Learn how to use 1-minute training sessions to boost confidence and clarity in dog training. Discover key evaluation factors like environment and reinforcement. Avoid common mistakes and adjust training plans for success. Enhance your dog's skills and prevent distractions with quick evaluations.

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Do you have a dog who's really fussy about the treats that you give them? I'm going to show you how to get your dog grabbing treats no matter what you put in front of them. Previously, I shared games of chase that dogs love to play. Now we're amplifying the chase element for dogs by adding restraint, and I've got 6 new fun games for picky eaters that all dogs will enjoy.   In this episode you’ll hear:   • About overcoming picky eating in dogs so they value food as a reinforcer. • How to play 6 new restraint games to boost food drive. • Why these games work and build on previous chase games. • The steps to play the games, from Circle Chases to Restraint to the Moving Bowl. • Tips to maximize the effectiveness of the games. • Insights into increasing treat value and engagement through restraint. • Introduction to ItsYerChoice, an empowering self-restraint game for dogs. • Guidance on transitioning your dog’s food aversion to excitement in training sessions   Learn How To Play ItsYerChoice ItsYerChoice Summit - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/ Free eBook Download: Click HERE to get your copy of our “How To Create A Motivating Toy” eBook - https://dogsthat.com/motivating-toy/   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 269: Why Do Some Dogs Seem to Have Less Food Drive Than Others – 10 Reasons to Consider - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/269/ 2. Podcast Episode 271: Structure Your Dog Training To Create Food Drive In Your Treat Fussy Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/271/ 3. Podcast Episode 272: 10 Engaging Chase Games To Increase Your Picky Eater Dog’s Food Drive - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/272/ 4. YouTube Video: Puppy's First Training with Susan Garrett: Shaping, Targeting and Collar Conditioning (use these tips for a harness) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ticB_1Twx6E 5. Podcast Episode 153: Dog Muzzles: Everything You Need To Know And How To Muzzle Train Dogs (use these tips for a harness) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/153/ 6. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/Tm_ELWDlUDg 

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    I'm sharing 10 fun and engaging games of chase to play with dogs to increase food drive for picky eaters. Now, you might have a dog who loves treats, but they will still have a great time playing the games with you, so give them a try! The games are quick to play and are a great way to connect with your dog. Playing will give you treats your dog values that you can use to your training advantage, and you'll also gain a treat delivery system that engages your dog.   In this episode you’ll hear:   • Why transfer of value is crucial in dog training. • Three categories of reinforcers: food, toys, and activities. • How games of chase bump up your dog’s value for food. • 10 fun games to play to increase your dog's enthusiasm. • The step-by-step for each game. • How to incorporate flirt poles and food toys into training sessions. • How to build excitement and motivation through playful interactions. • Tips on celebrating successes and using good tension to your advantage. • About a free eBook I have for you, check out the link below.   Free eBook Download: Click here to get your copy of our “How To Create A Motivating Toy” eBook. https://dogsthat.com/motivating-toy/   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 90: Premack, Dog Training and Transfer of Value - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/90/ 2. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaUAScgaFAg 3. Podcast Episode 269: Why Do Some Dogs Seem to Have Less Food Drive Than Others – 10 Reasons to Consider - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/269/ 4. Podcast Episode 271: Structure Your Dog Training To Create Food Drive In Your Treat Fussy Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/271/ 5. Podcast Episode 226: Safe Toys For Dogs And Why To Avoid Tennis Balls And Sticks - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/226/ 6. Podcast Episode 89: Why Dogs Should Not Tug: The Truth Revealed - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/89/ 7. Podcast Episode 41: Get a Behaved Dog by Celebrating Milestones! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/41/ 8. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/xTBRygO8NAk

