Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett artwork

Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

412 episodes - English - Latest episode: 27 days ago -

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.

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Episodes

Breaking Down Dog Behavior Problems: Insights From The Top 10 Frustrations #263

March 01, 2024 15:02 - 15 minutes - 7.3 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   I recently asked ChatGPT to list the top 10 frustrations people experience with dogs and am covering how to break down dog behavior problems to help make things better for everyone.  Making things better is the key no matter what challenge you have, and it will give you relief from frustration and allow you and your dog to experience two-sided joy.    In this episode you’ll hear:   • Top 10 frustrations of dog owners worldwide according to ChatGPT. ...

Shaping Tips For High Drive, Frantic, Hyper Dogs To Stop Dog Training Frustration #262

February 28, 2024 14:38 - 23 minutes - 10.8 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   High drive, frantic, hyper dogs can be overwhelming! I’ve got shaping tips to help you end dog training frustration. High drive dogs can also be a lot of fun to train once you’ve made a few tweaks and the step by step I’m sharing I’ve learned from my very driven dogs. There are a lot of myths about dogs who seem to get frantic quickly, so we’re covering what’s really going on, why decompression for dogs is important, and what you can do so that your dog can ...

Common Misconceptions Around Shaping: Why You May Find Dog Training Frustrating #261

February 23, 2024 15:37 - 21 minutes - 9.75 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com     Recently, I asked for your questions about using shaping in dog training, and wow, did you deliver! I’m covering misconceptions about shaping, where shaping went wrong for me in the 90s with my dogs and a wall, what you need to know about successive approximations, and how behavioral blocks set dogs up for success. Plus, I’m answering some of your most popular questions and sharing the steps so you can shape your dog to close a cupboard door.   In this...

Is My Puppy’s Behavior Normal or Is It Time For Me To Be Concerned? #260

February 21, 2024 15:50 - 23 minutes - 10.6 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Ever wondered if your puppy's behavior is normal or cause for concern? From biting to lunging, fearing to growling, chasing, chewing and more, it can be hard to know what's normal and what's not. There’s a range of behaviors that people might consider problems, but many really are normal, and they can vary based on a puppy's breed, upbringing, and individual quirks. I've got insights and practical tips for understanding and action-taking on common puppy beh...

Use These Simple Shaping Hacks To Expedite Your Dog Training #259

February 14, 2024 14:44 - 20 minutes - 10.8 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   Are you ready to take your dog training to the next level? Whether you're just starting, have been at it a while, or are an experienced dog trainer, I've got hacks to fast track success and take you and your dog to a completely different level of understanding. I'm diving into shaping behavior and why it's the key to unlocking rapid learning for you and your dog. Shaping is not a training method but how all animals learn, and I've got simple yet powerful tip...

Training Plan For Hyper Excited Dogs: Play The Threshold Game For Calm Focus #258

February 09, 2024 15:09 - 21 minutes - 10.6 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Does your dog get hyper and lose focus the closer they get to something really exciting? You are not alone, and I have a training plan to help you create calm and focus for over-the-top dogs. I’m covering why dogs can get out of control near things they love and what to do about it when you want to be a positive reinforcement-based dog trainer. Plus, you’ll get the steps to play the Threshold Game with a case study of a very excited young dog who visits me ...

How To Use Your Dog’s Favorite Reinforcements To Fix Unwanted Inadvertent Behaviors #257

February 02, 2024 14:00 - 23 minutes - 11.6 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Have you ever wondered how to fix your dog’s unwanted behavior when you want to train with positive reinforcement? In episode 256, I covered the magic question, "What was that cookie for?" that helps us all understand how we may be contributing to the behaviors of our dogs that we want to change. So, I’m following up with my top tips on turning things around. The very good news is that the formula I use to get everything back on track is easy to apply to an...

