing, squealing? It's all communication. In part one of this series I'm analyzing the 5 reasons dogs bark and identifying different meanings of canine communication with vocalization. Plus, learn how to decrease excessive barking while understanding the emotions behind your dog's howling, baying, barking, or whining.
In this episode you'll hear:
• Five reasons dogs bark and what to do about nuisance barking. • That dog vocalization is communication first. • The basic dog needs every owner must consider. • How to decrease unwanted dog barking. • How different dog breeds vocalize. • That barking is an emotional expression. • About frustration, anxiety, loneliness, and alarm barking. • That some senior dogs bark because of dementia. • How we accidentally reinforce demand barking.
In episode 236 I detailed 10 reasons why dogs might show fear. In today's part two, I'm giving you a strategic plan to help fearful, anxious dogs grow into calm, confident family pets. My uncommon approach is a game changer for dogs that are constantly afraid, anxious, over-reactive, or extremely excitable. Be sure you've listened to Part 1 first so you can identify the triggers that might be contributing to your dog's fear. Leave me any questions below and here's to helping you and your dog create a joyful life together!
In this episode you'll hear:
• Susan Garrett's strategy for overcoming fear in dogs. • When to seek help from an applied veterinary behaviorist. • The science behind Susan Garrett's dog training methodologies. • Myths about reinforcement-based dog training. • How to observe your dog's body language. • The steps to identifying triggers and good environments to train. • About Classical Conditioning aka Pavlovian Conditioning for fearful dogs. • Why I use both Classical and Operant Conditioning for helping fearful dogs. • Published research on Classical plus Operant Conditioning for overcoming fear in rats. • How dogs habituate and generalize fear triggers into white noise. • The Triangle of Growing Confidence for dogs. • The transfer of value into games your dog loves to play. • Two categories of valuable games. • The Yerkes-Dodson Curve of Arousal in animals. • Examples of compound games for dogs. • Valuable calm games for dogs. • How to play the games at the place and time your dog is most comfortable. • How to create a distraction-free training den. • How to use the hierarchy of reinforcement for rewards. • My Success Story: Triangle of Confidence for my scared dog, This! • That counter-conditioning fear takes more than treats. • How to get all the dog training games with coaching support
Join Home School the Dog or Recallers Email us at wag@dogsthat.com with the subject line: "I'm ready to invest in my dog."
How to help frightened and anxious dogs is a question I receive frequently, so I'm diving into identifying and overcoming canine fears and phobias that often lead to withdrawal or reactivity. Today's focus is on overlooked reasons dogs become fearful and what you need to know about anxiety. It's important to recognize a dog's fear triggers and the role we might play in unconsciously creating stress.
In this episode you'll hear:
• Overlooked triggers to many dogs' fears. • Natural dog fears during certain life stages. • The difference between alert, excited or anxious dog behavior. • How genetics predispose some breeds to fear or confidence. • That animals inherit generational trauma, too. • How events, medical conditions and lack of education can create fear in dogs. • How spaying may impact a female dog's hormones. • How gut health impacts animal behavior and emotions. • The effect of EMF's on dogs and animals. • How dogs absorb and internalize human emotions. • How to decode your dog's body language. • Why we should observe how our reactions impact our dogs.
How do you know if a breeder is truly reputable? How do I fit a new puppy into my daily routine? Why do some vets say raw food is dangerous for dogs? How do I calm a leash-lunging dog? What's the best way to cure puppy separation anxiety? How do I help my hyper dog relax? These are just a few of your questions I'm answering in today's Ask Me Anything about raising and training brilliant, healthy, joyful puppies and dogs using positive reinforcement.
