Discover how to harness your dog's excitement for improved training results! Learn the impact of arousal levels on behavior and performance. Delve into the Yerkes-Dodson Law and its connection to anxiety in dogs. Get practical tips for managing excitement during training. Recognize emotional states in your furry friend and find ways to calm an overly excited pup. Strengthen your bond with your dog to create a balanced training environment. Master the signs of excitement to keep your sessions effective and enjoyable!

Susan Garrett, a leading expert in dog training and behavior, tackles your burning questions on reactivity, agility, and more. She shares insights on whether dogs thrive in multi-dog households and how to maintain focus and impulse control during training. Learn practical strategies to manage behaviors like lunging and nipping. The discussion also covers the nuances of neutering, handling high arousal in agility, and using play as a reinforcer. Perfect for dog owners navigating the challenges of canine companionship!

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    "How do I walk multiple dogs?' is a popular question. I'm sharing my tips and step-by-step guide to walking more than one dog at once so walks are stress-free and enjoyable for everyone. The process I've got for you is how I teach my dogs to walk together calmly and happily, no matter what distraction is nearby.   In this episode you’ll hear:   • The most important skill before walking multiple dogs. • All about the cues I use, such as “with me,” “side,” and “close”,when walking dogs  • Why to use "pee mail" and “sniff” to make walks enjoyable for both you and your dog • How to build value for a Reinforcement Zone by your side. • How to use paw targets for great dog walking foundations..  • How to test your dog’s understanding of the reinforcement zone. • How to use multiple targets to grow your dog’s understanding. • How to start moving targets, adding turns, and off-leash training. • How to introduce a garbage can prop and teach your dogs inside and outside turns. • Keep your dog's focus on walks by teaching a smooth left-to-right transition. • Tips for managing distractions and giving dogs sniff breaks. • Why and how to use each dog's name when you are walking.   Resources:   1. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog’s Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://youtu.be/OaUAScgaFAg 2. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett’s Target Stick Training for Dogs Part One – All About Targeting - https://youtu.be/MzePo7RSQu4  3. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett’s Target Stick Training Part Two - Step by Step Plan - https://youtu.be/TqsEEWCXze0 4. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett’s Perch Work Dog Tricks (Pivots and Spins) - https://youtu.be/O6sj6fTJnFc 5. Podcast Episode 32: 20 Easy Ways to Exercise Your Dog at Home - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/32/ 6. YouTube Playlist: Loose Leash Walking with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1mGMfdVKXq_hiJ27Ej1shW 7. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/rkP1AiRdWpY

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Want an easy, fun way to boost your dog's skills, strengthen your bond, and lay the foundation for advanced training while having fun? Look no further than Vito's Thinking Game! I'm sharing how to play and why it has so much power. Whether you're a seasoned dog trainer or a first-time puppy or rescue dog owner, this game is perfect for dogs of all ages and skill levels.    In this episode you’ll hear:   • How Vito’s Game builds your dog’s focus and confidence. • A step-by-step guide to playing Vito’s Game with your dog. • The benefits of letting your dog make training decisions. • Tips to adapt Vito’s Game to any dog’s personality. • How Vito’s Game reduces the need for your constant intervention. • Why Vito’s Game is perfect for every dog and trainer. • How one easy game gives your dog multiple skills.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 151: How Location Specific Reinforcement Markers Will Improve Your Dog Training! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/151/ 2. Podcast Episode 174: Dopamine In Dog Training: Anticipation, Rewards, And The Transfer Of Value - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/174/ 3. YouTube Playlist: Dog Training Games with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2TzttCtZVFwzwMGayAsaYe 4. Podcast Episode 276: What No One Tells You About The Best Place To Train Your Puppy Or Rescue Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/276/ 5. Podcast Episode 191: Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/191/ 6. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/tIEhIhQOWyI

Discover how to activate your inner booster button for dog training success! Learn the importance of being present and how your mindset influences your dog's behavior. Explore easy exercises to shift your emotional state and why self-talk matters in training sessions. Hear about the connection between emotional regulation and training results. Find out how following mentors can boost your skills, and uncover the three biggest gifts you can give your furry friend. It’s time to unleash your dog training superpowers!

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Why do dogs eat poop? It’s known as coprophagia and how to stop it is a popular question. Poop eating in dogs is more common than you might think. When your dog eats their own poop or another dog's poop, it can be distressing, and if it's out in public, downright embarrassing! I'm walking you through the three main reasons behind coprophagia, what worked to stop my puppy Prophet from eating poop, and why I think my dog Encore started when she was six years old and the resolve. None of us want our dogs to snack on poop, and understanding is the first step in helping them.   In this episode you’ll hear:   • Why dogs might eat poop, also known as coprophagia, and what it means. • The three main reasons behind this behavior: curiosity, health issues, and behavior. • My personal experience with my own dogs and the impact of gut health on poop eating. • Effective probiotic products that helped stop puppy Prophet from eating poop. • Practical steps to manage and stop poop eating, including dietary adjustments and gut biome testing. • How to approach coprophagia to help dogs without adding more stress or punishment. • The importance of understanding your dog's behavior as feedback to improve their well-being.   ItsYerChoice Game: Learn “ItsYerChoice” for free - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/    Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 243: Training My New Puppy, What He Knows So Far: Susan Garrett’s Plan And Puppy Schedule - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/243/ 2. Soil & Sea | Primordial Pre & Probiotics - https://adoredbeast.com/products/soil-sea-primordial-pre-and-probiotics 3. Hair Analysis: Dr. Dobias - https://peterdobias.com/ 4. Gut Biome Testing: VDI Laboratory - https://vdilab.com/ 5. Podcast Episode 205: The Hidden World Of Reinforcement For Dogs And Why You Need To Know - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/205/ 6. YouTube Playlist: Feeding Dogs, Training Treats, Dog Food, Nutrition and Canine Behavior, Raw Diets with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0ylVCv0BiSj27AeIdObb_q 7. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/Nm07OJ3jYbo

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   I love giving dogs food puzzles and have a step-by-step plan that I believe will build confidence, end frustration and grow resilience for puppies and dogs of all ages. Strategic use of food puzzles creates essential coping skills, provides enrichment, and helps dogs work through failure in training, which we all need because we are human and will make mistakes.  I’m covering how to use food puzzles effectively with tips on what to do and what to avoid.    In this episode you’ll hear:   • All about food puzzles and their benefits. • The categories and types of food puzzles, from easy to complex. • Common mistakes when using food puzzles and how to avoid them. • The importance of challenging and varying food puzzles for dogs. • About safety tips and cleaning guidelines for food puzzles. • My personal observations and theories on the impact of food puzzles on dog behavior. • What the benefits of food puzzles are for coping with frustration. • The categories of food puzzles and their uses. • About using high-value treats and appropriate challenges. • How to manage resource guarding and dog interactions when using puzzles. • The strategic use of food puzzles and puppy independence. • The importance of variety and measuring food rations. • The importance of safe practices and cleaning food puzzles. • The strategies I recommend when using food puzzles.   Homemade Dog Treats: Grab your free eBook on Homemade Dog Treats for high-value rewards to use in your food puzzles - https://dogsthat.com/tastytreats/  Hand Targets: Get the Hand Target Game and more in our FREE Hand Target Masterclass while it’s running - https://dogsthat.com/celebrate-together/  ItsYerChoice Game: Learn “ItsYerChoice” for free - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/  Crate Games: Crate Games is the fun and fast way dogs learn many skills for daily life and dog sports - https://get.crategames.com/    Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 239: Barking Dogs! How To Help Your Dog Be Quiet And Stop Annoying Barking - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/239/  2. Podcast Episode 263: Breaking Down Dog Behavior Problems: Insights From The Top 10 Frustrations - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/263/ 3. YouTube Playlist: Reactive or Aggressive Dogs: Key Insights with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0Tbd6ZybIXgJk3mtpBLLk7 4. *Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slow Bowl, Slow Feeder Dog Bowl - https://geni.us/slow-feeder  5. *West Paw Zogoflex Toppl Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Puzzle - https://geni.us/toppl  6. *KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy - https://geni.us/kong-toy   7. YouTube Video: DIY Puppy Bombs: Easy & Affordable Enrichment Toy for Puppies - https://youtu.be/UBveJe2C2dA 8. Recallers Tasty Treats Recipe eBook - https://dogsthat.com/tastytreats/ 9. YouTube Playlist: Resource Guarding In Dogs and Puppies with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1JqsmK9_tnBuTQpBXFfYXi 10. Podcast Episode 200: Solve Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety With FRIDA: Expanding Calm With Functional Relaxation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/200/ 11. YouTube Playlist: Dog Training Games with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2TzttCtZVFwzwMGayAsaYe 12. Nina Ottosson Food Puzzles - https://www.nina-ottosson.com/  13. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/oHXT6SXrcBM   *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!

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    When is the right time to start agility training with your puppy? That's a popular question I receive, and I'm sure other world champions also get asked!  So, to answer, I’m covering everything you need to know about starting agility with a puppy, including the most important factor, and when and how I begin training. Even if you don't do agility, what I'm sharing can apply to a wide range of activities we enjoy with dogs, including being amazing members of our family. Free eBook Get your free Agility Cues eBook for the insider info on the cues I use  - https://dogsthat.com/agility-cues/    In this episode you’ll hear:   • When to consider starting agility training with your puppy, beyond growth plates. • The factors I consider before starting a puppy in agility.  • How to create success, safely and fun for agility puppies. • About the physical and mental readiness needed for agility obstacles. • The four R’s - Relationship, Recalls, Retrieve, Reinforcement Zone. • What’s important about agility handling, verbal cues and discriminations. • How to use jump grids and fitness exercises to prepare your puppy. • My personal experiences with my own agility dogs as puppies. • Why I love forest fitness for a puppy's development. • How to manage the intensity and frequency of agility training for puppies.   Download Your Free eBook: Susan Garrett’s Agility Cues eBook - http://dogsthat.com/agility-cues/   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 186: 2 Types Of Connection With Dogs: Dog Agility And Daily Life Case Studies - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/186/ 2. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett   - https://youtu.be/OaUAScgaFAg?si=OKGOlAB1pqGU60ap 3. YouTube Playlist: Exercising Your Dog's Body and Mind: Tips and Games with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1ISzbaoCNh0NyLg3qgDG58 4. Podcast Episode 203: Reactive, Unmotivated and Fearful: Finding Resiliency For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 1 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/203/ 5. Podcast Episode 204: Dog Behavior And Diet: Recovery For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 2 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/204/ 6. Podcast Episode 206: First Dog Agility Competition: Creating Joy For This! By Maximizing Reinforcement - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/206/ 7. Podcast Episode 114: Dog Agility Training: 3 Big Mistakes All Dog Owners Should Avoid - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/114/ 8. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube  - https://youtu.be/kMJ0e7HYvPk 

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    The best place to train a puppy or rescue dog might be the best-kept dog training secret you need to know! It's something no one ever tells you, and it will create success with dog training so your dog can be an amazing companion. You don't need to be on a downward spiral of frustration and disappointment, and I've three critical dog training strategies that are easy to implement so you and your dog can live your best life ever.   Free Goodies for You and Your Dog Are you ready for a NEW START? I've got you covered! Here's your link to grab your free Stickers Template, Hand Target Training Video and PDF eBook Lesson Plan - https://dogsthat.com/sbd-new-start-bundle/ Whether you're a seasoned dog trainer or a first-timer, these dog training goodies are for you. They're designed to give every dog and person a fresh start, regardless of their experience level.   In this episode you’ll hear:   • Why some dogs are amazing companions and others are rehomed. • The number one mistake people make with their puppies, rescue dogs or adult dogs.  • An example of my rescue dog, Tater, and how he came to be living with me. • About hope training and what’s really educating dogs. • How the environment is training your dog and getting in the way of your success. • The best place to train your puppy or dog. • Why learning to drive is similar to teaching a puppy or dog. • Where your dog is most engaged, more focused, less distracted and able to grow in confidence. • 3 critical strategies for dog training success that are easy to implement today. • A short time with my friend’s puppy and how the puppy quickly excelled. • How to take daily action to have fun and teach your puppy or dog great skills. • Journalling can be fun and quick so give it a go. • The journal stickers and bundle of free goodies I have for you and your dog - https://dogsthat.com/sbd-new-start-bundle/   Resources:   1. Get your free Stickers Template, Hand Target Training Video and PDF eBook Lesson Plan - https://dogsthat.com/sbd-new-start-bundle/ 2. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/9TiZ3BACSkI 

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    One of the most frequent questions we see is how to get dogs to stop barking, but this week, a Shaped by Dog listener asked the opposite. They want to help their dog start barking. I teach this as a parlor trick, and have the training steps for you. I’m also sharing expert insights from my good friend, Matt Folsom of Modern Malinois fame because for many working dogs, barking is a vital skill, and it’s a very nuanced and detailed behavior.    In this episode you’ll hear:   • That barking on cue is a fun parlor trick and a vital skill for working dogs. • Expert insights from Matt Folsom about how he teaches protection dogs to bark. • How to train your dog to speak on cue as a trick. • How to shape continuous barking. • About capturing barking. • The emotional triggers/reasons behind dog barking and why I harness excitement. • When to add a cue to your dog’s trained barking behavior.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 240: Stop Barking Dogs! Step-By-Step Action Plan And Anti-Bark Strategies To Avoid - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/240/ 2. Podcast Episode 238: Barking Dogs! Understanding Canine Vocalization To Prevent Nuisance Barking - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/238/ 3. Podcast Episode 239: Barking Dogs! How To Help Your Dog Be Quiet And Stop Annoying Barking - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/239/ 4. YouTube Playlist: The Emotional State of Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy29pv3_9b7DZdMFJL9ZJPMy&feature=shared 5. Podcast Episode 69: Clicker Training: Will It Work For Every Dog? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/69/ 6. Matt Folsom The Modern Malinois - https://www.stsk9.com/modern-malinois/ 7. Podcast Episode 170: 5 Popular Ways To Train Your Dog With Food - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/170/ 8. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/p57mCYqIahY