

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

10 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 19min
Why In 2025 We Still Have Dog Trainers Who Believe “Reinforcement Dog Training Doesn’t Work“ #297
Discover the truth behind the misconceptions of positive reinforcement in dog training. Learn about the biggest mistakes trainers make that lead to frustration. Dive into techniques like desensitization and counter-conditioning, essential for success. Hear relatable examples of training reactive dogs and handling distractions effectively. Explore why simply masking emotions with treats won't cut it and uncover the pitfalls of cookie-stuffing. Get ready to transform your dog's training journey with practical insights!

11 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 6min
Training Tips From Susan: Reactive Dog Training: Help Dogs Move From Dysregulation To Self-Regulation Case Study
Discover effective strategies for training reactive dogs to move from chaos to calm. A fascinating case study reveals how co-regulation and patience can transform a dog's reactions. Dive into techniques like using a chin target to alleviate surprises during walks. The episode draws on a classic game that enhances focus and confidence, showing that with the right approach, even the most dysregulated dogs can thrive in their environment.

Mar 4, 2025 • 4min
Training Tips From Susan: Understanding Your Adolescent Dog: Teenage Hormones, Emotions, And Behavior
Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! Training Tips from Susan: Understanding Your Adolescent Dog: Teenage Hormones, Emotions, and Behavior Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDmQBOA-bCA&t=0s And check out our playlist on emotional regulation in dogs for all the insights to help you help your dog no matter what their age - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0ZnXC_lczh942HhB0Vdo5v When your puppy enters adolescence, it's a new ballgame when it comes to their hormones, emotions and behavior. The teenage dog transformation begins at roughly six months through 18 months with environmental factors like vaccines and nutrition also influencing this phase. Managing expectations and prioritizing your dog's emotional well-being while educating yourself as a dog owner will help you navigate the transition from puppy to adulthood with your relationship intact.

Mar 3, 2025 • 4min
Training Tips From Susan: Catch Your Runaway Dog! Stop Chasing And Do This In An Emergency
Learn how to handle a runaway dog with the innovative 'stop, pop, and roll' technique. This method emphasizes not chasing your dog, but instead using a whistle and rolling away to redirect their attention. Susan shares personal stories that highlight the urgency of reliable recall skills, making it clear how this approach can be a lifesaver. Plus, discover more about the role of body pressure in dog training!

7 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 7min
Training Tips From Susan: How To Train Your Dog To Leave It With No Command: Susan Garrett's ItsYerChoice
Discover effective strategies to train your dog to 'leave it' without needing a command. Dive into the innovative 'It's Your Choice' technique, which empowers dogs to make safe decisions independently. This method not only enhances impulse control but also strengthens your bond with your furry friend. Whether facing distractions or tempting treats, your dog learns to prioritize safety and good choices. Plus, grab a free starter pack to kick off your training journey!

13 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 24min
Reactive Dogs! Why Dog Owners Need To Know About Green, Yellow And Red Zones And Social Sensitivity #296
Explore the complexities of socially sensitive dogs and their varied reactions to other canines. Discover the significance of the Green, Yellow, and Red Zones in understanding your dog's comfort levels. Learn practical strategies and fun games to boost your dog's confidence through active and passive methods. The importance of routines like the Relaxation Protocol and having a safe 'Home Zone' is discussed. Plus, find out how to leverage everyday moments for building resilience and recognize when your dog is ready for new challenges.

Jan 17, 2025 • 18min
Fear Of Criticism? Why Facing The Camera Is The First Step To Becoming A Better Dog Trainer #295
Unlock your potential as a dog trainer by confronting the fear of criticism. Discover how recording your training sessions can transform both your skills and your bond with your dog. Overcome emotional barriers like perfectionism by reframing negative thoughts into opportunities for growth. Learn tips for focusing on the positives in your videos and embracing vulnerability. With the right mindset, you can nurture your dog’s development while also allowing yourself grace and room for improvement.

Jan 8, 2025 • 18min
Survey Shows 63% Of Dog Owners Currently Don't Use This Essential Dog Training Tool #294
Visit us at shapedbydog.com We recently did a poll on social media channels, and I was taken aback when the survey showed that 63% of dog owners currently don't use a dog training tool that I consider essential! Not only will this tool help prevent dog training mistakes, it will help you get results faster and save you time. It's videoing your training sessions, and I'm here to help you get started with tips and real examples so you can embrace video as the most essential tool for training your dog. In this episode, you’ll hear: • About the one thing that would exponentially improve every single person's dog training. • Why videoing your dog training is a game-changing tool for improvement. • Surprising survey results revealing that 63% of trainers don’t regularly video their sessions. • Insights from Dr. Bob Bailey on how video transformed animal training. • Reasons why people might not be videoing their training and my goal for 2025! • Common barriers to videoing your training and how to overcome them. • Real-life examples of how video can dramatically speed up your dog’s learning. • Practical tips for setting up and reviewing your training videos with ease. Resources: 1. Podcast Episode 133: Become Your Own Dog Training Coach With This Video Strategy - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/133/ 2. Podcast Episode 131: How Would Susan Garrett Plan Your Dog Training Sessions? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/131/ 3. Podcast Episode 125: Why Isn’t My Dog Learning What I’m Training? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/125/ 4. Recallers - https://recallers.com/ 5. Handling360 - https://connect.handling360.com/ 6. Home School The Dog - https://homeschoolthedog.com/ 7. Podcast Episode 210: Tips On Finding Time To Dog Train When Life Is Busy: Chat With Natalia Nizker - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/210/ 8. Podcast Episode 190: Using Daily Quickies To Fast Track Your Dog Training And Grow Your Dog’s Skills - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/190/ 9. DogsThat YouTube Channel Playlists - https://www.youtube.com/@DogsThat/playlists 10. DogsThat YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/DogsThat/ 11. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/Bq5fF89IJo4

10 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 18min
MRI: A Simple 3 Part Dog Training Formula To Fix Problems Like Counter Surfing, Reactivity And More #293
Discover a simple three-step formula to tackle common dog behavior issues, like counter surfing and reactivity. Learn how to manage, redirect, and intensify actions for effective training. Dive into the ABCs of dog behavior and see a real-life example in action. Transform naughty behaviors into training opportunities with fun games. Understand how to focus on reinforcing the right actions and create a positive learning environment for your dog!

Dec 18, 2024 • 11min
Do 99% Of Dogs Really Have Behavior Problems? Unpacking The Truth Behind Claims And What You Can Do #292
Do over 99% of dogs really suffer from behavior problems? This intriguing discussion examines the truth behind sensational claims about canine behavior. It highlights key factors like nutrition, pain, and illness that can affect a dog's temperament. Discover the importance of exploring your dog's individual challenges and embracing curiosity in training. Personal stories about handling behavior issues provide relatable insights, encouraging dog owners to dig deeper for solutions.