Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Having coached thousands of people in dog training, I’ve observed that their dogs seem to fall into three categories. The dogs who seem to hate training sessions, the dogs who are so over the top about the training they are frantic, and the dogs who are driven and focused and absolutely love it. It’s not the breed of dog or their personality that determines the category, and it’s not the trainer or trainer’s experience; it’s about understanding you’re not only training a behavior but also an emotion.   In the episode you'll hear:   • That your dog’s emotions get built into what you are training. • What “Pavlov is Always on Your Shoulder” means. • What compulsion trainers get wrong about a dog's emotions. • How to gauge your dog's emotional state for training. • My top 7 tips to help your dog love training with you. • Observations on why dogs leave work or get distracted easily. • The reason to know competing reinforcements in your dog's environment. • Why not to keep going at half speed because half speed is an emotion. • About keeping dog training sessions very short and using balance breaks. • About getting “buy in” from your dog before training begins. • That your dog is also teaching you, so believe them.   Resources:   1. YouTube Playlist: The Emotional State of Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy29pv3_9b7DZdMFJL9ZJPMy 2. Podcast Episode 146: Balanced Dog Training: Does It Really Exist? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/146/ 3. Podcast Episode 106: Consent In Dog Training: The Misuse, Misunderstanding And Misapplication - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/106/ 4. Podcast Episode 107: Pedicure Please: 3 Steps To Dog Nail Trimming Or Grooming Success At Home! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/107/ 5. YouTube Video: Vet Visits For Dogs: How To Create A Positive Experience For Everyone - https://youtu.be/VJc42BfNre4 6. Podcast Episode 132: All The Things Your Dog Hates And How To Fix Them - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/132/ 7. Podcast Episode 174: Dopamine In Dog Training: Anticipation, Rewards, And The Transfer Of Value - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/174/ 8. Podcast Episode 167: Reduce Your Dog’s Stress And Anxiety In Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/167/ 9. Podcast Episode 175: Food Luring VS Shaping In Dog Training: How Science Changed How I Teach Dogs - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/175/ 10. YouTube Playlist: Loose Leash Walking with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1mGMfdVKXq_hiJ27Ej1shW 11. Recallers - https://recallers.com/ 12. Podcast Episode 57: Why Balance Breaks Fast Track Your Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/57/ 13. Crate Games - https://get.crategames.com/ 14. Podcast Episode 86: How to Train Unmotivated or Overexcited Dogs - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/86/ 15. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/zT1mzPhmGdo

Visit us at shapedbydog.com     I use shaping rather than luring with food or toys in my dog training. In the 80s, I was taught to food lure and correct, learned to do it well, and luring brought me a lot of success in obedience and agility. Luring can have benefits, but I decided to change. When I say I don't lure, it always gets a lot of comments and questions on social media, so in this episode, I'm covering the top ten reasons I prefer shaping.   In the episode you'll hear:   • The advantages of luring, how it can be easy to teach people, and its popularity. • What I heard from my mentors Bob and Marian Bailey about luring. • How my dog Shelby gave me my first “ah ha” about luring. • About a class I took at University and what I learned about backwards conditioning. • A review of Pavlov’s experiment with bells, food, and dogs. • What happens in dog agility and other sports with luring and dogs who love to chase. • How luring can turn into bribing the dog, and that dopamine kicks in at choice points. • What I noticed about motivation and treat bags when I was teaching dog trainers in Japan. • About pattern training and its relation to luring dogs. • How the value dogs have for the food can override everything. • The reason to know what you are reinforcing when your dog sees the cookie. • That shaping gives us layers to create complex behaviors. • Why I think shaping can become part of our whole life.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 171: Dog Training With Layered Shaping: Why Classical Conditioning Must Come First - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/171/ 2. Podcast Episode 174: Dopamine In Dog Training: Anticipation, Rewards, And The Transfer Of Value - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/174/ 3. Podcast Episode 145: 10 Ways To Teach A Dog To Lay Down And How To Shape It Without Luring - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/145/ 4. Podcast Episode 173: Target Training For Dogs: How, Why, And When To Fade Targets - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/173/ 5. Podcast Episode 172: How To Teach Your Dog Anything With My Training Plan - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/172/ 6. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/FxAeS2BNvKY

Exploring the impact of dopamine on dogs' motivation and training addiction. How dopamine affects animal training and the transfer of value. Dogs may not experience the same dopamine spikes with food lures compared to shaped behaviors. Suppressed dopamine production can decrease motivation in animals. Exploring the impact of dopamine levels on dogs and the role of nutrition in dopamine production. The concept of a 'dopamine detoxing walk' and the potential for dogs to become addicted to training.

