Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Raising dogs in a home with kids and kids in a home with dogs can be harmonious when you have the right expectations for great outcomes. Now, I don’t have children, but my dogs are around many children as I have a lot of nieces and nephews. There can be a great deal of joy for kids and dogs and many life lessons if we set everyone up for success. Do you know someone who has children and a dog? Share this podcast episode with them, and together we can help families with kids and dogs and make life better for everybody.   In the episode you'll hear:   • How imagining living with an overly exuberant relative relates to your dog. • Why I believe having a dog in a house with children can be an awesome combination. • How adults can help create the best relationship possible between kids and dogs. • Why we all have the right to say we are uncomfortable. • What children learn from us in the way we treat our dogs. • How even the kindest people might inadvertently teach life lessons they don’t want their children to emulate. • Why family agreements can be massively beneficial for everyone, including dogs. • How giving your dog a nickname can set kids and dogs up for success. • About including children in your dog training plans without overwhelm. • The transitions to train for your dog that will create household harmony. • What education I believe is critical for all dogs living with children. • Why I’m telling my team to give you a massive discount to join Home School the Dog. • Productive and safe ways that kids and dogs can enjoy time together. • How we can be the best advocates for both kids and dogs. • What you can do with "Home School the Dog. I was listening."!   Resources:   • 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 19: One of My Biggest Pet Peeves in Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/19/ • Blog Post: A GAME to Preserve Your Dog’s Recall Cue - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/06/game-to-preserve-your-dogs-recall-cue/ • Game: Learn How to Play ItsYerChoice (IYC) - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/ • Crate Games Online - https://get.crategames.com/ • Susan's Team: wag@dogsthat.com • Podcast Episode 57: Why Balance Breaks Fast Track Your Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/57/ • Podcast Episode 6: The Art of Manipulation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/6/

