Visit us at shapedbydog.com     Do you consider yourself a risk taker? Or maybe you play it safe? What about when it comes to your dog? We all want our dogs to be safe, but there’s one area in a dog’s life where people take highly dangerous risks, and that is when travelling in the car.   In the episode you'll hear:   • That I’m not risk aversive, except when it comes to my dogs. • Why I decided to never take part in “go to ground” with my Terriers. • The chances I won’t take with my dogs even though they are so well trained. • About all the risks people take with how dogs travel in cars. • Me implore you to please never drive with your dog in the back of a pickup truck. • The dangers of driving with your dog’s head out the window. • About how risky it is to drive with your dog on your lap on the front seat next to you. • How dogs riding loose in the backseat can obsess, leading to anxiety, barrier frustration and aggression. • That even the cargo area is not safe for you or your loose dog. • How I set up my car crates and anchor them down out of the crumple zone. • That a seatbelt attached to a genuinely approved car harness can be a way for your dog to travel in a car. • About evaluating the risk when you go to put your dog in the car for a ride.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 154: Car Vacations With Dogs: Tips To Make Holiday Road Trips Safe And Fun For All - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/154/ 2. Center for Pet Safety - https://www.centerforpetsafety.org/ 3. Gunner Crates - https://gunner.com/ 4. Ruff Tough Kennels - https://rufflandkennels.com/ 5. Sleepypod Clickit Harnesse - https://sleepypod.com/ 6. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube -  https://youtu.be/ZwM6NaMSf4k

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    If you’ve ever trained your dog in public or put a video on social media, chances are somebody has offered you unsolicited training advice. Likely it’s advice you don’t need, don’t want, and most certainly didn’t request. How to deal with it is a question we see frequently, so if you have ever received unsolicited dog training advice, this episode is for you!   In the episode you'll hear:   • That our job is always to protect and grow confidence for our dog and ourselves. • How the advice you receive might be coming from a good place with helpful intent. • The chances of a random stranger having any credentials in dog training is very low. • How your internal dialogue is the most important thing, followed by your external response. • What you can do to be proactive and why to think about your recovery response. • That you can deflect to me if needed, and that advice might be like an offer to change a tire. • How to handle online interactions and that when you feel furious, it’s time to get curious. • What to do about unsolicited advice or dog training when it’s from visitors in your home. • About dealing with unsolicited advice when it comes from an authority like your Vet. • Why to never hand your dog over to anyone to “deal with” without asking questions.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 112: Stressed Dog? How Trigger Stacking Might Be Putting Your Dog Over Threshold - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/112/ 2. Podcast Episode 153: Dog Muzzles: Everything You Need To Know And How To Muzzle Train Dogs - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/153/ 3. YouTube Video - Vet Visits For Dogs: How To Create A Positive Experience For Everyone - https://youtu.be/VJc42BfNre4 4. YouTube Playlist: The Emotional State of Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy29pv3_9b7DZdMFJL9ZJPMy 5. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube -  https://youtu.be/q8mVmCd50jQ

Visit us at shapedbydog.com     There are two types of dogs when it comes to water and going for a swim. Some dogs LOVE water and swimming, and others don’t want anything to do with it. How we teach swimming applies to both kinds of dogs and is different from what you might see others do. Dogs who naturally love to swim can be a challenge, as can dogs who hate water. Help is at hand with my 5 steps for water success for both types of dogs.   In the episode you'll hear:   • Why a dog loving water and swimming can be problematic for you and your dog. • The reason control is essential for swimming and your dog’s safety. • How helping your dog like water is helping them be comfortable with life skills. • That the chance to go for a swim can be a high value reinforcer to use to your advantage. • Why I like my dogs to actually be swim when they are in the water. • Reasons some dogs don’t like going in the water, including being “John Wayned” aka flooded. • How you can easily start with an empty kiddie pool for both types of dogs. • The steps to put going into the water on stimulus control for your dog. • How your dog knowing sit, down and spin helps with water and swimming. • The breakdown of all the elements for water loving or water hating dogs.   Resources:   1. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett Riffs on Transfer of Value in Dog Training (and water loving Labradors) - https://youtu.be/clFlutZ0mls 2. YouTube Playlist: Cooperative Care and Consent in Dog Training - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1wgUlMBX63miIBBpxE-DAO 3. YouTube Playlist: Reinforcement, Permissions and Transfer of Value in Dog Training with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1IUj_4P54q2PIuLNtnXjFO 4. YouTube Video: Target Stick Training for Dogs Part 1 - https://youtu.be/MzePo7RSQu4 5. YouTube Video: Target Stick Training for Dogs Part 2 - https://youtu.be/TqsEEWCXze0 6. Podcast Episode 157: Dog Body Language: Understanding Canine Communication Signals And Emotions - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/157/ 7. Dog Life Jacket: Salus Skippy Dog Vest - http://www.salusmarine.com/?products=skippy 8. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/oexSF-V3ELg