In this episode I'm asked:
• How to teach self-control to a hyper dog. • How to protect a dog's confidence and your connection when training games fail. • Does training with treats encourage dogs to follow you instead of settling down? • How do I calm a leash-lunging, reactive dog? • Do I make my own raw dog food? • How to train a puppy with separation anxiety? • Can reinforcement-based dog training really be as effective as balanced? • How many times a week do you recommend practicing agility? • What is overtraining in dog agility? • How many different marker words do you use for one dog? • Why do you name dog behavior rewards differently? • Are there dogs that can't learn agility no matter your effort? • How did I bring Prophet to Canada from Switzerland. • Why 'slap' and 'push' dogs when playing tug? • How to help a Border Collie pup who lunges at and chases cars. • How do I balance puppy training and a hectic life? • Do you prefer male or female dogs? • When to reduce treat rewards in dog training? • Are breeders registered with the AKC CKC de facto reputable? • What's your take? My vet said feeding raw food is dangerous due to disease risk from infected animals. • What's a good course recommendation for a first-time dog owner who wants to do agility?
I've done several episodes on puppy biting, but my new Border Collie, Prophet, is one of the bitiest I've ever owned. Today I'm expanding on how to save your feet and hands from puppy teeth with the top ten reasons puppies bite, the biggest mistakes we make during puppy biting, and a preventative action plan for puppy biting I've never shared before. Plus, a great new Plan B game for when the puppy is actively biting you. Remember that most biting and nipping is natural as puppies explore new environments with their mouths, so have realistic expectations for your new family member.
In this episode you'll hear:
• Why puppies bite and games to get you through this phase. • The 10 reasons puppies bite. • How to manage your puppy biting expectations. • Tips to build your puppy's brain, body and connection with you. • Mistakes puppy owners make that increase puppy biting. • My Puppy Biting Prevention Protocol. • How to play the Consent & Console Game to mitigate puppy biting.
*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!
Flying A Dog Or Puppy: Susan's Pre-Flight Plan #233
Since I recently had a friend fly my new puppy to Canada from Switzerland in-cabin, many of you asked how I prepare my dogs for airline travel. Even if you don't have plans to fly a puppy anytime soon, you'll benefit from hearing how I train them to be great travelers in two phases. Moreover, there's a lot of red tape and regulations around in-cabin flying with puppies and dogs that vary from airline to airline and country to country. I read the fine print for you and I'm sharing how to avoid expensive – and upsetting – airport snafus when flying with your dog.
In this episode you'll hear:
• How to prepare puppies to fly in-cabin confidently. • The three parts to puppy flight preparation. • That each airline has different pet travel requirements. • What to expect when checking your dog in at the airport. • My in-cabin pet carrier recommendations. • The best crate for flying dogs in cargo or the hold. • My two dog training projects to prepare dogs and puppies for air travel. • Why Crate Games makes traveling with your dog so much easier.
*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!
Canine Predatory Motor Sequence: Understand Your Dog's Prey Drive To Enrich Your Life Together #232
Why do Beagles, Border Collies, Belgian Malinois, Boston Terriers (and most breeds) present different dog training challenges? It's because their Predatory Motor Sequence aka Predation Sequence creates a behavior pattern of eight events selected for some breeds but removed from others. Recognizing which of these eight exists in your dog allows you to enrich, train, reinforce, and avoid denial of things critical to their well-being. Today I'm showing you how to spot these patterns and sharing unique tips and fun games to support or redirect some of the predator sequences inherent in your dog. Enjoy!
In this episode you'll hear:
• The 8 patterns of a domesticated dog's Predatory Motor Sequence. • How to identify the Predatory Sequence traits in your own dog. • How certain breeds like Border Collies were bred selectively for certain predatory traits and not others. • How dogs present their predatory traits through play with toys. • The different prey drives of many different dog breeds. • The various ways dogs stalk that most people don't recognize. • Dog training games for chasing, hunting, biting, and stalking. • That it's better for dogs to dismember food toys than stuffed animals. • Awesome enrichment ideas and training games to redirect or highlight your breed's predatory instincts.
*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!
Training Tips From Susan: Mini Q&A With Susan: Cue Clarity And Start-Line Focus For Agility Success
19 Sep 2025
00:02:58
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.
