Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    We’re talking about trick training for dogs; it’s fun and easy! Can you remember the very first thing you trained a dog to do and how you went about training it? The first thing I trained a dog to do was to dance. It was when I was a kid with our family dog, Tina the Poodle. Training tricks with our dogs is something I consider important, and there are three favourite tricks that I think all dogs should learn.   In the episode you'll hear:   • About our feelings when we are training tricks. • What I noticed about my Border Collie, Stoni, in the Obedience Ring. • Why everything can be a trick to bring joy to us and our dogs. • My progression as a dog trainer and transitioning to shaping behaviors. • How trick training provides a model for clarity for our dogs. • Why trick training teaches our dogs never to give up. • About the elements of strength, flexibility and proprioception when choosing tricks. • How to train your dog to hand target. • About the ways to shape your dog to pivot on a perch. • The steps for training your dog to wave.   Resources:   • Recallers - https://recallers.com/ • Home School the Dog- https://dogsthat.com/home-school/ • Video: Target Training for Dogs Part One - All About Targets - https://youtu.be/MzePo7RSQu4 • Video: Target Training for Dogs Part Two - Step by Step Training Plan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqsEEWCXze0 • Podcast Episode 62: 12 Keys to Helping My Dogs Live a Long and Happy Life - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/62/ • Game: Learn How to Play ItsYerChoice (IYC) - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/ • Crate Games Online - https://get.crategames.com/ • Podcast Episode 59: Why Your Treats Aren’t Working for Your Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/59/ • Podcast Episode 22: The Invisible Bubble of Pressure and Your Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/22/ • *Cato Board: Receive 10% off with the use of this link - https://catooutdoors.com/discount/DOGSTHAT10 • Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/UUrzaXmFO2g Links Disclosure: 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    I’ve been thinking about stress and how we deal with it. Consider your dog and any challenges you might have in your training. Those challenges could be creating anxiety for you, and your dog will pick up on your emotions. You are not alone if you find yourself stressing about your dog.   In the episode you'll hear:   • What happened with my dog Shelby when I locked my keys in the car. • Why I check in with myself when I feel stressed. • How I look for every day with my dogs to be a great day. • An update on my puppy’s resource guarding. • The science of our dogs taking on our emotions. • About thinking of the future rather than the past. • What we can do for our dogs by being curious. • How we are all in the same place with our dog training and why to do one thing. • The reason I end all of my blog posts with gratitude. • All about the exercise of behaving gratitudinaeously and the dog you love.   Resources:   • Podcast Episode 66: Resource Guarding: Dog vs Dog Aggression-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/66/ • Paper: Interspecies transmission of emotional information via chemosignals: from humans to dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)-https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320265642_Interspecies_transmission_of_emotional_information_via_chemosignals_from_humans_to_dogs_Canis_lupus_familiaris • Susan Garrett’s Dog Training Blog-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/ • Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/Xugyg5R9umc

Visit us at shapedbydog.com Resource Guarding between dogs is a big topic. It’s also one of the most requested for me to cover on my podcast. Over the past week, my six-month-old puppy has started attacking some of the other dogs in my household over resources. It’s a good time for me to share what I am doing to help This! overcome possession aggression around resources, particularly food. Yes, even professional dog trainers experience challenges to work through.   In the episode you'll hear:   • About the two forms of resource guarding, against humans and against dogs. • Why dogs resource guard. • What I’ve seen with my puppy This! guarding resources against other dogs. • The signs to look for that show a dog could be resource guarding. • My previous experiences with my dogs and resource guarding. • The two approaches to take and why one can result in an all-out aggressive dog. • What NOT to do about resource guarding. • The reason discipline and corrections are like putting gasoline on a fire. • About fear periods in puppies and why to stay grounded and calm. • The reason to get appropriate help from a qualified Veterinary Behaviorist. • What I am doing about resource guarding to help my puppy. • How I am journaling what happens every day, the good and not so good. • About identifying and removing triggers and creating a safe environment. • Why to keep your dog under threshold. • All the elements to help your dog and why to email us about joining Recallers.   Resources:   • Podcast Episode 45: My Dog Just Got Jumped, Now What?-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/45/ • *Book: Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs by Jean Donaldson-https://geni.us/mine-jean-donaldson • Podcast Episode 59: Why Your Treats Aren’t Working for Your Dog-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/59/ • Game: Learn How to Play ItsYerChoice (IYC)-https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/ • Susan's Team: wag@dogsthat.com   *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    Have you ever asked your dog to do something, and he does the opposite? Have you ever thought “but he knows it!”. Maybe he raided something from the kitchen, and when you ask him to drop it, he swallows whatever he has. Or perhaps when you call him, he runs the other way. In Agility, you might leave your dog at the start line and say stay, but he does not stay and starts on the course before you give your release. There are two schools of thought to what might be happening. Is it that your dog won’t do what you tell him, or can’t do what you tell him?   In the episode you'll hear:   • A deep dive into the impact of what you think of your dog. • What we can learn from Fenton in Richmond Park. • About what a dog’s guilty look tells us. • How fear and conflict affect what we are asking our dogs. • The many reasons dogs won’t do what we tell them to do. • What my dog told me about what she knew about hitting the Dog Walk contact. • The emotional response we have when our dog disobeys. • Why curiosity about our dog changes our emotion. • About the rule of three I use when training my dogs. • The worst-case scenario of a dog getting something right after being punished. • The bottom line on contributing to a better relationship with your dog. • How to start building a history of dog training success. • About believing that if our dogs could, they would.   Resources:   • Podcast Episode 8: Get Your Dog in the Belief Loop of Awesome - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/8/ • Podcast Episode 62: 12 Keys to Helping My Dogs Live a Long and Happy Life -https://dogsthat.com/podcast/62/ • Podcast Episode 5: What is Shaping and How Can Dogs Shape Us - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/5/ • Video: Target Training for Dogs Part One - All About Targets - https://youtu.be/MzePo7RSQu4 • Video: Target Training for Dogs Part Two - Step by Step Training Plan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqsEEWCXze0 • Blog: How Do I Train My Dog to Come When Called? - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/04/train-my-dog-to-come-when-called/ • Podcast Episode 63: Why Some Dogs Just Don’t Get It - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/63/ • Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/bXfwU2EDiL0

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Success in dog training comes down to three things. The reinforcement we are using, the training plan, and the environment where we are training our dog. But what happens when things don’t go to plan, and our dog make a wrong choice? What are our options?   In the episode you'll hear:   • The four reactions that are common when a dog makes a mistake. • About looking at your emotional state when you are training your dog. • The reasons building a house is like dog training. • About the use of Non Reward Markers (NRM) in dog training. • How delivering a package relates to your dog training decisions. • Why to only use an NRM when what you are teaching is a behaviour chain. • The challenge of the overuse of a Non Reward Marker. • When you should not use an NRM. • Why we train an NRM like a recall, with reinforcement, before we ever use it. • What unconscious reactions are and how they can be a mild verbal punisher. • What an intimidating verbal or physical punisher is and how that could escalate. • About what our dogs tell us about how well we’ve set them up for success. • What can go wrong in training sessions (using a target stick as an example). • Why every time you train and interact with your dog you are building a relationship. • About the game of picking up colored tennis balls and what that means dogs. • How easy success can be when you have great reinforcement and manipulate the environment.   Resources:   • Podcast Episode 59: Why Your Treats Aren’t Working for Your Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/59/ • Podcast Episode 6: The Art of Manipulation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/6/ • Podcast Episode 4: T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/Ears, Mouth, Posture) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/4/ • Video: Target Training for Dogs Part One - https://youtu.be/MzePo7RSQu4 • Blog Post: What IS Ideal Meaning of A NRM? - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2011/02/what-is-ideal-meaning-of-a-nrm/ • Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube -  https://youtu.be/l4a9NsEK9Nc