Visit us at shapedbydog.com     Understanding the science of dog training is going to help you help your dog with clarity. In Episode 158 of Shaped by Dog, we covered training and using positive interrupters, and a few questions came in asking how that’s different from a recall cue. The difference starts with the words “unconditioned stimulus” and knowing how conditioning works.   In the episode you'll hear:   • The news that we have a new puppy, and her name is Belief. • More on what positive interrupters are, are not, and what I'm using. • About conditioned cues and how you can use them. • A refresher on location specific reinforcement markers. • How the clicker or marker word tells your dog, "you are correct". • Why to know what you expect your dog to do and the likelihood they will do it. • About intentionally conditioning the words you use. • That the clicker is not a recall cue for your dog. • How all conditioned reinforcers have a specific role for a dog's clarity. • The difference between a positive interrupter and a recall cue.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 158: Stop Your Dog’s Unwanted Behaviors With This Positive Interrupter - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/158/ 2. Podcast Episode 130: Conditioned Responses: The Magic Every New Puppy (And Dog) Owner Must Know About - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/130/ 3. Episode 151: How Location Specific Reinforcement Markers Will Improve Your Dog Training! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/151/ 4. Podcast Episode 144: Teach Your Dog To Listen No Matter What… Even If You Think They Are Stubborn - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/144/ 5. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/Mb8ePPabgFQ

Visit us at shapedbydog.com     I have owned nine puppies and had many rescue dogs new to my home, and all have become amazing adult dogs. It might seem I was lucky, but the truth is that I followed a process! And there are things that I don’t do with my puppies or dogs when they come to live with me. I’m covering the 10 common mistakes that people make with a new puppy. Avoiding these 10 things that people do intentionally or inadvertently when they get a new puppy will set puppies up for success.   In the episode you'll hear:   • The 10 mistakes to avoid when your new puppy comes home. • About the layers of the 5C Formula applied to puppy raising for confidence. • How clarity for me starts with a puppy learning how to be excited and how to be calm. • That you have permission to go shopping before your puppy arrives. • Why to decide the method of training you want to use with intention. • About having realistic expectations because puppies are babies. • How to create an environment to set a puppy up for success and confidence. • The importance of keeping your slippery floors covered so puppy does not slide. • Why to avoid indoor pee pads if you want your puppy to potty outside. • About the appropriate timing of socializing puppies. • How an overtired puppy is cranky, overstimulated, and needs sleep. • Why I encourage you to have your new puppy sleep in the bedroom at night. • A bonus tip to prevent counter surfing and scavenging from the get-go.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 21: The 5 Critical Dog Training Layers for Confidence with Anything - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/21/ 2. YouTube Video: Vet Visits For Dogs: How To Create A Positive Experience For Everyone - https://youtu.be/VJc42BfNre4 3. Podcast Episode 146: Balanced Dog Training: Does It Really Exist? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/146/ 4. YouTube Playlist: Puppy Essentials with Susan Garrett Dog Training - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2hywpv3Md3HbWWPPbVF8W5 5. Podcast Episode 58: How to Create Kid Friendly Dogs and Dog Friendly Kids - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/58/ 6. Podcast Episode 70: Critical Info for Your Puppy’s First Day and Night at Home - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/70/ *7. Dirty Dog Doormat Runner - https://geni.us/dirty-dog-runner 8. Podcast Episode 48: Potty Train Your Puppy in a Week (Easy 3 Step Process) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/48/ 9. Podcast Episode 26: Pro Dog Training Tips to Get Your Puppy to Sleep All Night - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/26/ 10. Blog Post: All About Dogs Sleeping in the Bedroom - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2020/03/dogs-sleeping-in-the-bedroom/ 11. Podcast Episode 33: How Do I Stop My Dog Counter Surfing?! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/33/ 12. Learn How to Play ItsYerChoice (IYC) - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/ 13. Podcast Episode 157: Dog Body Language: Understanding Canine Communication Signals And Emotions - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/157/ 14. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/Z1w1N54Px0A **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     It’s important to realize when a puppy might not be interacting appropriately with another puppy or dog. Some puppies can be bullies, play far too roughly, or be overly exuberant and unable to read the room. We’re covering the steps you can take to help a puppy with appropriate interactions and what to know about puppy play.   