Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

Discover how to shape your dog's behavior with effective training strategies. Learn about establishing a reinforcement hierarchy to tailor motivation, and use location-specific markers for better targeting. Susan emphasizes the importance of making training your dog's choice and the value of crate games. Find out how to commit to short sessions while reviewing your progress on video, and avoid chaotic reinforcement to prevent anxiety. Finally, learn to maintain neutrality during training and focus on building strong behavioral blocks for reliable results.

Preparing your puppy for agility goes beyond just equipment. The focus should be on building confidence and joy first. Susan argues that soft-tissue strength matters more than growth plate closure when starting out. She emphasizes waiting until 14–16 months for high-impact skills to protect developing bodies. A strong handler-dog relationship, reliable recall, and teaching retrieves are essential foundations. Finally, effective handling relies on teaching dogs to follow motion and cues, ensuring agility success.

Dive into essential training strategies for dog agility! Discover when to start contact training and the importance of laying solid foundations for puppies. Learn about the natural traits that make dogs excel in agility, plus tips on entering the agility world. Struggling with zoomies? Susan uncovers how to identify the cause and stop them with clear handling and path-training. Tune in for actionable insights that will enhance your dog’s performance and your training experience!

This episode dives into the importance of using a variety of dog treats to keep training fun and effective. Susan highlights unique options like fruits, vegetables, and high-value meats, discussing different forms such as freeze-dried and raw. She explores the hierarchy of treat value, shares her top choices for irresistible training rewards, and emphasizes the benefits of rotating treats. With tips on storing different treats around the house, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for any dog owner!

Discover the importance of listening to your dog's 'no' as a signal for necessary training adjustments. Learn how to minimize distractions and create a stress-free environment for your dog. Explore counterconditioning techniques to address fear and discomfort. Find out when to take a pause for pain recovery and how to slowly reintroduce training. Finally, engage your dog with fun games that enhance consent and build a stronger bond, ensuring training is both rewarding and enjoyable.

Unlocking your dog's potential is easier than you think! Discover how to make food their favorite motivation and turn it into a tool for brilliant behaviors. Learn to play games that teach your dog to work for rewards rather than expect them. Ignoring demanding behavior can help create a more respectful dynamic. Want longer-lasting skills? Stretch those intervals between rewards! Plus, find out how to chain behaviors through strategic play for reliable results and deeper connections with your furry friend.

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

Discover why consent is crucial in dog training! Learn about expressed versus implied consent, and how giving dogs choice fosters trust and confidence. Susan emphasizes the importance of being attentive to your dog's signals, whether it's during play or health care activities like nail trims. She also warns against using tactics that manipulate consent and explains how clear communication can enhance your dog's participation and joy in training!

Delve into essential body awareness exercises tailored for dogs across all life stages. Discover the significance of warming up and cooling down routines to enhance strength and mobility. Learn techniques like sit, down, stand, and sidestepping that are crucial for agility training. This discussion provides actionable insights for preparing your dog for success both in sports and everyday activities.

Dive into the world of dog training with insights on creating a strong bond between you and your furry friend. Discover how engaging through play enhances learning and cooperation. Learn the importance of understanding your dog's values for effective teamwork. Training doesn’t have to feel like a chore—it's all about building trust and connection. These quick, actionable strategies ensure your dog will want to work with you, making every session a joy for both of you!