Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

Is your dog acting out because a new puppy has arrived? Learn why these behaviors often stem from stress rather than spite. Discover how to support your adult dog during this transition with simple strategies like the 3 E's: Exercise, Engagement, and Enrichment. Gain insight into the cognitive biases that fuel misunderstandings about dog behavior and consider alternatives to blame. Plus, hear a case study about an older dog reacting unexpectedly and effective methods to foster calmness.

Discover the magic of lick mats and how they can provide calm for anxious puppies. Uncover the 'thing before the thing,' where anticipation can lead to excitement rather than peace. Learn effective strategies like using exercise and enrichment before introducing lick mats. Explore different stages of using lick mats, from simply distracting anxious pups to conditioning calm behaviors. Finally, understand the importance of using these tools intentionally, rather than as a long-term crutch.

Discover the pitfalls of common misconceptions in dog training! Learn how Straw Man arguments misrepresent positive reinforcement techniques. Get insights on why reinforcement can work for all dog types, even high-drive ones. Uncover the truth about leadership and the role of emotion in effective training. Find out why punishment isn't the best route for teaching reliable behaviors. Plus, tips on how to engage constructively in training debates while staying calm and centered!

Discover how the chaos of leash walks may start long before you even head out the door. Learn to identify what reinforces your dog's unwanted behaviors and how to turn the leash into a tool for calmness instead of excitement. Explore the concept of 'follow the money' to reveal your dog's triggers, and practice simple games like the Connected Collar Grab to build a stronger bond. Implement daily moments of connection and establish a Standard Operating Procedure for successful walks—every detail matters in creating a serene experience!

Discover how your dog's movement can be a key indicator of their health! Learn about over 20 simple fitness exercises designed to enhance strength, balance, and flexibility for dogs of all ages. Delve into the four essential categories of canine fitness: proprioception, strength and stability, flexibility, and conditioning. Plus, get tips on prerequisites for safe exercises, the importance of vet checks, and insightful methods like ladder work and cushion circuits to keep your furry friend fit and agile.

Discover the joys of living with a senior dog and how mindset can transform their quality of life. Learn about the four pillars that promote longevity: physical wellness, nutrition, emotional connection, and cognitive function. Explore how small daily habits boost energy and mental sharpness. Understand the importance of consent and respecting your dog's need for rest. Plus, enjoy enrichment ideas and a special weeklong challenge to enhance your senior dog's purpose and connection. Celebrate every moment together!

In this insightful discussion, the speaker shares why using the word 'no' can confuse dogs and foster misunderstanding. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of clear communication, suggesting the use of names for redirection. Practical training tips highlight managing behavior strategically, prioritizing which habits to train away, and ensuring every interaction with a dog contributes positively to their understanding. The conversation underscores the need for intentionality in training, showcasing how daily moments shape a dog's learning.

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. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOT8z4B81eg

Visit us at shapedbydog.com What might look like digging, chewing, or shredding is often a dog's way of saying, "I need more enrichment." In Part 2 of our enrichment series, I'm sharing how to build a 30-day plan that meets your dog's natural needs for curiosity, challenge, and balance. You'll get over 30 meaningful ideas to build confidence, support calm focus, and strengthen your connection so your dog feels happy, relaxed, and fulfilled. In this episode, you'll hear: • How digging, shredding, chewing, or turning everyday objects into games of their own are our dog's self-created enrichment. • A quick recap of Part 1 of the enrichment series and how using our dog's natural instincts builds engagement. • The main categories of enrichment and how each fulfills different needs. • How engagement-based enrichment helps dogs stay focused and joyful. • What social enrichment looks like in everyday life and how to make it positive. • Ways to safely meet your dog's instinctive drives through play and activities. • How fitness enrichment builds both confidence and physical balance. • The role of curiosity and challenge in keeping enrichment meaningful. • Simple sensory enrichment ideas that bring calm and relaxation. • How to use the free 30-Day Enrichment Planner to create balance, variety, and fun. Resources: 1. Download Your Dog's Enrichment Blueprint - https://dogsthat.com/enrichment-blueprint/ 2. Podcast Episode 314: Dog Enrichment Secrets Part 1: Using Your Dog's Natural Instincts To Build Variety And Engagement - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/314/ 3. YouTube Playlist: Dog Training Games with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2TzttCtZVFwzwMGayAsaYe&si=dL01iM0YSBLEWUWV 4. YouTube Playlist: Target Training for Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3&si=p7xGeNlYA0xg-2hm 5. Podcast Episode 68: 3 Easy Tricks Every Dog Should Know - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/68/ 6. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett's Perch Work Dog Tricks (Pivots and Spins) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6sj6fTJnFc 7. Podcast Episode 281: How Vito's Thinking Games Will Transform Your Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/281/ 8. YouTube Video: How to Train Your Dog to Leave It with No Command: Susan Garrett's ItsYerChoice - https://youtu.be/GGJkfrMje2k?si=ktVPU8o4UP1jTfa0 9. YouTube Playlist: Crate Games and Crate Training for Puppies and Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2cs1uKBQTpAY-LUARQhzT7&si=LRcMwJuXJ19qq6mb 10. Podcast Episode 302: The Recall Myth: Why Your Off Leash Dog Isn't Coming When Called And How To Fix It - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/302/ 11. Podcast Episode 89: Why Dogs Should Not Tug: The Truth Revealed - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/89/ 12. Podcast Episode 180: Taking Your Puppy To A Café Or Restaurant: Socialization Success - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/180/ 13. Podcast Episode 121: How To Stop Dogs Jumping Up On People - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/121/ 14. Podcast Episode 145: 10 Ways To Teach A Dog To Lay Down And How To Shape It Without Luring - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/145/ 15. YouTube Video: DIY Puppy Bombs: Easy & Affordable Enrichment Toy for Puppies - https://youtu.be/UBveJe2C2dA 16. *Flirt Pole - https://geni.us/flirt-pole 17. *Snuffle Mat - https://geni.us/snuffle_mat 18. Nina Ottosson Food Puzzles - https://www.nina-ottosson.com/products/all-products/ 19. *West Paw Zogoflex Toppl Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Puzzle - https://geni.us/toppl 20. *KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy - https://geni.us/kong-toy 21. Podcast Episode 74: Yes, Susan Garrett's Dogs Sniff On Walks - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/74/ 22. YouTube Playlist: Exercising Your Dog's Body and Mind: Tips and Games with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1ISzbaoCNh0NyLg3qgDG58&si=iV1H-X-QNyxd04zj 23. *PETGEEK Treat Dispenser - https://geni.us/petgeek-dispenser 24. *KONG Wobblers - https://geni.us/kong-wobbler 25. Podcast Episode 191: Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/191/ 26. YouTube Channel: DogsThat - https://www.youtube.com/@DogsThat 27. *If your dog loves wood, Susan's dogs love this chew: SPOT Coffee Wood Dog Chew Toy - https://geni.us/wood-chew 28. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/aBuG1z2oLos *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!

Discover the true essence of dog enrichment beyond just toys like Kongs. Learn how to create meaningful experiences that cater to your dog's emotional, mental, and instinctual needs. Explore the importance of variety and choice while avoiding monotonous routines. Delve into the eight stages of the predatory sequence and how to design activities for each stage, from snuffle mats to chase games. This episode is packed with practical tips for enhancing your dog's life and fostering a deeper connection between you both.