I love kids, especially those who are keen on training dogs, so when a 10th grader named Finya sent me some wonderful positive reinforcement dog training questions for a school assignment, I said, "Let's go!" Today I'm answering her questions about shock collars, eCollars, other aversives in agility training, training dog sport champions using only positive reinforcement,plus the importance of mentors, empathy and why dog trainers should keep egos in check for our students. You'll also hear three critical tips to troubleshoot your positive reinforcement training plan when stuck.
In this episode you'll hear:
• My answers and advice for an aspiring positive reinforcement trainer and agility competitor. • The benefits of positive reinforcement dog training over other methodologies. • Why we don't punish or unleash frustration when dogs make mistakes. • My thoughts on which dog training tools and techniques constitute abuse. • Why some people perceive dog agility training as animal abuse. • The importance of empathy for the plight of all sentient beings. • My thoughts on those who employ shock collars, prongs and other aversives. • Why making people feel judged shuts them down to learning. • My checklist for when dog training doesn't go as planned. • The importance of having a respected and trustworthy dog training mentor.
In episode 229, I shared the story about finding joy with a "mighty dog" in my life, a Jack Russell Terrier mix named DeCaff. In Part 2, I admit a painful lesson around frustration, shame and struggle between two of my Terriers; as well as the last six lessons my agility champion taught me about conditioning positive emotional responses, arousal states in dog training, seeing behavior as communication, the canine gut-brain axis, and most importantly: forgiveness of self and others.
In this episode you'll hear:
• DeCaff's Story, Part Two: A painful admission about my world champion agility dog. • Lesson 1: A dog shutting down during training is feedback to you. • About DeCaff's slow weave pole times. • Lesson 2: A dog's behavior is a critique of your training plan, skills and execution. • How I used time outs in the past. • About DeCaff's aggression redirection. • Lesson 3: Never sidestep the lesson the dog is trying to share with you. • About my a-ha moment with the "Smack Da Baby" tug game. • How I doubled my agility dog's weave pole times with positive conditioning. • Lesson 4: You can't truly help a dog you've labelled or compared. • How to acknowledge a dog's limitations but focus on their joy and strengths. • Lesson 5: Release guilt, shame and angst we have about our dogs. • When DeCaff jumped my sick senior dog. • My struggles training DeCaff after the death of my other dog, Twister. • About forgiveness for mistakes made with your dog. • Lesson 6: Focus on you and your dog's improvements. • About the lessons dogs bring to our lives. • About the link between gut health, a dog's reactive behavior and their neuroses.
*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!
Transforming An Overwhelmed And Anxious Dog Into A World Champion - DeCaff's Story Part 1 #229
Imagine a dog or puppy so overwhelmed by everything they see, hear or feel that it causes anxiety and crushes their confidence. Before transforming into a world agility champion, this was my Jack Russell Terrier mix, DeCaff. In part one of this two-part series I'm sharing six lessons DeCaff taught me as well as reflections on how I uniquely approached some of my toughest dog training challenges. DeCaff ultimately blossomed into a brilliant agility dog– as well as a loving, calm family pet – who inspired many of the renowned Recallers online dog training games being played worldwide today.
In this episode you'll hear:
● DeCaff's Story: From anxious, over-aroused Jack Russell Terrier mix to world champion agility dog. ● Six lessons, reflections and a few regrets when training DeCaff. ● How DeCaff came into my life by accident. ● When DeCaff first attacked another puppy at 9 weeks old. ● DeCaff's sensitivity to tactile stimulation and new textures could be overwhelming for agility training. ● Lesson 1: Puppy selection for sport dogs. ● About a dog training seminar trip gone awry. ● How DeCaff's breed mix made her physiology perfect for canine sports. ● Lesson 2: Importance of arousal state when training dogs. ● About The Yerkes-Dodson arousal curve for peak performance dog training. ● Why to increase your dog's joy for training in distracting environments. ● Lesson 3: Create a positive environment for yourself and your dog. ● How I discovered my dog's best reinforcer - the fly swatter. ● Lesson 4: Be sure never to force what you think is important on the dog when you're picking their best reinforcer. ● Lesson 5: Transfer of value in dog training. ● How DeCaff and I won the ESPN Great Outdoor Games - and $10K. ● Lesson 6: Take the challenge out of your training. ● Reflections on my 3 toughest dogs to train.
