Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Puppy frustrations! Everyone will be frustrated with a pup occasionally, but it doesn’t need to be a way of life. Here’s the good news. You can turn the anarchy of puppy problems around to create calm, cooperation and confidence with simple solutions for success with easy wins. Get my top tips to end the chaos and say goodbye to puppy keep-away, running off, picking up stuff on walks, and behavior challenges that can be overwhelming.   In this episode you’ll hear:   • Simple solutions to tackle common puppy frustrations. • Insights from my deep dive into what puppy ownership truly entails. • How to prioritize your actions:  If you’re frustrated, your puppy could be frustrated too. • The importance of the Training Den. • Why rehearsals of success matter and how they reinforce good behavior. • Tips on setting realistic expectations for a puppy's development. • The value of establishing a routine to engage your puppy’s brain. • Strategic games I use to set my puppy up for easy wins. • What to do instead of using long lines in distracting environments. • The "Bring Me!" game to say goodbye to puppy keepaway. • About your newly revised IYC Summit with foundational training games for everyday life.   Newly Revised ItsYerChoice Summit: Jump in now for free and play games of choice: ItsYerChoice Summit - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/ Get Crate Games Online: Crate Games Online - https://get.crategames.com/   Resources:   1. Podcast Episode 246: Susan Garrett’s Puppy Socialization Strategies For Raising Confident, Happy Dogs - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/246/ 2. YouTube Playlist: Puppy Essentials with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2hywpv3Md3HbWWPPbVF8W5 3. Podcast Episode 120: The Rhythm Of Life With Puppies And Dogs - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/120/ 4. Podcast Episode 267: How To Use A Training Den To Fast Track Your Dog’s Success: No Space? No Problem! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/267/ 5. Podcast Episode 278: Food Puzzles: Key Mistakes To Avoid And Strategies To Help Your Dog Best Deal With Frustration - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/278/ 6. Podcast Episode 218: Puppy Development Stages And Your Dog’s Behavior - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/218/ 7. Podcast Episode 164: The Danger Of Car Travel For Dogs: Evaluating Your Risk - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/164/ 8. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://youtu.be/OaUAScgaFAg 9. Podcast Episode 82: Resource Guarding in Puppies: When Your Puppy Biting Seems Aggressive - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/82/ 10. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/ZzU8YWBVDek

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   Is your puppy or dog stopping on walks? You're not alone! I’m sharing how to keep them moving with confidence and how to turn those hesitant moments into fun, forward motion. I’ve got practical solutions that will help you understand why your puppy or dog refuses to move on walks and what to do next. With easy-to-follow games and tips, you’ll not only keep your pup happily walking but also strengthen your relationship along the way!   In this episode you’ll hear:   • My top tips for keeping your puppy moving confidently during walks. • How to overcome puppy plunking during walks. • Common reasons why dogs hesitate and stop on walks. • Tips for building value by your side. • Games to encourage your dog to move with you. • Strategies for approaching triggers that cause plunking. • How to gradually increase walk lengths after playing interactive games at home. • How to use positive reinforcement to encourage forward motion. • Strategies for building value for walking in a way that your puppy loves! • How Tater-Salad used to plunk himself down and refuse to move when he first came to live with us.   Resources:   1. YouTube Playlist: Loose Leash Walking with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1mGMfdVKXq_hiJ27Ej1shW 2. YouTube Playlist: Fearful Dogs Help with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0KAsqgnkMWv0v-5JGjNQG_&si=YDCmLdJ-TnmOiK45 3. YouTube Playlist: Target Training for Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3&si=jFejxDe3f8ovJMLz 4. Podcast Episode 16: The Thing Before Your Dog’s Thing - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/16/ 5. Podcast Episode 53: Stop Your Dog Pulling on Leash and Start Walking Together - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/53/ 6. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaUAScgaFAg 7. Podcast Episode 76: Leash Walking: Distracted, or Reactive Dog? These Games Will Help! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/76/ 8. YouTube Playlist: Dog Training Games with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2TzttCtZVFwzwMGayAsaYe&si=ZcVYK_vaNaJea13Y 9. Podcast Episode 218: Puppy Development Stages And Your Dog’s Behavior - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/218/ 10. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett’s Perch Work Dog Tricks (Pivots and Spins) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6sj6fTJnFc 11. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/YPV8ODXipkI

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