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    The inspiration for this episode comes from a walk with my dogs. My puppy, This!, was on leash, and my adult dogs were milling about freely. All of a sudden, a large bunny crossed our path 5 meters ahead. My adult dogs did not really notice the rabbit as it was the equivalent of white noise for them. For my puppy, it was a LOUD noise, a siren, she for sure noticed! Is it that my puppy just does not get my training, or is it that she has just started her education?   In the episode you'll hear:   • My checklist of 5 items to include in your training to ensure your dog gets it. • The layers of learning that I put into my dog training and for my students. • What our layers of learning are from Kindergarten through to University and beyond. • Why our dogs need a structured educational program. • The reason we don’t control our dog but look at the environment. • What I do instead of saying “Leave It!” to my dogs. • All the things that I teach my dogs to help dim the loud noises like bunnies or cats. • Why to progress your dog’s decision making, so decisions become bigger and better. • What I do that is different to old-school dog training programs. • The importance of congruency and consistency. • Reasons why some dogs just don’t get it, including fear and a dog’s purpose. • How structured building blocks create transformation and confidence. • Why we want an engaged, safe environment that encourages learning. • About balancing success with challenges and the relationship with dopamine. • Why rehearsals of success lead to successful performances.   Resources:   • Podcast Episode 59: Why Your Treats Aren’t Working for Your Dog-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/59/ • Game: Learn How to Play ItsYerChoice (IYC)-https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/ • Crate Games Online-https://get.crategames.com/ • Podcast Episode 6: The Art of Manipulation-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/6/ • Video: How to Train Your Dog to Leave It with No Command-https://youtu.be/GGJkfrMje2k • Home School the Dog-https://dogsthat.com/home-school/ • Recallers-https://recallers.com/ • Handling360-https://dogsthat.com/handling360/ • Blog: Distraction Work in Dog Training: A Conversation Between Friends-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2012/02/distraction-work-in-dog-training-a-conversation-between-friends/ • Vlog: Where Is Your Dog on the Circle of Fun?-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/07/circle-of-fun/ • Podcast Episode 56: 5 Simple Questions to Guide Your Dog Training-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/56/ • Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/xyTWqhA21ZE

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    We all want our dogs to have long and happy lives. There are 12 things I believe have a massive influence on the longevity and quality of life for my dogs, and 6 things I avoid. In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned through trial and error, talking to experts, and from science, that can contribute to an increased life expectancy for our dogs.   In the episode you'll hear:   • About telomeres and what that means for our dogs and us. • What I’ve learned from my senior dogs. • How stress impacts on the life of our dog. • 12 key factors that I believe contribute a long and happy life. • Why exercise is important for dogs. • What I feed my dogs and the supplements I consider important. • About looking after our dog’s teeth and nails and cooperative care. • Why mental engagement is so vital for our dogs. • The reasons our older dogs need to feel special. • About having a great relationship with your Veterinarian. • How I make my home mobility friendly for my older dogs. • The stress relieving activities that are good for seniors. • What I avoid to give my dogs the best chance at a long life.   Resources:   • *Book: The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer by Elizabeth Blackburn - https://geni.us/telomere-effect (Click Here for alternate link for Australia and UK) • Cell Reports: Telomere Length Correlates with Life Span of Dog Breeds (Laura J. Fick, Gordon H. Fick, Zichen Li, Eric Cao, Bo Bao, Doug Heffelfinger, Heidi G. Parker, Elaine A. Ostrander, Karl Riabowol) - https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(12)00418-4 • Podcast Episode 61: Lessons of Recovery: The Night My Dog Almost Died - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/61/ • Vlog Post: Important Whys and Hows of Exercising Our Dogs - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/09/exercising-your-dog/ • Dr Mercola Pet Supplements - https://www.mercolamarket.com/category/1576/1/pet-supplements • 1-TDC Supplement - https://wsow.expert/dogsthatUse1TDC • Vlog Post: Cutting Your Dog’s Nails: How Important Is It Really? - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/09/exercising-your-dog/ • *Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder with LED Light - https://geni.us/nail-grinder (Click Here for alternate link for UK) • *Dremel Lite 7760 N/10 4V - https://geni.us/dremel-lite • *Groomer's Best Friend Diamond Rotary Nail Grinder Bit - https://geni.us/diamond-grinder •*Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer - https://geni.us/vortex4in1 •*Instant Vortex Pro 9-in-1 Air Fryer - https://geni.us/vortextpro9 - https://geni.us/diamond-grinder • Recallers - https://recallers.com/ • Blog Post: Rolling out a Big Adventure - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2013/08/rolling-out-a-big-adventure/ • *Dirty Dog Doormats - https://geni.us/dirty-dog-mat • Help 'Em Up® Harness - https://helpemup.com/ • Underdog Dog Beds - https://underdogpetproducts.com/ • *Basis Pet Stainless Steel Bowls - (Click Here for alternate link for UK) - https://geni.us/StainlessBowls • Podcast Episode 25: Why All Dogs Can Bite and How to Reduce the Risk with R.E.A.D. - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/25/ • Podcast Episode 14: Creating Intentional Multi-Dog Household Harmony - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/14/   *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    In 2012, my dog Encore almost died. I’m sharing her story with you, and the six incredibly valuable lessons learned from Encore’s near-death experience and recovery.   