Has there ever been a time when things didn't go as planned in dog training or in life? Or, not only that, but the outcome was the opposite of what you intended? We're going deep on how to handle these setbacks with resilience, grit, grace, and a solid Plan B in place. I'm also sharing my favorite books on boosting mental agility, reframing perceptions, letting go of outcomes, and turning obstacles in dog training to your advantage.
In this episode you'll hear:
• How to overcome adversity and use it to your advantage in dog training. • About This!'s setbacks that made us both better. • The importance of having a Plan B. • How self-talk influences our Belief Loops. • Examples of ego-driven dog trainers. • That dog training is not art, it's science. • The importance of being mentally agile. • How to reframe negative experiences into positive. • About Decaff and highlighting a dog's strengths. • About detaching from outcomes. • Why trophies are never my goal. • The importance of celebrations. • My 11 growth mindset book recommendations. • The 5 keys to Pivots, Plan A's and Plan B's in dog training. • The top 3 "big picture" goals for happy dogs. • Why I don't give extra energy to negative experiences.
*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!
My Foolproof Strategy To Overcoming Dog Training Challenges #227
Everyone with a dog, including professional trainers like me, encounters dog behavior problems. It might be a dog's non-existent recall, chasing things, counter surfing, being out of control, not paying attention, or, if you do sports, not listening to you in the ring. Or it could be a dog's naughty habits around home persisting. Help is at hand, and I'm sharing my strategy for success no matter what the dog training challenge.
In this episode you'll hear:
• How to ensure you overcome dog training challenges for good. • My approach to working through a dog's triggers with curiosity. • What to do when naughty behaviors reappear. • About knowing where the reinforcement is for unwanted behaviors. • That some behaviors are simply quirks of the dog's personality. • The unconscious and overt crutches we use to manage our dogs. • That tracking your training will improve your dog's behavior. • What to journal about the behavior you're fixing. • Why we don't want to avoid our dog's triggers. • How to handle toxic emotions about your dog's actions. • About Momentum's agility see-saw obsession and starting my fix. • Why I'm grateful for the challenges that dogs present. • How I handled an unsolicited opinion about my age and my dog at an agility trial. • That life is better when you see amazing things in your dog.
Contact Us: Write to us at wag@dogsthat.com for another dog training plan.
All dogs deserve toys, and all people with dogs deserve to know as much as possible about toys. I'm covering my favorite dog toys, how I used them, and why to avoid the two most popular for dogs. My house is a treasure trove of toys, and I'm sharing who they are for and when. Plus, we're looking at toy selection to protect you and your dog from harm and tips for playing fetch safely.
In this episode you'll hear:
• My top dog toys and toys to avoid. • How I make toys available to my dogs. • About good toy habits for puppies. • Criteria I have for selecting dog toys. • The two categories of toys for training. • About using toys for rescue dogs or puppies to boost confidence. • The dangers of dogs playing with sticks and tennis balls. • Why I created my "Bring Me" program to teach dogs to retrieve. • That North America lacks toxicity guidelines for dog toys. • The safer options of Kong tennis balls and play sticks for dogs. • Why a renowned Veterinary dentist recommends road hockey balls. • Safety tips and suggestions for playing fetch with dogs with balls. • Why to avoid Dollar Store dog toys.
*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!
