Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

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

Visit us at shapedbydog.com The best place to train a puppy or rescue dog might be the best-kept dog training secret you need to know! It's something no one ever tells you, and it will create success with dog training so your dog can be an amazing companion. You don't need to be on a downward spiral of frustration and disappointment, and I've three critical dog training strategies that are easy to implement so you and your dog can live your best life ever. Free Goodies for You and Your Dog Are you ready for a NEW START? I've got you covered! Here's your link to grab your free Stickers Template, Hand Target Training Video and PDF eBook Lesson Plan - https://dogsthat.com/sbd-new-start-bundle/ Whether you're a seasoned dog trainer or a first-timer, these dog training goodies are for you. They're designed to give every dog and person a fresh start, regardless of their experience level. In this episode you'll hear: • Why some dogs are amazing companions and others are rehomed. • The number one mistake people make with their puppies, rescue dogs or adult dogs. • An example of my rescue dog, Tater, and how he came to be living with me. • About hope training and what's really educating dogs. • How the environment is training your dog and getting in the way of your success. • The best place to train your puppy or dog. • Why learning to drive is similar to teaching a puppy or dog. • Where your dog is most engaged, more focused, less distracted and able to grow in confidence. • 3 critical strategies for dog training success that are easy to implement today. • A short time with my friend's puppy and how the puppy quickly excelled. • How to take daily action to have fun and teach your puppy or dog great skills. • Journalling can be fun and quick so give it a go. • The journal stickers and bundle of free goodies I have for you and your dog - https://dogsthat.com/sbd-new-start-bundle/ Resources: 1. Get your free Stickers Template, Hand Target Training Video and PDF eBook Lesson Plan - https://dogsthat.com/sbd-new-start-bundle/ 2. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/9TiZ3BACSkI

Visit us at shapedbydog.com One of the most frequent questions we see is how to get dogs to stop barking, but this week, a Shaped by Dog listener asked the opposite. They want to help their dog start barking. I teach this as a parlor trick, and have the training steps for you. I'm also sharing expert insights from my good friend, Matt Folsom of Modern Malinois fame because for many working dogs, barking is a vital skill, and it's a very nuanced and detailed behavior. In this episode you'll hear: • That barking on cue is a fun parlor trick and a vital skill for working dogs. • Expert insights from Matt Folsom about how he teaches protection dogs to bark. • How to train your dog to speak on cue as a trick. • How to shape continuous barking. • About capturing barking. • The emotional triggers/reasons behind dog barking and why I harness excitement. • When to add a cue to your dog's trained barking behavior. Resources: 1. Podcast Episode 240: Stop Barking Dogs! Step-By-Step Action Plan And Anti-Bark Strategies To Avoid - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/240/ 2. Podcast Episode 238: Barking Dogs! Understanding Canine Vocalization To Prevent Nuisance Barking - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/238/ 3. Podcast Episode 239: Barking Dogs! How To Help Your Dog Be Quiet And Stop Annoying Barking - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/239/ 4. YouTube Playlist: The Emotional State of Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy29pv3_9b7DZdMFJL9ZJPMy&feature=shared 5. Podcast Episode 69: Clicker Training: Will It Work For Every Dog? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/69/ 6. Matt Folsom The Modern Malinois - https://www.stsk9.com/modern-malinois/ 7. Podcast Episode 170: 5 Popular Ways To Train Your Dog With Food - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/170/ 8. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/p57mCYqIahY

Learn how to use 1-minute training sessions to boost confidence and clarity in dog training. Discover key evaluation factors like environment and reinforcement. Avoid common mistakes and adjust training plans for success. Enhance your dog's skills and prevent distractions with quick evaluations.