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    We use targets in our dog training, which has prompted popular questions on the best way to fade a target and when to start fading. So that’s the topic of this episode, along with what targets are and why they work so well. Before you attempt to remove a target, there are three questions to ask and a clear process for fading so that your dog has a strong finished behavior.   In the episode you'll hear:   • The difference between a food lure and a target. • Why targets work so well and how it starts with what your dog loves. • Why your dog's experience will influence when you can fade a target. • That the way you use a target will impact the fading of that target. • Why you want your dog to have DASH (Desire, Accuracy, Speed Habitat). • The reason to know what will replace the target, including verbal cues. • About having clarity for what you want your dog to do for the finished behavior. • Tips for when to add a cue if you are using a target. • All the steps to fading various targets, including changing the size and color. • Mistakes to avoid when you are removing a target. • Why to always believe your dog when you are training anything.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 171: Dog Training With Layered Shaping: Why Classical Conditioning Must Come First - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/171/ 2. YouTube Video: Target Stick Training for Dogs Part 1 - https://youtu.be/MzePo7RSQu4 3. YouTube Video: Target Stick Training for Dogs Part 2 - https://youtu.be/TqsEEWCXze0 4. Podcast Episode 12: When Helping Your Dog is an Illusion - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/12/ 5. Podcast Episode 144: Teach Your Dog To Listen No Matter What… Even If You Think They Are Stubborn - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/144/ 6. YouTube Video: Help for Loose Leash Walking: Create Value for Your Dog Walking with You Using a Target Stick - https://youtu.be/umNJrdxTqkM 7. Apple iOS App "Dog Vision HD " by Laan labs - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dog-vision-hd/id812260666 8. Android App Dog vision - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fr.nghs.android.cbs.dogvision&hl=en 9. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/bN-wrAMn4Bk

Visit us at shapedbydog.com     A good dog training plan will set you and your dog up for success and protect your confidence. The planning I do for myself and my students includes 10 key elements. We’re covering what the 10 elements are, along with how to grow the layers to take training from your living room to the bunny farm.   In the episode you'll hear:   • Why the detailed planning I do for myself and my students starts with criteria. • Tips to prevent cheap or toxic behaviors when you are training. • That breaking down your ultimate goal into smaller criteria fast tracks dog training. • Why our aim is always a positive conditioned emotional response first. • How to set up the environment for dog training success no matter where you are. • Why to consider the age and stage of your dog or puppy when you are training. • Why to know the sights, sounds and scents that will be distracting to your dog. • About knowing what you’ll be using as a reward in your training. • Why planning props, locations, reinforcements, and equipment ahead of time will help. • About balance breaks and playing games to maintain your dog’s optimal arousal state. • How we use stations and plan transitions between stations. • That Pavlov is always on your shoulder and the need for awareness of what you are conditioning.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 171: Dog Training With Layered Shaping: Why Classical Conditioning Must Come First - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/171/ 2. Podcast Episode 131: How Would Susan Garrett Plan Your Dog Training Sessions? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/131/ 3. Podcast Episode 149: Superstitious Behavior In Dog Training: Beware The Killer Bees! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/149/ 4. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://youtu.be/OaUAScgaFAg 5. YouTube Playlist: Loose Leash Walking with Susan Garret - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1mGMfdVKXq_hiJ27Ej1shW 6. Recallers - https://recallers.com/ 7. Podcast Episode 6: The Art of Manipulation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/6/ 8. Podcast Episode 167: Reduce Your Dog’s Stress And Anxiety In Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/167/ 9. Podcast Episode 24: Help for the Dog who Chases Chipmunks, Bicycles, and the Neighbor’s Cat - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/24/ 10. Crate Games Online - https://crategames.com/ 11. Sniff Spot - https://www.sniffspot.com/ 12. Podcast Episode 133: Become Your Own Dog Training Coach With This Video Strategy - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/133/ 13. Podcast Episode 57: Why Balance Breaks Fast Track Your Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/57/ 14. Learn to Play ItsYerChoice - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/ 15.Podcast Episode 157: Dog Body Language: Understanding Canine Communication Signals And Emotions - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/157/ 16. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/rRJM93aC1Ro