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   If you are trying to train a dog who is fussy about food, or if you know someone who is in that situation, you may think, "this dog training is never going to work." And you know, you're probably right! Training will be a challenge unless you have something of great value for the dog. We’re continuing our focus on how to create food drive with a look at how to structure your dog training to get a transfer of value from things your dog loves to any treat.   In this episode you’ll hear:   • Essential strategies for boosting your dog's food drive. • The importance of exercise beyond a simple walk for your dog's overall well-being. • How restraint recalls can change your dog's physiology and attitude towards nutrition. • Tips for identifying high-value treats that will excite your dog's taste buds and enhance training. • Strategies for experimenting with various types of treats for your dog. • That patience and playing the long game are assets to boost your dog's food drive. • An introduction to the Premack Principle and how it can be applied to training treats. • Why to celebrate success and avoid cheerleading your dog. • The reason to borrow from the way rabbits behave around a dog.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 269: Why Do Some Dogs Seem to Have Less Food Drive Than Others – 10 Reasons to Consider - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/269/ 2. YouTube Video: 15 Ways To Exercise Your Dog - https://youtu.be/SsQY6nm6E30 3. Podcast Episode 147: Teach Your Dog To Listen Off Leash And Far Away - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/147/ 4. Sniffspot.com - https://www.sniffspot.com/ 5. Podcast Episode 191: Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/191/ 6. Podcast Episode 59: Why Your Treats Aren’t Working for Your Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/59/ 7. Podcast Episode 179: Help For Dogs Refusing Treats: Case Study With Training Plan - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/179/ 8. Podcast Episode 177: Dog Training Outside The Box: Transfer Of Value Case Study - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/177/ 9. Podcast Episode 90: Premack, Dog Training and Transfer of Value - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/90/ 10. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/dQJlmWpCrYM

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    This episode is all about my girl This! with reflections on this year's Canadian Dog Agility World Team Tryouts. You are all part of Team This! and I'm sharing my goals, challenges, and joys. These same things can relate to whatever you're going through with your own dog. Never give up. At 20 months of age This! didn't even want to wrap a cone or do a tunnel. We've come a long way, and the story continues.   In this episode you’ll hear:   • An update on my Border Collie This! and our story so far. • A debrief of our 2024 Canadian Dog Agility World Team tryouts. • The 3 goals I had for the weekend at the tryouts. • Why This!’s weave pole and dogwalk performance indicates her joy factor. • How each of our five runs together at the tryouts went. • Why we need to focus on fun and joy for any challenge with our dogs. • Reflections on reviewing our dog training processes rather than our goals. • Gratitude to everyone who tunes into Shaped by Dog for supporting Team This!   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 206: First Dog Agility Competition: Creating Joy For This! By Maximizing Reinforcement - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/206/ 2. Podcast Episode 254: Why Your Older Puppy Or Dog Is Not House Trained And What To Do About It - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/254/ 3. YouTube Playlist: Reactive or Aggressive Dogs: Key Insights with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0Tbd6ZybIXgJk3mtpBLLk7 4. Podcast Episode 240: Stop Barking Dogs! Step-By-Step Action Plan And Anti-Bark Strategies To Avoid - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/240/ 5. Podcast Episode 44: Using Coincidences and Positive Associations in Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/44/ 6. Podcast Episode 203: Reactive, Unmotivated and Fearful: Finding Resiliency For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 1 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/203/ 7. Podcast Episode 204: Dog Behavior And Diet: Recovery For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 2 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/204/ 8. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/QjCFXclquIg

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    How can I train my dog if they're not interested in food? That's a question I'm often asked, and before we get to the how, we need to look at the why! A dog not really wanting to take food is something I've experienced from time to time. I'm covering the top ten reasons why a dog might have low food drive and not be motivated by training treats as a reinforcer.    In this episode you’ll hear:   • About my experiences with dogs not interested in food. • Why singleton puppies might have low food drive. • The impact of a dog’s anxiety or fear. • Why highly stimulated or over aroused dogs might not take treats. • That a dog’s disinterest in food might be a sign of pain or discomfort. • About the importance of good food hygiene for dogs. • The impact of too little activity on a dog’s food drive. • Why to consider your dog’s value for the treats you are using. • What’s important about the way you are presenting treats to your dog. • How overfeeding dogs can lead to disinterest in training treats. • A test to try, but consult with your Veterinarian first! • That food refusal can become a reinforced behavior for dogs.   Resources:   1. DogsThat YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/dogsthat 2. Podcast Episode 179: Help For Dogs Refusing Treats: Case Study With Training Plan - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/179/ 3. Podcast Episode 90: Premack, Dog Training and Transfer of Value - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/90/ 4. Podcast Episode 218: Puppy Development Stages And Your Dog’s Behavior - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/218/ 5. Podcast Episode 191: Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/191/ 6. Podcast Episode 203: Reactive, Unmotivated and Fearful: Finding Resiliency For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 1 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/203/ 7. Podcast Episode 204: Dog Behavior And Diet: Recovery For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 2 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/204/ 8. Podcast Episode 252: The Raw Feeding Guide To Training Your Dog With All Forms Of Treats - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/252/ 9. YouTube Video: 15 Ways To Exercise Your Dog - https://youtu.be/SsQY6nm6E30 10. Podcast Episode 92: Avoid This Big Mistake When Feeding Your Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/92/ 11. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/binkDaVM_1c