Visit us at shapedbydog.com Do you have a dog who's really fussy about the treats that you give them? I'm going to show you how to get your dog grabbing treats no matter what you put in front of them. Previously, I shared games of chase that dogs love to play. Now we're amplifying the chase element for dogs by adding restraint, and I've got 6 new fun games for picky eaters that all dogs will enjoy. In this episode you'll hear: • About overcoming picky eating in dogs so they value food as a reinforcer. • How to play 6 new restraint games to boost food drive. • Why these games work and build on previous chase games. • The steps to play the games, from Circle Chases to Restraint to the Moving Bowl. • Tips to maximize the effectiveness of the games. • Insights into increasing treat value and engagement through restraint. • Introduction to ItsYerChoice, an empowering self-restraint game for dogs. • Guidance on transitioning your dog's food aversion to excitement in training sessions Learn How To Play ItsYerChoice ItsYerChoice Summit - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/ Free eBook Download: Click HERE to get your copy of our "How To Create A Motivating Toy" eBook - https://dogsthat.com/motivating-toy/ Resources: 1. Podcast Episode 269: Why Do Some Dogs Seem to Have Less Food Drive Than Others – 10 Reasons to Consider - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/269/ 2. Podcast Episode 271: Structure Your Dog Training To Create Food Drive In Your Treat Fussy Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/271/ 3. Podcast Episode 272: 10 Engaging Chase Games To Increase Your Picky Eater Dog's Food Drive - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/272/ 4. YouTube Video: Puppy's First Training with Susan Garrett: Shaping, Targeting and Collar Conditioning (use these tips for a harness) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ticB_1Twx6E 5. Podcast Episode 153: Dog Muzzles: Everything You Need To Know And How To Muzzle Train Dogs (use these tips for a harness) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/153/ 6. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/Tm_ELWDlUDg

Visit us at shapedbydog.com I'm sharing 10 fun and engaging games of chase to play with dogs to increase food drive for picky eaters. Now, you might have a dog who loves treats, but they will still have a great time playing the games with you, so give them a try! The games are quick to play and are a great way to connect with your dog. Playing will give you treats your dog values that you can use to your training advantage, and you'll also gain a treat delivery system that engages your dog. In this episode you'll hear: • Why transfer of value is crucial in dog training. • Three categories of reinforcers: food, toys, and activities. • How games of chase bump up your dog's value for food. • 10 fun games to play to increase your dog's enthusiasm. • The step-by-step for each game. • How to incorporate flirt poles and food toys into training sessions. • How to build excitement and motivation through playful interactions. • Tips on celebrating successes and using good tension to your advantage. • About a free eBook I have for you, check out the link below. Free eBook Download: Click here to get your copy of our "How To Create A Motivating Toy" eBook. https://dogsthat.com/motivating-toy/ Resources: 1. Podcast Episode 90: Premack, Dog Training and Transfer of Value - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/90/ 2. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaUAScgaFAg 3. Podcast Episode 269: Why Do Some Dogs Seem to Have Less Food Drive Than Others – 10 Reasons to Consider - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/269/ 4. Podcast Episode 271: Structure Your Dog Training To Create Food Drive In Your Treat Fussy Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/271/ 5. Podcast Episode 226: Safe Toys For Dogs And Why To Avoid Tennis Balls And Sticks - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/226/ 6. Podcast Episode 89: Why Dogs Should Not Tug: The Truth Revealed - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/89/ 7. Podcast Episode 41: Get a Behaved Dog by Celebrating Milestones! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/41/ 8. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/xTBRygO8NAk

Visit us at shapedbydog.com If you are trying to train a dog who is fussy about food, or if you know someone who is in that situation, you may think, "this dog training is never going to work." And you know, you're probably right! Training will be a challenge unless you have something of great value for the dog. We're continuing our focus on how to create food drive with a look at how to structure your dog training to get a transfer of value from things your dog loves to any treat. In this episode you'll hear: • Essential strategies for boosting your dog's food drive. • The importance of exercise beyond a simple walk for your dog's overall well-being. • How restraint recalls can change your dog's physiology and attitude towards nutrition. • Tips for identifying high-value treats that will excite your dog's taste buds and enhance training. • Strategies for experimenting with various types of treats for your dog. • That patience and playing the long game are assets to boost your dog's food drive. • An introduction to the Premack Principle and how it can be applied to training treats. • Why to celebrate success and avoid cheerleading your dog. • The reason to borrow from the way rabbits behave around a dog. Resources: 1. Podcast Episode 269: Why Do Some Dogs Seem to Have Less Food Drive Than Others – 10 Reasons to Consider - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/269/ 2. YouTube Video: 15 Ways To Exercise Your Dog - https://youtu.be/SsQY6nm6E30 3. Podcast Episode 147: Teach Your Dog To Listen Off Leash And Far Away - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/147/ 4. Sniffspot.com - https://www.sniffspot.com/ 5. Podcast Episode 191: Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/191/ 6. Podcast Episode 59: Why Your Treats Aren't Working for Your Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/59/ 7. Podcast Episode 179: Help For Dogs Refusing Treats: Case Study With Training Plan - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/179/ 8. Podcast Episode 177: Dog Training Outside The Box: Transfer Of Value Case Study - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/177/ 9. Podcast Episode 90: Premack, Dog Training and Transfer of Value - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/90/ 10. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/dQJlmWpCrYM