Visit us at shapedbydog.com     The way we dog train is different, and there are four elements that are vital to everything we do. It starts with confidence for people and their dogs and layers to grow a relationship of trust. There are many ways to use reinforcement in dog training, and our focus is on layered shaping, which might be a new concept for many people.   In the episode you'll hear:   • That the vast majority of people start wanting to know how to stop their dogs from doing things. • Why our first step is creating a positive conditioned emotional response for dogs, so they feel good. • That behaviour does not happen in an unemotional vacuum, and we want good emotions. • How we want to minimize, and ideally eliminate, a conflict between people and their dogs. • Why to use the things your dog loves in your training. • That our dogs have a fun life, but we want to be aware of where they earn reinforcement. • The reason to know what food, toys and activities your dog loves. • How we want to begin with our dogs doing simple things. • About using games that change our dog's physiology so they can be in their zone of genius. • That once we've established value for our dogs, we want to transfer that value. • Why our dogs want to do what we want because we empower them with choice. • How we use classical conditioning first, so the bond between dogs and people is one of trust.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 170: 5 Popular Ways To Train Your Dog With Food - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/170/ 2. YouTube Playlist: Reactive or Aggressive Dogs: Key Insights with Susan Garret - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0Tbd6ZybIXgJk3mtpBLLk7 3. Podcast Episode 130: Conditioned Responses: The Magic Every New Puppy (And Dog) Owner Must Know About - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/130/ 4.*Book: Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by BJ Fogg - https://geni.us/book-tiny-habits 5. Home School the Dog Online Program - https://dogsthat.com/hstd-joinnow/ 6. *Book: Connection Training: The Heart and Science of Positive Horse Training by Hannah Weston and Rachel Bedingfield - https://geni.us/connection-training 7. Podcast Episode 11: The Power of Permission in Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/11/ 8. Podcast Episode 90: Premack, Dog Training and Transfer of Value - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/90/ 9. Podcast Episode 44: Using Coincidences and Positive Associations in Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/44/ 10. Podcast Episode 151: How Location Specific Reinforcement Markers Will Improve Your Dog Training! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/151/ 11. Learn the ItsYerChoice Game (IYC) - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/ 12. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://youtu.be/OaUAScgaFAg 13. Podcast Episode 86: How to Train Unmotivated or Overexcited Dogs (Arousal Curve) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/86/ 14. Podcast Episode 107: Pedicure Please: 3 Steps To Dog Nail Trimming Or Grooming Success At Home! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/107/ 15. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/VYzJsErAXhs   *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    If someone says to you that they are a reinforcement-based dog trainer, what does that really mean? There are a lot of ways of training dogs with food or toys. Even though they fall under the reinforcement grouping, the different types of training are all dramatically different. We’re covering what I tried in the past, what I suggest you avoid, and the most effective way to shape your dog.   In the episode you'll hear:   • About training dogs by luring and using food or toys as a lure. • What's termed observational learning or social learning, or sometimes modelling. • About Stella the Kelpie and Bunny the Sheepadoodle using buttons to communicate. • Some of the words that dogs understand and words that excite my dogs. • What capturing behavior means and how to get a captured behavior like a stretch or talking. • About shaping, and the critical difference between two styles used to shape a behavior. • The reason I don't free shape these days and prefer layered shaping. • How to make the correct choice for the dog the obvious choice. • Why splitting behaviours down creates confidence for dogs and give you a strong foundation.