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    How many thresholds does your dog cross a day? It could be a physical or emotional threshold. Training thresholds are important to understand, and thresholds can explain why some dogs seem anxious and refuse to budge, and others get way overexcited. I’ve got tips to help dogs with balancing emotions to cross any type of threshold with calm, thoughtful focus. You’ll also get a peek at what I discovered about my puppy Prophet’s excitement with a see-saw and how I'm counterconditioning the stimulus.   In this episode you’ll hear:   • About understanding thresholds as emotional states that dogs experience. • The different types of thresholds: positive, neutral, and unpleasant. • Examples of thresholds such as entering new environments, or going to specific places like a training class or vet's office. • The importance of observing and managing a dog's emotional state when crossing thresholds. • Strategies for managing extreme reactions at thresholds, such as overexcitement or fear. • How to implement relaxation protocols and counter conditioning to create a more desirable behavior. • Why you need patience and consistency in training to modify a dog's response to thresholds over time. • My puppy Prophet’s See-Saw (Teeter) obsession and counterconditioning the stimulus. • What to do for calm, focused behavior when crossing thresholds. • The importance of being present and proactive in managing thresholds and behaviors.   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 258: Training Plan For Hyper Excited Dogs: Play The Threshold Game For Calm Focus - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/258/ 2. YouTube Playlist: The Emotional State of Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy29pv3_9b7DZdMFJL9ZJPMy 3. Podcast Episode 245: Make Dog Training Easy! Quick Guide To Antecedent Arrangements - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/245/ 4. Podcast Episode 132: All The Things Your Dog Hates And How To Fix Them - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/132/ 5. YouTube Video: Vet Visits For Dogs: How To Create A Positive Experience For Everyone - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJc42BfNre4 6. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaUAScgaFAg 7. Podcast Episode 63: 3 Easy Tricks Every Dog Should Know - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/68/ 8. Podcast Episode 4: T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/Ears, Mouth, Posture) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/4/ 9. Podcast Episode 157: Dog Body Language: Understanding Canine Communication Signals And Emotions - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/157/ 10. Podcast Episode 165: Why Do Dogs Bark In Cars And How To Stop It - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/165/ 11. Podcast Episode 191: Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/191/ 12. Podcast Episode 266: Hot Zone And Stays – How One Dog Training Nuance Can Fix Anxiety And Duration - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/266/ 13. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/RxJg7smQ6nM

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    What if I told you that the secret to unlocking your dog's success lies within the walls of your own home? I've been using a training den for many years, and so have my students. I’m covering how to use a training den to fast track your dog’s success and confidence, what I keep in my training den, and why it creates a bond with dogs and helps them love training. The good feelings you create for your dog in your training den transfer to the training, which transfers to you, and you can generalize that to other places. And don’t worry if you don’t have much space; everyone can create an environment for learning success.   In this episode you’ll hear:   • About the importance of identifying ideal training environments for dogs. • The goal of training sessions: build and maintain confidence while we build and maintain behavior.  • Why we need to tailor the training environment to the dog's age and stage. • Where and how to create a dedicated training area or "training den" in your home. • The benefits of the training den in controlling distractions and building positive associations. • Why Positive Conditioned Emotional Responses (CERs) are vital in dog training. • What to include in the training den, and what I have in mine. • Tips on choosing the right flooring for the training area. • How training dens set dogs and people up for success and the value transfers.   Training Den Tools:   1. 4MyMerles Tug Toys - https://4mymerles.com/collections/dogs-that-say-yes  2. * PETGEEK Treat Dispenser - https://geni.us/petgeek-dispenser   3. * Microfiber Feather Duster Target Stick - https://geni.us/extendable-duster  4. * Textured Silicone Coasters (for paw target use) - https://geni.us/silicone-coasters          5. Blue 9: Klimb - https://www.blue-9.com/products/klimb001 6. Blue 9: Propel - https://www.blue-9.com/collections/canine-conditioning/products/pro-plat 7. Cato Board - https://catooutdoors.com/collections/board-plank/ 8. * Dremel Lite 7760N - https://geni.us/dremel-lite  9. * Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder - https://geni.us/nail-grinder          Resources:   1. YouTube Playlist: Puppy Essentials with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2hywpv3Md3HbWWPPbVF8W5 2. YouTube Playlist: Helping Your Rescue Dog After Adoption: Success Strategies for Rehomed Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1uFZJTuWdJCjQYmjjOguax&feature=shared 3. Podcast Episode 218: Puppy Development Stages And Your Dog’s Behavior - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/218/ 4. YouTube Playlist: The Emotional State of Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy29pv3_9b7DZdMFJL9ZJPMy 5. Podcast Episode 183: What Does “Train The Dog In Front Of You” Really Mean? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/183/ 6. Podcast Episode 190: Using Daily Quickies To Fast Track Your Dog Training And Grow Your Dog’s Skills - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/190/ 7. Podcast Episode 176: Why Your Dog’s Emotions Are A Critical Element Of Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/176/ 8. Podcast Episode 133: Become Your Own Dog Training Coach With This Video Strategy - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/133/ 9. Podcast Episode 107: Pedicure Please: 3 Steps To Dog Nail Trimming Or Grooming Success At Home! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/107/ 10. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/IrjcfKH9AI8   *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!