In the episode you'll hear:   • Why Encore became my puppy and her early life with me. • The signs we started noticing from when she was around 5 years old. • When her neurological symptoms became more apparent. • About Encore’s seizure, and the night she almost died. • Knowing your critical care solution for your dog. • Why talk to your dog every day. • The reason you need a baseline of skills for your dog. • What happened with Encore’s immune system. • About looking to alternative modalities. • The importance of appreciating each and every day. • My initial thoughts on the longevity of dogs.   Resources:   • Blog Post: Prayers for Encore - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2012/12/prayers-for-encore/ • Blog Post: Answered Prayers - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2012/12/answered-prayers/ • Blog Post: Encore on the Road to Recovery - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2012/12/encore-on-the-road-to-recovery/ • Blog Post: Encore’s Rehab . . . A Week at Home! - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2012/12/encores-rehab-a-week-at-home/ • Blog Post: Your Dog Recovering From Severe Trauma . . . Is There A Baseline? - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2013/03/your-dog-recovering-from-severe-trauma-is-there-a-baseline/

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   It's not uncommon to know you should be training your dog, but you just don't feel like it. You can't motivate yourself. And you might look at your dog and can tell that your motivation carries over. If you have ever found yourself unmotivated and in need of inspiration, you are going to love this episode. It does not matter what you are working on, or what challenge you want to overcome; you can find success leaves clues.   In the episode you'll hear:   • About checking in with yourself to see how you feel. • What Lou Holtz says about the “why” and purpose following passion. • About your feelings for your dog and how they can give you focus. • The difference being busy and being purposeful. • About your dog’s motivation. • How to use D.A.S.H. for you and your dog. • Reasons cheerleading is not what you want to do. • The inadvertent behavior chain that cheering can create. • Why short sessions will help low drive dogs and high drive dogs. • About using food rewards to help your high drive dog with focus.   Resources:   • Vlog Post: Get Your Dog Training Done (And Make Your Week Awesome)-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/08/get-your-dog-training-done/ • Podcast Episode 57: Why Balance Breaks Fast Track Your Dog Training-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/57/ • *Book: Winning Every Day: The Game Plan for Success by Lou Holtz-https://geni.us/winning-every-day • *Book: Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek-https://geni.us/why-sinek • *Book: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court by John Wooden-https://geni.us/lifetime-wooden • Recallers-https://recallers.com/ • Podcast Episode 16: The Thing Before Your Dog’s Thing-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/16/ • Podcast Episode 12: When Helping Your Dog is an Illusion-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/12/ • Blog Post: Identifying and Using Positive Triggers for Your Dog-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/01/positive-triggers/   *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   In the world of dog training, a lot of people are trying to train their dog with a focus solely on the use of reinforcement. But there can be a disparity in the success people have when using rewards. We’re going to turn the microscope on why the outcome varies between trainers, why it’s happening, and what we can do about it so everyone can have success.   In the episode you'll hear:   • The reasons that animal training fails. • How to get brilliant at understanding and using reinforcement values. • What motivational currency is for your dog. • The difference between a commemorative coin and a thousand dollars an hour. • Why to vary the treats you give your dog when training. • How different locations and activities can require differing rewards. • The food rewards I use with my dogs and how I rank those rewards. • My exact formula for what reinforcement to use when. • Why to consider your dog’s uncertainty and distraction value. • How to rank a reward’s motivational currency and the scale to use. • The reason frequency changes the value of a reinforcer. • Why I use high value treats for husbandry behaviors and how I transfer value.   Susan Garrett’s Reinforcement Formula: RV > DU + DV RV = Reinforcement Value DU = Dog’s Uncertainty DV = Distraction Value   Resources:   • Podcast Episode 2: Reinforcement-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/2/ • Podcast Episode 34: Time Outs for Dogs: Does Your Dog Need One?-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/34/ • Tasty Treats Recipe eBook-https://dogsthat.com/tastytreats/ • Blog Post: How Do I Train My Dog To Come When Called?-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/04/train-my-dog-to-come-when-called/ • Crate Games Online-https://get.crategames.com/