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 94: How the Best Professional Dog Trainers Use Reinforcement - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/94/ 2. Podcast Episode 59: Why Your Treats Aren’t Working for Your Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/59/ 3. Podcast Episode 2: Reinforcement - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/2/ 4. Stella the Kelpie (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/hunger4words/ 5. Bunny the Sheepadoodle (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/whataboutbunny/ 6. Podcast Episode 5: What is Shaping And How Can Dogs Shape Us - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/5/ 7. Blog with Video: Positive Dog Training and the Difference in Shaping - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/11/the-difference-in-shaping/ 8. Podcast Episode 167: Reduce Your Dog’s Stress And Anxiety In Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/167/ 9. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/XfQFmLfkfbU

Visit us at shapedbydog.com     If you were to google for help for an anxious, stressed, or reactive dog, you’d get many suggestions, many of which are good! But there are critical elements that are essential for you to know. We’re covering the 10 things that are vital for you to help your dog get into the confidence zone.   In the episode you'll hear:   • Why training should be about reinforcement rather than isolating what you don't like. • The reason not to put your dog or yourself in a position where there will be judgment. • About choosing a dog training program that will protect your dog's confidence. • Why to know your dog's number one highest value reward. • The difference between perception triggers and fear triggers. • That triggers don't stay static and get lower or grow in intensity. • Why to know your dog's Confidence Zone and how to grow it in stages. • About Matching Law and how that applies to what you do with your dog. • How creating good active and calm triggers will help you help your dog. • Why it's important to condition a love for any tools you will be using. • That some dogs need behavioral medication, and it can make training easier.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 168: Creating Confidence For Anxious, Stressed Or Reactive Dogs Part 1 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/168/ 2. Podcast Episode 94: How the Best Professional Dog Trainers Use Reinforcement - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/94/ 3. Podcast Episode 46: Is Your Dog Trying to Dominate You and What You Can Do About It - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/46/ 4. Agility Nation - https://www.agility-nation.com/ 5. Podcast Episode 11: The Power of Permission in Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/11/ 6. Podcast Episode 90: Premack, Dog Training and Transfer of Value - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/90/ 7. Podcast Episode 71: Pro Dog Trainer’s Secret to Help Your Naughty Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/71/ 8. Podcast Episode 112: Stressed Dog? How Trigger Stacking Might Be Putting Your Dog Over Threshold - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/112/ 9. YouTube Playlist: Fearful Dogs Help with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0KAsqgnkMWv0v-5JGjNQG_ 10. Podcast Episode 167: Reduce Your Dog’s Stress And Anxiety In Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/167/ 11. Podcast Episode 166: Puppy Freedom: How Much Is Too Much? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/166/ 12. YouTube Playlist: Dog Training Games with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2TzttCtZVFwzwMGayAsaYe 13. Podcast Episode 111: How An Anchor Dog Can Help Overcome Your Dog’s Anxiety Or Reactivity - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/111/ 14. Matching Law (Wikipedia) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matching_law 15. Podcast Episode 86: How to Train Unmotivated or Overexcited Dogs - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/86/ 16. YouTube Video: Puppy's First Training with Susan Garrett: Shaping, Targeting and Collar Conditioning - https://youtu.be/ticB_1Twx6E 17. Podcast Episode 40: Using A Head Halter On A Dog, Why My Approach Is So Different - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/40/ 18. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/WTheqs3fqgE

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    If your dog is stressed, anxious or reactive, there’s so much you can do to replace that stress, anxiety and reactivity with confidence. Two things are super important to help our dogs become confident, and those are our mindset and training clarity. Believing in your dog will help you bring out their best in any situation.   