Visit us at shapedbydog.com This episode is all about my girl This! with reflections on this year's Canadian Dog Agility World Team Tryouts. You are all part of Team This! and I'm sharing my goals, challenges, and joys. These same things can relate to whatever you're going through with your own dog. Never give up. At 20 months of age This! didn't even want to wrap a cone or do a tunnel. We've come a long way, and the story continues. In this episode you'll hear: • An update on my Border Collie This! and our story so far. • A debrief of our 2024 Canadian Dog Agility World Team tryouts. • The 3 goals I had for the weekend at the tryouts. • Why This!'s weave pole and dogwalk performance indicates her joy factor. • How each of our five runs together at the tryouts went. • Why we need to focus on fun and joy for any challenge with our dogs. • Reflections on reviewing our dog training processes rather than our goals. • Gratitude to everyone who tunes into Shaped by Dog for supporting Team This! Resources: 1. Podcast Episode 206: First Dog Agility Competition: Creating Joy For This! By Maximizing Reinforcement - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/206/ 2. Podcast Episode 254: Why Your Older Puppy Or Dog Is Not House Trained And What To Do About It - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/254/ 3. YouTube Playlist: Reactive or Aggressive Dogs: Key Insights with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0Tbd6ZybIXgJk3mtpBLLk7 4. Podcast Episode 240: Stop Barking Dogs! Step-By-Step Action Plan And Anti-Bark Strategies To Avoid - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/240/ 5. Podcast Episode 44: Using Coincidences and Positive Associations in Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/44/ 6. Podcast Episode 203: Reactive, Unmotivated and Fearful: Finding Resiliency For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 1 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/203/ 7. Podcast Episode 204: Dog Behavior And Diet: Recovery For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 2 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/204/ 8. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/QjCFXclquIg

Visit us at shapedbydog.com How can I train my dog if they're not interested in food? That's a question I'm often asked, and before we get to the how, we need to look at the why! A dog not really wanting to take food is something I've experienced from time to time. I'm covering the top ten reasons why a dog might have low food drive and not be motivated by training treats as a reinforcer. In this episode you'll hear: • About my experiences with dogs not interested in food. • Why singleton puppies might have low food drive. • The impact of a dog's anxiety or fear. • Why highly stimulated or over aroused dogs might not take treats. • That a dog's disinterest in food might be a sign of pain or discomfort. • About the importance of good food hygiene for dogs. • The impact of too little activity on a dog's food drive. • Why to consider your dog's value for the treats you are using. • What's important about the way you are presenting treats to your dog. • How overfeeding dogs can lead to disinterest in training treats. • A test to try, but consult with your Veterinarian first! • That food refusal can become a reinforced behavior for dogs. Resources: 1. DogsThat YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/dogsthat 2. Podcast Episode 179: Help For Dogs Refusing Treats: Case Study With Training Plan - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/179/ 3. Podcast Episode 90: Premack, Dog Training and Transfer of Value - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/90/ 4. Podcast Episode 218: Puppy Development Stages And Your Dog's Behavior - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/218/ 5. Podcast Episode 191: Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/191/ 6. Podcast Episode 203: Reactive, Unmotivated and Fearful: Finding Resiliency For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 1 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/203/ 7. Podcast Episode 204: Dog Behavior And Diet: Recovery For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 2 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/204/ 8. Podcast Episode 252: The Raw Feeding Guide To Training Your Dog With All Forms Of Treats - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/252/ 9. YouTube Video: 15 Ways To Exercise Your Dog - https://youtu.be/SsQY6nm6E30 10. Podcast Episode 92: Avoid This Big Mistake When Feeding Your Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/92/ 11. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/binkDaVM_1c