What Was That Cookie For?! When Positive Reinforcement In Dog Training Goes Wrong #256

January 31, 2024 14:50 - 16 minutes - 7.52 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   With the growing popularity of positive reinforcement-based dog training, there's an increasing popularity of criticizing the use of positive reinforcement. And truthfully, it isn't all unfounded because there can be a huge variability in people's results when they choose not to use physical corrections or verbal intimidation in their dog training. I’m addressing the criticism with a look at 5 different scenarios where dogs get rewarded for things you don’t ...

Rescue Dog Training: Priorities For Your First Week Together #255

January 24, 2024 15:05 - 20 minutes - 9.17 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   There are a lot of rescue dogs out there. And bravo for those of you who are opening up your homes and adopting them. In this episode, I'm doing a deep dive into the emotions of rescue dogs, and the priorities I have when I bring a rescue dog into my home. This episode is for everybody, regardless of whether you have a rescue or not. I'm sharing the thought process I go through when evaluating all of my dogs, my training, and the next step I need to take wit...

Why Your Older Puppy Or Dog Is Not House Trained And What To Do About It #254

January 19, 2024 15:20 - 14 minutes - 6.41 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Do you have or know a dog or older puppy who still isn't completely house trained? If this is you, don't worry, I've got you covered! I’m sharing the reasons a dog might not be fully house trained, what to do about it, a common mistake people make, and how to teach your dog to tell you when they want to go outside to potty.    In this episode you’ll hear:   • Common reasons why older puppies or dogs have accidents inside the house. • How I had hous...

7 Ways To Instantly Make Your Dog's Life Better #253

January 17, 2024 14:58 - 14 minutes - 6.63 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   I was recently asked, "Do you think there's a way we could instantly make our dog's life better?" and I thought about it and decided it would be a great topic for an episode of Shaped by Dog.  The way I narrowed down my list to 7 things might surprise you. The good news is that putting these proven tips into action will not really cost you any more money and will improve life and happiness for all dogs and people.   In this episode you’ll hear:   • T...

The Raw Feeding Guide To Training Your Dog With All Forms Of Treats #252

January 12, 2024 15:27 - 15 minutes - 7.17 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   Feeding dogs raw food and how to train with raw fed dogs are topics I get asked to talk about a lot! I’m covering how I use raw food to my dog training advantage and how I plan what food I’m using when and where. Even if you don’t feed raw, the tips on type of treats for dogs and using treats for training is for everyone.   In this episode you’ll hear:   • What it's like training your dogs when you're a raw feeder. • The detailed strategy I use when...

Should We All Stop Using Non-Reward Markers In Dog Training? #251

January 10, 2024 15:31 - 17 minutes - 8 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Non-Reward Markers have long been used in dog training, but are they really necessary? And what drives our choice to use an NRM? An NRM, sometimes called a No Reward Marker, could be a word people use to freeze a dog from making a poor choice during training or even be something like, “ah”, “no”, “hey”, “stop”. I’m covering how things have changed for me and the use of Non-Reward Markers over the years and what we can do instead.   In this episode you’l...

Expectations Vs Reality: Navigating The Path To Dog Training Success #250

January 03, 2024 14:43 - 13 minutes - 6.26 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Recently something happened in my own dog training that I’m sharing in this episode, and it’s all about our expectations of our dogs. Along with our expectations, our beliefs and biases play a role in our relationship with our dogs. We’re all bombarded with unrealistic expectations about dogs daily, so challenging what we think with curiosity can be a fast track to dog training success. Realistic expectations will bring us closer to our dogs, and help them ...

AMA: Puppy Training, Agility Zoomies, Senior Dogs, Feeding Schedules And More With Susan Garrett #249

December 19, 2023 14:38 - 21 minutes - 9.87 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    We’ve got another ask me anything episode, because your questions are so good! I’m sharing answers on topics like training contacts in dog agility, daily training routines for puppies, overcoming fears in dogs, training in multiple sports, feeding schedules for dogs, exercise for dogs, dealing with reactivity between dogs, zoomies in the agility ring and more. Have a question I’ve not covered? