Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

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.

When dog training stops being enjoyable, it's time for a reset. Discover how to distinguish between learning and looping with simple questions and mindset shifts. Susan emphasizes redefining what fun means for both you and your dog. Learn to recognize signs of being stuck and explore four steps to regain momentum. Target training is highlighted as a helpful tool to enhance understanding. Seeking guidance can also provide clarity. Ultimately, shifting your perspective can bring joy back to training sessions.

Potty training can be tricky, but understanding your puppy is key! Accidents may signal health issues or weather sensitivities. Learn to recognize your puppy's unique signals and adjust routines for better training success. Supervision and realistic expectations play vital roles in progress. Celebrate small wins and use effective cleaning methods to prevent repeat accidents. Emotional responses can confuse your pup, so staying calm is crucial. Discover practical tips to create consistent potty habits and communicate effectively with your furry friend.

Explore the fascinating world of dog focus as the host breaks down the meanings of connected, driven, and detached behaviors. Discover how connected dogs check in with their owners, while driven dogs maintain focus on sports cues. Learn to reframe detached behaviors without blame, understanding the link to training choices. The discussion emphasizes responsible training, reminding listeners that dogs often mirror their environment and training principles. Enhance your teamwork and communication with your furry friend!

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.