Keep The Food Bowl! Why Dogs Don't Need 100% Hand Feeding #225
Dog training has its fads and one you might have heard is never feeding your dog from a bowl. This trend of feeding dogs exclusively by hand can get people into trouble. I believe that dogs should not have to earn the right to get fed. Today I'm explaining why at least part of your dog's meals should come from a bowl, alternative feeding methods to enrich your dog, and powerful ways to reinforce your dog that don't involve food.
In this episode you'll hear:
• Why dogs should be at least partially bowl-fed. • Enrichment ideas for dogs using food. • What I wrote in my book, Ruff Love. • Why I don't advise hand feeding dogs only. • Why dogs need reassurance that food isn't contingent on behavior. • Practical reasons why dogs should learn to eat from a bowl. • How hand feeding dogs only can backfire. • Other ways to reinforce your dog without food. • Why to keep an eye on your dog's weight.
Before my recent episode on latency in dog training, we took a social media poll on cue response times. 62% of people thought their dogs responded too slow. So, to help, this episode covers all the elements that create fluent behavior and what's truly behind a dog's response time to a cue. One of the most significant elements can be what we believe to be true about dogs. We're also looking at the difference between true fluency and a dog's good grasp of a behavior.
In this episode you'll hear:
• Why people often mistake partial understanding of a behavior for fluency. • What I mean by generalizing a dog's behavior to all contexts. • About training my "high" Border Collie, Buzz, for agility. • How to create enthusiasm and joy in your dog for behaviors. • My six criteria for dog behavior fluency. • Why instilling joy is always the first step in dog training. • That "will" is a function of skill and environment. • That our beliefs are not truths but personal perceptions. • How we download and accept information from authority figures in our lives. • Why the beliefs and labels of others aren't your truths. • Why I stopped giving dogs "time outs" over a decade ago. • Why I think I've been successful at positive reinforcement dog training. • What to do when frustration, anger, or disappointment sets in with your dog. • That dogs aren't mad or spiteful when acting out, they're dysregulated. • About fright, flight, freeze, or please reactions to stressors. • The questions to ask yourself when toxic thoughts or emotions arise. • Why we need to teach dogs from a place of environmental success in layers of joy. • My steps for releasing limiting beliefs and toxic thinking.
Handling360 or Home School the Dog: Write to us at wag@dogsthat.com with the subject line: Belief Change
I'm answering your questions on dog agility training, helping anxious, aggressive, and fearful dogs, crate training, dog ears, junior handlers, my daily routine, managing canine pain, socializing puppies, and so much more. Hear how I got my start in professional dog training and what's most essential for me in my relationship with my dogs.
In this episode I'm asked:
• Advice for pet-sitting a seemingly aggressive dog. • What my competitive dog sport goals are for This!. • About my daily and nightly routines and habits for sleep, dog training, fitness, and centering. • If I use target mats for training running contacts. • The relationship essentials for my dogs. • About when pain changes a dog's behavior. • My unlikely origin story as a dog trainer. • How to introduce puppies to other dogs. • What junior agility handlers can do to excel. • About my Border Collies' prick ears. • Advice for nervous and/or reactive dogs in competitive sports. • About the brilliant behaviors and skills dogs learn in Recallers. • How my sport-mix puppy, Belief, differs from my Border Collies. • How to overcome separation anxiety in dogs and the protocols to use. • How playing Crate Games helps dogs love their kennel; and more!
When you cue your dog to perform a behavior, do they respond with lightning speed or a leisurely pace? The lag time between your cue and your dog's response is called latency. When I design a training plan for my dogs, latency is built in, because I want super fast responses to cues. We're covering how why dogs might respond slowly and what you can do to fix it.
In the episode you'll hear:
• What you need to know about latency of behavior. • When to consider a dog's behavior fluent. • Why dogs develop lag times between a cue and response. • What to consider if dogs are slow to respond. • How to leverage arousal states for focused and fast behaviors. • Common mistakes people make that create lag time for dogs. • How to reduce latency with the example of a dog sitting at the door. • Why to take the problem away from the environment. • About using Jean Donaldson's "Push, Stick or Drop" to reduce latency. • When to test the latency of a behavior in new habitats. • That fast responses generalize well to many behaviors.