In the episode you'll hear:   • What I learned from a Jack Russel Terrier puppy and Border Collie puppy in the 90s. • How puppies learn when they are playing with littermates and that young puppies can show calming signals. • The reasons that puppies might be bullies including when they leave the litter. • About my experiences with Buzz and his discomfort with other dogs. • How Tater-Salad had an inappropriate play style when he came to live with us. • What to look for when you take your puppy to a play and socialization class. • When to use a positive interrupter to help your pup with appropriate interactions. • In the episode, you’ll hear What to do if you have a softer puppy who is getting pushed around. • About puppies who badger your adult dog and what to do. • That most adult dogs have a limited time where they give a puppy a “free pass”, but others have zerotolerance. • Ways to help exuberant puppies who have not yet learned to read the room. • How to set up your environment for success and safety for puppies and adult dogs.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 157: Dog Body Language: Understanding Canine Communication Signals And Emotions - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/157/ 2. Podcast Episode 158: Stop Your Dog’s Unwanted Behaviors With This Positive Interrupter - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/158/ 3. Blog Post: Socializing the Singleton Puppy: Swagger’s Big Adventures - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2011/02/socializing-the-singleton-puppy-a-swaggers-big-adventures/ 4. Book: Shaping Success by Susan Garrett - https://dogsthat.com/product/shaping-success-2/ 5. YouTube Playlist: Behavior Chains in Dog Training with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy36FqDOVAwoHy87MhW 6. Podcast Episode 72: Preventing Dog Aggression: Introducing Dogs or Puppies with Project Togetherness - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/72/ 7. Podcast Episode 30: Why Dog Crates Are Not Dog Cages - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/30/ 8. YouTube Playlist: Living with Multiple Dogs Tips with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy36FqDOVAwoHy87MhWFUxVd 9. Recallers - https://recallers.com/ 10. Podcast Episode 32: 20 Easy Ways to Exercise Your Dog at Home - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/32/ 11. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/0kbDlNIxtn4 

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    If you took an obedience class back in the 80s, you could have learned to say things like AH-AH, NO, and HEY to stop your dog from doing something. And if you learned that that recently or find those old habits still with you, I’ve got something to help! Those short sharp words spoken harshly will startle dogs and stop a behavior, but they will also create stress and anxiety for a dog. Instead, we can teach words or sounds that will interrupt our dogs and let them know what we want them to do.   In the episode you'll hear:   • About the judgement we put on dogs when we use harsh words to stop behavior. • The way to condition a new cue to use as a positive interrupter. • How a positive interrupter should mean "stop what you are doing and come and find me". • When to use a positive interrupter to give your dog something different to do. • How an interrupter is not a recall cue and that your recall cue is sacred! • About choosing the best sound or word to use as a positive interrupter. • How you could use "wit-wit-wit-wit" as your positive interrupter. • How to easily teach your new positive interrupter to help you and your dog. • When to transition your new cue to real-life situations. • That you need to be aware of the thing before the thing and inadvertent behavior chains.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 157: Dog Body Language: Understanding Canine Communication Signals And Emotions - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/157/ 2. Kikopup on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup 3. Blog with Video: Teaching Puppies: It’s Just Arranging Coincidences - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2015/04/teaching-puppies-its-just-arranging-coincidences/ 4. Learn how to play ItsYerChoice (IYC) - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/ 5. Podcast Episode 16: The Thing Before Your Dog’s Thing - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/16/ 6. YouTube Playlist: Behavior Chains in Dog Training with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy36FqDOVAwoHy87MhWFUxVd 7. Podcast Episode 64: Help! How Can I Tell My Dog He’s Wrong? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/64/ 8. Podcast Episode 131: How Would Susan Garrett Plan Your Dog Training Sessions? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/131/ 9. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/7I8zLWN4rQk

Visit us at shapedbydog.com     If you spend time on social media, you will have seen videos where somebody has a family dog and a young toddler or a baby in very precarious situations. It’s unnecessarily dangerous as the dog is giving clear information with their body language on how they are feeling! If we live with a dog, we need to understand how they communicate their emotions. We’re covering what to look for in canine body language, so you know what dogs are telling you.   In the episode you'll hear:   • My observations on what an adult Australian Shepherd is saying about interactions with a puppy. • That a play bow does not always mean a dog wants to play. • What your dog is trying to communicate to you and what to observe. • How our dogs have complex emotions and how they tell us what they are feeling. • Four books about canine body language to have in your library. • How to really notice what your dog’s tail is telling you, including a left wag. • About the way dogs use their eyes to express their emotional state. • How dogs use body language to try and diffuse situations. • Why to notice what your dog’s tongue is doing and what a dog’s yawn could be saying. • The signals to look for in your dog’s ears, head posture, and body.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 25: Why All Dogs Can Bite and How to Reduce the Risk with R.E.A.D. - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/25/ 2. Podcast Episode 4: T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/Ears, Mouth, Posture) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/4/ 3. YouTube Playlist: The Emotional State of Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy29pv3_9b7DZdMFJL9ZJPMy 4.