AMA: Puppy Training, Agility Zoomies, Senior Dogs, Feeding Schedules And More With Susan Garrett #249
Dec 19, 2023
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Expert dog trainer Susan Garrett answers questions on topics like training contacts in dog agility, daily routines for puppies, overcoming fears in dogs, training in multiple sports, feeding schedules for dogs, and dealing with reactivity between dogs. She also discusses the importance of a strong foundation in training, stopping the zoomies in the agility ring, reactivity between dogs in the same household, and once a day feeding. Additionally, she addresses various listener questions on exercising dogs, online dog training classes, making older dogs feel loved, breeding decisions, and knowing when to let go of a dog.
Training contacts in dog agility should focus on foundational skills and ensuring the dog is an amazing family pet, while introducing agility obstacles gradually and considering individual progress and timing.
Training dogs involves continuous and varied sessions throughout the day, incorporating formal training sessions lasting 20 to 30 minutes and informal training during daily activities, emphasizing supervision of puppies with objects, and gradually giving older dogs more freedom.
Deep dives
Training Contacts and Foundations in Dog Agility
When it comes to training contacts in dog agility, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on foundational skills and ensuring that the dog is an amazing family pet. Beyond that, handling skills and introducing agility obstacles gradually are key. Contact behavior training typically starts when dogs are close to a year old, with targeting on flat or raised mats. The progress and timing of contact training depend on the individual dog.
Training and Exercise Routine for Dogs
The speaker discusses their training and exercise routine for their dogs. They emphasize that training is a continuous process throughout the day, incorporating both formal training sessions and daily interactions. Formal training sessions may last 20 to 30 minutes, while informal training occurs during activities such as going outside, playing with other dogs, and reinforcing recalls. The speaker also highlights the importance of not leaving puppies unsupervised with objects they may destroy, and gradually giving older dogs more freedom in the house.
Cross-Training in Dog Sports and Personalization
The speaker advocates for cross-training dogs in multiple sports, such as ring sport, agility, and obedience. They mention the importance of balancing behaviors and adjusting training techniques based on the specific sport requirements. The speaker also notes that dogs with equal balance for food and toys, playful nature, proper structure, and drive make great agility dogs. However, they caution against overwhelming dogs with too many sports and emphasize the need for the dog's joy and enthusiasm in the chosen activities.
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?