Training Tips From Susan: Why Consent Matters: Building Trust And Choice In Dog Training
17 Sep 2025
00:04:31
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.
I've just returned home from a trip to Houston, where I competed at an agility trial with my young dog This!, and we had an epically amazing weekend. Many of you know of the struggles This! and I have experienced, which is the inspiration for this episode. What mindset do people need to either work through extreme dog training challenges or support somebody in the midst of those challenges? Today, we're covering strategic approaches to help clear the path forward for you and your dog.
In the episode you'll hear:
• What mindset has to do with extreme dog training challenges. • About the more challenging dogs in my life. • How I transitioned dog training methods with my Border Collie, Buzz. • Why some dogs stop listening to their handlers. • My mindset approach for dog trainers, dog owners and dog sport competitors. • Point 1: Create love and connection for and with the dog. • Point 2: Adopt a positive mindset even if it feels awkward. • Point 3: Use a strategic dog training program that prioritizes the dog's emotional wellbeing. • Point 4: Daily conversations with your dog that are positive. • Point 5: The 3 types of peer support groups. • Point 6: Cultivate resilience and self-belief. • Point 7: See beyond the "box." • Point 8: Identify healthy emotional outlets. • Point 9: The answers exist, so ask better questions. • Point 10: Importance of self-awareness and self-talk. • That mindset is the make-or-break factor to realizing our dogs' potential and our own.
I'm sharing four case studies of dogs that overcame incredibly undesirable behaviors: a humper, a home wrecker, a screamer, and a dog-reactive dog. How did they go from out-of-control to completely calm? From emotional dysregulation to habituation, I'm showing you my strategy for turning behavior problems around. One of these dogs was rehomed because he was so dysregulated – spoiler alert – there's a twist you won't want to miss!
In the episode you'll hear:
• Four case studies of dogs with dysregulated behavior. • Why over-excited dog humping is not a dominance display. • How to give dogs a better way to express their emotions vs. humping. • About a Golden Doodle with severe separation anxiety. • That not all separation anxiety is a learned behavior. • How nutrition, exercise, enrichment and empowered choice influence dog behavior. • The wrong ways dog owners employ enrichment toys. • Examples of co-regulation in helping dogs cope emotionally. • About the FRIDA protocol for dog separation anxiety. • About a rehomed rescue dog that destroyed all the furniture. • My strategy for helping a hyper-reactive dog overcome fear. • That you are your dog's number one advocate regardless of others' labels.
Have you ever wondered why some dogs can walk down a path with their owner, encountering many dogs, but remain completely unfazed? Yet, other dogs see one single dog off in the distance and absolutely lose it. We're talking about why this happens, the ability of dogs to regulate their emotions, and how we can help them. Plus, what you need to know about habituation and how dogs can grow the capacity to tune things out.
In the episode you'll hear:
• The stages of a dog's emotional regulation from reactivity to white noise. • About deconditioning triggers from reactivity through habituation. • If non-reactivity is possible for all dogs. • The difference between inhibited biting and true aggression in dogs. • That humans also have healthy and toxic ways of emotional self-soothing. • Why expecting more of our dog's emotional intelligence than our own is unfair. • 10 tips on helping your dog overcome stress and anxiety. • Examples of dysregulation in dogs and why it's not the same as reactivity. • To gauge expectations of your dog based on your own animal behavior education. • How to be aware of your dog's communication via their behavior. • How to co-regulate your dog's emotions in the heat of the moment. • A plan to move from co-regulation to self-regulation. • The reason why every sport dog I've owned has won a national championship. • The key data to record during dysregulated episodes. • How to teach your dog to make good choices. • The roles of skill, will and environment in your dog's decision making.
Recallers and Home School the Dog: Contact us at wag@dogsthat.com with the subject line My Dog Needs Better Choices