* Book - On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas - https://geni.us/calming-signals 5. *Book - Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide Interpreting the Native Language of the Domestic Dog by Brenda Aloff - https://geni.us/canine-body-language 6. *Book - Body Posture & Emotions: Shifting Shapes, Shifting Minds by Suzanne Clothier - https://geni.us/body-posture-emotions 7. *Book - Doggie Language: A Dog Lover's Guide To Understanding Your Best Friend by Lili Chin - https://geni.us/doggie-language-book 8. Podcast Episode 121: How To Stop Dogs Jumping Up On People - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/121/ 9. Podcast Episode 66: Resource Guarding: Dog vs Dog Aggression - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/66/ 10. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/t1Zcqp8IwnI   *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     The best thing we can do for our dogs is protect them from unpleasant events. Fireworks displays can be beautiful for us but can be traumatic for dogs. It’s not just dogs; many animals are scared of fireworks, including wildlife. We can help our dogs by preparing and keeping them safe, and I’m covering strategies that you can put into place right now.   In the episode you'll hear:   • The alternatives to fireworks and how we can start asking for change. • Why not to take fireworks lightly and act now. • How exercising on the day there will be fireworks will help your dog. • Why to be at home with you during fireworks to keep them safe. • What to do if you have multiple dogs and some are sound sensitive. • The three strategies of stimulate, soothe and settle to help dogs. • How to time and play games to help your dog during thunder or fireworks. • How to use food toys, or meaty bones during noise events. • About soothing your dog and how settling strategies can help dogs who fear fireworks. • When to contact your Vet about medication to help your dog. • That the strategies will help you create a positive conditioned emotional response for your dog. • About the importance of being proactive in preparing for fireworks.   Resources:   1. YouTube Playlist: Exercising Your Dog's Body and Mind: Tips and Games with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1ISzbaoCNh0NyLg3qgDG58 2. YouTube Playlist: Dog Training Games with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2TzttCtZVFwzwMGayAsaYe 3. Podcast Episode 107: Pedicure Please: 3 Steps To Dog Nail Trimming Or Grooming Success At Home! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/107/ 4.* Thundershirt (Calming Wraps) - https://geni.us/thunder-shirt 5. iCalmPet (Calming Music) - https://icalmpet.com/ 6. Podcast Episode 112: Stressed Dog? How Trigger Stacking Might Be Putting Your Dog Over Threshold - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/112/ 7. Podcast Episode 4: T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/Ears, Mouth, Posture) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/4/ 8. *D.A.P. (Adaptil) - https://geni.us/adaptil 9. Podcast Episode 153: Dog Muzzles: Everything You Need To Know And How To Muzzle Train Dogs - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/153/ 10. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/nHGzCFB6I6Y   *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     There’s a good chance that you’ve seen how to train a sit by luring your puppy or dog with a treat above their nose. I teach a sit 10 different ways, and none involve a lure. I’m covering the details of the 10 alternate ways to train a sit, how I use them and why, plus the reason I am never in a hurry to put sit on cue. You’ll be able to pick one of the 10 ways I’m sharing and start having fun training your puppy or dog to sit right away.   In the episode you'll hear:   • What a sit is for a dog and how it’s very particular. • The physical considerations to notice when looking at your dog’s sit. • That I want my dogs to sit with hips and hocks aligned. • About knowing your criteria for a sit, including why fast is important. • Why I don’t want my dogs to sit in front of me unless it’s for a dog sport. • The difference between a “push back” and a “pop up” sit. • Why I don’t name the behavior of sitting with a young puppy. • How you could go for months without putting sit on cue. • That the “search” game allows dogs to reset and sit. • The details on the 10 ways to teach your puppy or dog to sit: Tugging, Crate Games, Bed Games, Foot Target, Plank, Target Stick, Shaping, Rz Alley, Capturing, Free Shaping   Resources:   1. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog’s Reinforcement Zone (RZ) - https://youtu.be/OaUAScgaFAg 2. Podcast Episode 113: Your Dog’s Verbal Cues And Hand Signals: How To Effectively Train Both - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/113/ 3. Podcast Episode 89: Why Dogs Should Not Tug: The Truth Revealed - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/89/ 4. Get Crate Games Online - https://get.crategames.com/ 5. YouTube Video: Perch Work (Pivots and Spins) - https://youtu.be/O6sj6fTJnFc 6. YouTube Video: Target Stick Training Part One - https://youtu.be/MzePo7RSQu4 7. YouTube Video: Target Stick Training Part Two - https://youtu.be/TqsEEWCXze0 8. Podcast Episode 32: 20 Easy Ways to Exercise Your Dog at Home (Search Game) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/32/ 9. Podcast Episode 134: How To Teach A Dog Stay WITHOUT Luring, Collar Pops Or Using The Word “Stay” - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/134/ 10. Podcast Episode 121: How To Stop Dogs Jumping Up On People - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/121/ 11. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/WP9JRgKL2Ok