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    There is one thing that I do intentionally in my dog training that makes all the difference in the world to the joy and success that my dogs and I have together. That one thing is using Balance Breaks. I’m sharing exactly what a Balance Break is, why it’s essential, and the mechanics of how I do it. Let me know when you try it!.   In the episode you'll hear:   • My 5 steps to an amazing dog training experience. • About the power of D.A.S.H. (Desire, Accuracy, Speed, Habitat). • Why training your dog is like starting a motorcycle. • How dog training is better is slices. • Why to make a joy sandwich for you and your dog. • All about Balance Breaks and how to use them. • The importance of your dog’s physiology. • How to think about your training as being on stage. • Why breaks for transitions keep your dog training flowing. • The guidelines for using Balance Breaks successfully.   Resources:   • Blog Post: The Secret Sauce For Enthusiasm … Balance Breaks!-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/01/the-secret-sauce-for-enthusiasm-balance-breaks/ • Podcast Episode 6: The Art of Manipulation-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/6/ • Blog Post: Planning for a Successful Shaping Session with Your Dog-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/09/plan-a-successful-shaping-session-with-your-dog/ • Blog Post: Got D.A.S.H. (Desire, Accuracy, Speed and Habitat)?-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2017/01/dash/ • Podcast Episode 35: Pro Dog Training Tip to Improve Your Dog’s Focus-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/35/ Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Do you have a naughty dog or things you want to change with your dog’s behavior? It might be to improve your dog’s focus on you, stop counter surfing, barking, running off, jumping on guests, pulling on leash, or fixing something that will get you the teamwork you want for dog sports like agility. There are five questions I’ve been asking my dog training students the world over that will fast track your success.   In the episode you'll hear:   • The 5 questions to ask that will help you fix any dog training challenge. • About easily creating small successes for you and your dog. • What I learned when teaching in Japan about the stories we tell ourselves. • How you can borrow my confidence for your success. • Knowing your domino. • A tip that helps me succeed at world-level dog agility competition. • How to see through your dog’s eyes. • About a quick and easy commitment to make to your dog. • What you can do with “Hey, Susan said..”!   Resources:   • *Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear-https://geni.us/atomic_habits • Recallers-https://recallers.com/ • Book: Shaping Success by Susan Garrett-https://dogsthat.com/product/shaping-success-2/ • Video: Building Drive by 'being' a Bad Dog Trainer (Bad Dog Trainer Routine)-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqs54qMgQA • Video: The Journey-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfXGD4hP1Ro • Podcast Episode 8: Get Your Dog in the Belief Loop of Awesome-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/8/ • Podcast Episode 23: What Is Your Identity as a Dog Owner?-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/23/ • Susan Garrett’s Dog Training Blog-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/ • Susan Garrett’s DogsThat YouTube Channel-https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC17PDLl8y1dP2BRV5vuseg • Susan’s Team: wag@dogsthat.com Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube   *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    Choosing the best dog toy for any activity will lead to success. The toy you choose needs to be safe and suit the purpose. Before I was a professional dog trainer, I never gave any thought to toy selection apart from if a toy appealed to me. Since those days, I’ve created systems and processes for toy selection to benefit my dogs. Picking the wrong toy can set your training back and could be dangerous. Picking the right toy will set you and your dog up for success.   In the episode you'll hear:   • The six categories that toys can fit into and the best toys for each. • About looking at what’s on the end of a tug toy. • What toys are best, and what toys never to choose for retrieving. • Why never to play fetch with sticks and not let your dog carry a stick. • My thoughts on tennis balls that you might not want to hear! • Toys you can use to exercise your dog. • How toys for training help educate our dogs. • Why to consider where you will reward your dog for toy selection. • What to know about toys that deliver food to your dog and where to use them. • About toys that are entertainment for dogs. • How to use toys for enrichment and what to consider about your dog’s safety. • The toys you can make at home that won’t cost you anything.   Resources:   • Podcast Episode 54: Dog Toy Checklist: What’s Good and What to Avoid-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/54/ • Vlog Post: Retrieve Games-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2009/08/retrieve-games/ • 4MyMerles Creations-https://www.4mymerles.com/product-category/say-yes/ • West Paw Toppl Treat Toys-https://www.westpaw.com/dog-toys/puzzle/toppl-treat-toy • Nina Ottosson Puzzle Game Toys-https://www.nina-ottosson.com/products/all-products/ • *Aerobie Sprint Flying Ring-https://geni.us/Aerobie • *Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper-https://geni.us/bumper-fetch • *Kong Squeezz Stick-https://geni.us/squeezz-stick • *Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll Rope Ball-https://geni.us/rope-ball • *iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers for Dogs-https://geni.us/ifetch-ball-launcher • *iDig Digging Toy by iFetch-https://geni.us/ifetch-digging-toy   *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    Do you know how to choose the right dog toys? Have you thought of the do’s and don’ts when picking a toy for your puppy or dog? Do you consider the purpose of the toy? My dogs have many toys, which might not be a surprise! There are ten key considerations I use when selecting a new toy, including safety. One of the things to look for in a toy might be a surprise!   In the episode you'll hear:   • The top 10 considerations for selecting a dog toy. • What sort of toys never to choose and knowing what might be toxic. • Why a toy's material is important for your dog’s safety. • About knowing how attractive a toy is for your dog, including the sounds. • Why to know your dog’s strength and power when choosing a toy. • What to consider about your physical abilities. • Why to think about how you will be able to clean your dog’s toys. • How much my Terrier Shelby loved a rock and my Terrier DeCaff loved fly swatters. • Why it’s important for you to be happy with a toy. • The importance of the color of the toy you are selecting for your dog. • The categories of engagement, exercise, education, enrichment, entertainment and eating to think about when buying toys for dogs.   Resources:   • Vlog: How to Pick the Best Toys for Your Puppy or Dog-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/08/pick-the-best-toys-for-your-puppy-or-dog/ • Vlog: Vlog: Why Colours Matter in Dog Agility (Featuring Nicki Gurr)-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/05/vlog-why-colours-matter-in-dog-agility/ • Apple iOS App “Dog Vision HD” by Laan Labs-https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dog-vision-hd/id812260666 • Android App Dog Vision-https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fr.nghs.android.cbs.dogvision&hl=en • Podcast Episode 2: Reinforcement-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/2/

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    We’re looking at how to train your dog to stop pulling on leash. You have probably heard me talk about the importance of exercise for dogs. But, for some of you, taking your dog for a walk is not enjoyable, and you just want your dog to walk nicely. I’m covering what might have led to your dog’s lead pulling, what you can do to fix it, and how you can start to enjoy going for a walk.   In the episode you'll hear:   • About my trips to Hot Springs, Arkansas, and why world-renowned animal trainers Bob and Marian Bailey taught us to train chickens. • The importance of mechanics and reinforcement in training any animal. • How pulling ahead of you on lead can be rewarding for your dog. • Why your dog inadvertently learns that it’s important to be in front of you. • All the good things that are out in front that can create pulling on lead. • How to be intentional about a reward zone and why to know your pants seam. • The best mechanics to use for loose leash walking. • What better behaviour to train for success with walking on leash. • How to hold the leash, how to reward your dog, and why to circle. • The layers of training walking on a leash and how to rehearse success.   Resources:   • Blog Post: How do I Stop My Dog from Pulling on the Leash?-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2020/01/stop-my-dog-pulling-on-leash/ • Podcast Episode 40: Using a Head Halter on a Dog, Why My Approach is so Different - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/40/ • Game: Learn How to Play ItsYerChoice (IYC)-https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/ • Podcast Episode 42: Behavior Chains: Are You Teaching Your Dog to be Bad to be Good?-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/42/

