

Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett
Susan Garrett
Susan Garrett, world-renowned dog trainer, multi-time champion of dog agility, and leading educator on all things canine shares everything related to dogs! Susan understands dog behaviour and wants you and your dog to have the best life together possible.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 18, 2025 • 4min
Training Tips From Susan: Why Recalls Fail And The Common Mistakes That Get In The Way Of A Reliable Response
Discover the top reasons why dog recalls often fail. Explore the common mistakes that hinder a reliable response and learn how undesirable behaviors can be reinforced. The importance of environmental management is emphasized, along with a critical view of reliance on training tools. This insightful discussion aims to help you develop a dependable recall that truly works when it matters most!

Jun 13, 2025 • 18min
Not Seeing Results In Dog Training? Why Layers Of Learning Lead To Real World Success #307
Struggling with dog training results? Discover why training success often vanishes in real-world scenarios. Learn how layering your dog’s learning through the 5 Cs—Connection, Clarity, Confidence, Challenge, and Complexity—can create lasting results. Unearth the difference between a connected and detached dog, and how these dynamics affect training. Hear a personal story of triumph that illustrates how intentional layers transformed the journey all the way to the world championships.

4 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 5min
Training Tips From Susan: The Best Way To Talk To Your Dog Trainer When Things Aren’t Working
Discover effective communication strategies to enhance your dog training experience. Learn how to talk to your trainer when things aren't going as planned, fostering a supportive atmosphere for problem-solving. This insightful discussion emphasizes collaboration and clarity, helping you and your coach work together towards your dog’s success. Tune in for actionable tips that can make a real difference in your training journey!

Jun 6, 2025 • 4min
Training Tips From Susan: Seamless Dog Training Sessions Start With This Simple Setup Plan
Discover the key to effective dog training with a well-organized setup plan. Learn how to create an efficient environment that keeps your dog engaged and focused. The importance of balance breaks is highlighted, ensuring a positive experience for both you and your furry friend. With just a bit of planning, you can achieve seamless training sessions that boost your dog's confidence and clarity.

Jun 4, 2025 • 6min
Training Tips From Susan: 30 Years Ago, They Laughed. Today, It’s How We Train Dogs.
Discover how dog training has evolved over the last 30 years, shifting from punishment to positive reinforcement. Explore the journey of finding kinder methods that prioritize the well-being of our furry friends. Learn actionable tips and strategies to enhance your training experience. Embrace an open and curious mindset to form a deeper bond with your dog. This change in perspective is not just a trend; it’s shaping the future of how we train our pets!

May 30, 2025 • 6min
Training Tips From Susan: Clarity is Kind: What Your Dog Needs You To Understand
Discover the power of clear communication in dog training. Trust and understanding are key to strengthening your bond with your canine companion. Common training mistakes are addressed, revealing how specific cues can enhance your dog's confidence. It's all about fostering a friendly, cooperative relationship. Get ready to transform your training approach with actionable strategies that benefit both you and your furry friend!

May 28, 2025 • 9min
Training Tips From Susan: How To Safely Introduce A Puppy To An Adult Dog: Tips & Strategies
Learn effective strategies for introducing a puppy to an adult dog without incident. Discover how to prioritize safety and ensure a comfortable environment for both pets. The discussion offers practical tips like creating safe spaces and using positive reinforcement. Plus, gain insights on recognizing signs that indicate the puppy might not be picking up social cues. Strengthen the bond between your dog and new puppy with these essential techniques!

14 snips
May 23, 2025 • 18min
Dog Only Listens With Treats? Use This 5 Step Process To Build Better Behaviors #306
Do you think your dog only obeys for treats? Break that myth! Discover a five-step process that helps your furry friend learn anywhere with joy. Learn how to effectively use your relationship bank with your dog and transfer food value to toys and activities. Real-life examples, including training tips and surprise reinforcement strategies, showcase how to reshape behaviors. Plus, find out what to do when your pup becomes demanding. This is training evolution at its best!

6 snips
May 21, 2025 • 7min
Training Tips From Susan: The 5P Test: How To Tell If Your Dog REALLY Understands Their Cues
Discover the fascinating 5P Test, a straightforward method to evaluate if your dog truly understands commands. It highlights the importance of consistency in training and how context affects your dog's responses. Find out how distractions can influence understanding and learn ways to improve command reliability in everyday situations. This practical approach ensures that your pup is not just hearing commands but effectively comprehending them, making training more effective and enjoyable!

16 snips
May 16, 2025 • 27min
Are R+ Trainers Frauds? Can A Dog Come When Called Around Wildlife Without Using Punishers? #305
Explore the debate over reinforcement-based training and its effectiveness against high prey drive behaviors. Learn about the Canine Predatory Motor Sequence and how it can transform dog communication. Discover why suppressing behaviors isn't true training, and uncover effective strategies like predatory redirection. Hear real-life success stories of dogs overcoming distractions and chasing instincts through relationship-building games. Plus, get insights on utilizing tools like head halters for better focus during walks!