Dive into the fascinating world of dog training nuances that elevate simple commands into brilliant behaviors. Discover why relaxation in designated zones, known as the Hot Zone, is crucial for your dog's well-being. Learn practical tips to improve your training game, including the importance of recognizing what reinforces your dog's actions. Explore ways to keep your furry friend engaged, even when they stray from their 'Hot Zone.' This insightful discussion arms you with tools to enhance your bond and communication with your dog!

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Have you ever been triggered by social media dramas about dog training methods? It's likely something we all experience. There was a recent incident at Crufts that flowed into the social channels this week that had a lot of thoughts flooding into my brain, including the question of how can we, as a community of dog loving reinforcement-based trainers, show up as our best selves when we get triggered by things out of our control? I'd love to open a dialogue on this topic and want to convey the compassion and empathy I have for everybody when sharing my experiences and observations in this episode. I understand that, for many, it might be a difficult conversation.    In this episode you’ll hear:   • About dog training, controversy and social media dramas. • That we can all be triggered by differing dog training methods. • Thoughts on the core values of reinforcement-based training. • Why I’m not the same person or dog trainer I was 30 years ago. • My experience with being a guest on a podcast with a balanced dog trainer. • Insights into the evolution of dog training perspectives over time. • Why I called Jean Donaldson and had an enlightening conversation. • That we need grace and compassion for ourselves, and the big question.   Resources:   1. Crufts International Dog Show - https://crufts.org.uk/ 2. Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/ 3. LickiMat Website - https://lickimat.com/ 4. Podcast Episode 253: 7 Ways To Instantly Make Your Dog’s Life Better - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/253/ 5. *Book: The Forever Dog by Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib - https://geni.us/forever-dog  6. Podcast Episode 175: Food Luring VS Shaping In Dog Training: How Science Changed How I Teach Dogs - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/175/ 7. YouTube Playlist: Susan Garrett's Dog Training Philosophy and Training Processes - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2An5_3KqDPqFVV6J6dYsYx&feature=shared 8. YouTube Playlist: Mastery of Positive Reinforcement Based Dog Training - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy20_Ko8p2SaE6B2IT4o6g6K 9. Podcast Episode 196: Why Mastering Reinforcement Is The Linchpin To Reinforcement Based Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/196/ 10. YouTube Playlist: The Heart / Mind Connection Side of Dog Training with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1ruLW0CujlHgzCiTLK2Rfh 11. Podcast: Unlocking Us with Brené Brown - https://brenebrown.com/podcast/the-near-and-far-enemies-of-fierce-compassion-part-1-of-2/  12. Podcast Episode 7: You, Your Dog, Maslow and Lizard Brain - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/7/ 13. Podcast Episode 91: Why Judgement Does Not Help People Or Dogs: ItsYerChoice LWT - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/91/ 14. Shaped by Dog Podcast Episodes Site Index - https://dogsthat.com/podcast-all-episodes/ 15. Book: Shaping Success by Susan Garrett - https://dogsthat.com/product/shaping-success-2/ 16. Podcast Episode 197: Outsmarting Distractions: How To Use Environmental Reinforcement in Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/197/ 17. Jean Donaldson Academy for Dog Trainers - https://www.academyfordogtrainers.com/ 18. Podcast Episode 208: Brilliance, Resilience And Gratitude: Inspiration And Motivation With Elliott Connie - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/208/ 19. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/H3Vn7afXLiY   *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!