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    There are five words commonly used when training a dog. I bet you can immediately think of dog training commands that are in use frequently! Are cues like sit, down, stay, come and okay on your list? One of these words I would never ever use, and I’m sharing why. I believe our dogs put our words into five categories, and I’m covering each cue category and how it relates to what we say to our dog.   In the episode you'll hear:   • How many words dogs can respond to and understand. • What words our dogs will ignore and how that can be inadvertent. • Why there are words that can be confusing for our dogs. • How words can make our dogs happy. • The importance of the tone of our verbal cues. • About the words that can create stress and fear for dogs. • Why sit means sit and importance of a release word. • The one word I never use. • Why some words are ignored or confusing for our dog. • My best advice on selecting cues for your dog. • How some dogs only have micro-seconds to respond to a cue. • About the release cue “break” that I use and one I don’t recommend. • How you can easily change a word to one that will bring your dog clarity.   Resources:   • * Learning Resources Answer Buzzers - https://geni.us/buzzers • Vlog Post: Toning Up On Cue Clarity (Hearing The Sirens)-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/01/toning-up-on-cue-clarity-hearing-the-sirens/ • Blog Post: Three Different Types of Verbal Markers in Dog Training-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/09/three-verbal-markers-in-dog-training/ • Blog Post: How Do I Train My Dog To Come When Called?-https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/04/train-my-dog-to-come-when-called/ • Podcast Episode 19: One of My Biggest Pet Peeves in Dog Training-https://dogsthat.com/podcast/19/   *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 dog training, there’s really only one reason we feel frustration, and that is when the outcome does not meet our expectations. But what happens when we get frustrated? Recently I experienced frustration when training a side pass with my puppy, This!, and I’m sharing with you the process I used for troubleshooting.   In the episode you'll hear:   • About the motivation for this episode from a post by one of my students. • Identifying the words you use when you are frustrated. • The lesson I recently learned regarding frustration and how it hurt my heart. • Why to take a break. • My 5-step evaluation for when dog training does not go to plan. • Why to look at where your dog is in the training progression chart. • How to evaluate your training with PEP. • The psychological, environmental, and physical considerations for dog training. • Why and when to tip with twenties. • How we leap too far ahead with training and the question to ask ourselves. • The importance of remembering to “train the dog in front of you”.   Resources:   • Blog Post: How to Embrace Videoing Your Dog Training - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/03/embrace-videoing/ • Podcast Episode 4: T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/Ears, Mouth, Posture) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/4/ • Podcast Episode 44: Using Coincidences and Positive Associations in Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/44/

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    When I was 12 years old, I experienced the most humiliating event of my young life with a doctor who was trying to be helpful. That event changed who I was and how I processed information and led me to become the dog trainer that I am today. What if the things that we look at as our greatest challenges are actually our biggest blessings? And how could that help our dogs?   In the episode you'll hear:   • About my family and my introduction to riding a bike. • Why my brothers talked about my determination as if I were an alien. • My love of Nancy Drew books as a child. • How an ophthalmologist changed my young life forever. • Why I thought I was weird and how I just tried to figure things out. • My experience at University in an English course and why I stopped reading. • The years I spent with undiagnosed dyslexia and how that shaped me. • What I want you to know about answers existing. • About not giving anyone the power to make you feel less than. • How there are dogs out there who need us.   Resources:   • Blog Post: “Each of us is Somebody’s Weirdo” - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2009/12/each-of-us-is-somebodys-weirdo/ • Book: Shaping Success by Susan Garrett - https://dogsthat.com/product/shaping-success-2/

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   What if it were possible to dramatically improve your dog’s focus, skills and overall behaviour just by changing the questions you are asking? There’s no magic pixie dust, but it is possible for everyone. Reinforcement-based training requires outside-the-box thinking. Anyone can become a resourceful solutions-based dog trainer, and I’m giving you the four-step process I share with all of my students.   In the episode you'll hear:   • About swapping old thinking to new thinking. • Why the human brain is an amazing computer. • How to ask better questions. • The challenge with social media darkness and drama. • Why we humans have more compassion for strangers than ourselves. • How you are already answering dog training questions with great ideas. • That you are somebody’s expert. • About knowing what to do next with your dog. • The four-step process for posting a dog training question. • How to get your brain to give you amazing answers. • The importance of empowering statements. • How to get the best support and help with the way you ask questions. • How to have conversations with your family and friends about your dog.   Resources:   • Recallers - https://recallers.com/ • Home School the Dog - https://dogsthat.com/home-school/ • Game: Learn How to Play ItsYerChoice (IYC) - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/ • Susan Garrett's Dog Training Blog - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/ • Book: Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott -https://geni.us/fierce-conversations   *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!