In the episode you'll hear:   • About thinking the best about our dogs and the best about ourselves. • How to throw away any negative feelings you might have about yourself. • That you are doing the best you can and to ignore society’s judgment. • About the unrealistic expectations people have about dogs. • How to see the dog you love everywhere you go with that dog. • Why to know what your dog will do when they are overwhelmed. • That you need a plan to replace food lures and props in your dog training. • About breaking behaviors down and how that applies to walking on a loose leash. • Why we want to help our dogs recover from failure fast and how it starts with ItsYerChoice. • A review of the arousal curve, so you can be aware of your dog’s emotional state. • Why we need to believe our dogs and learn from the information they give us. • That our dogs are always doing the best they can in any situation and change is possible.   ItsYerChoice Game: Learn how to play ItsYerChoice (IYC)   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 167: Reduce Your Dog’s Stress And Anxiety In Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/167/ 2. YouTube Playlist: Reactive or Aggressive Dogs: Key Insights with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0Tbd6ZybIXgJk3mtpBLLk7 3. Podcast Episode 163: Unsolicited Dog Training Advice: How To Protect Your Confidence And Your Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/163/ 4. Podcast Episode 78: How to Train a Rescue Dog with Behavior Problems - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/78/ 5. Podcast Episode 114: Dog Agility Training: 3 Big Mistakes All Dog Owners Should Avoid - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/114/ 6. Podcast Episode 3: How Hollywood Made Life Tough For Dogs - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/3/ 7. Podcast Episode 76: Leash Walking: Distracted, or Reactive Dog? These Games Will Help! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/76/ 8. YouTube Video: Perch Work (Pivots and Spins) - https://youtu.be/O6sj6fTJnFc 9. Podcast Episode 86: How to Train Unmotivated or Overexcited Dogs - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/86/ 10. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/N_XO0jqxvBg

Visit us at shapedbydog.com     Inadvertent stress is something we want to minimize when training our dogs, as excessive stress has the same impact on dogs as it does on us. Now, stress is everywhere, but we don’t want to create it unintentionally and don’t want our dogs to endure anxiety if we can avoid it. We’re looking at how we can set up our training to prevent our dogs from stressing out.   In the episode you'll hear:   • How dogs can stress low or high and what that stress looks like. • That our human mechanics can reduce anxiety for dogs. • About practicing without your dog and how that will help minimize stress. • Why videoing will improve your training sessions and help your dog. • How I set up my training area and include stations. • That transitions are the gaps between the training, and we want them seamless. • What an efficient training session is and how to minimize your dog's repetitions. • About the importance of using Balance Breaks in your training sessions. • An answer to a listener's question about using food when training heeling.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 86: How to Train Unmotivated or Overexcited Dogs - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/86/ 2. Podcast Episode 4: T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/Ears, Mouth, Posture) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/4/ 3. Podcast Episode 157: Dog Body Language: Understanding Canine Communication Signals And Emotions - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/157/ 4. Podcast Episode 110: Is Your Over-Aroused Dog Just Over-Faced In Training? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/110/ 5. Podcast Episode 131: How Would Susan Garrett Plan Your Dog Training Sessions? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/131/ 6. Podcast Episode 125: Why Isn’t My Dog Learning What I’m Training? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/125/ 7. Podcast Episode 31: 5 Simple Hacks to Help Your Dog Learn Faster (Reinforcement Process) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/31/ 8. Susan’s Favorite Tripods and Video Accessories - https://dogsthat.com/favs/#tve-jump-178b15548dc 9. Podcast Episode 133: Become Your Own Dog Training Coach With This Video Strategy - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/133/ 10. Podcast Episode 57: Why Balance Breaks Fast Track Your Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/57/ 11. Crate Games - https://get.crategames.com/ 12. YouTube Video: Perch Work (Pivots and Spins) - https://youtu.be/O6sj6fTJnFc 13. Recallers - https://recallers.com/ 14. Podcast Episode 53: Stop Your Dog Pulling on Leash and Start Walking Together - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/53/ 15. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://youtu.be/OaUAScgaFAg 16. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett's Target Stick Training for Dogs Part One - https://youtu.be/MzePo7RSQu4 17. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett's Target Stick Training for Dogs Part Two - https://youtu.be/TqsEEWCXze0 18. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/tcae85wYXBE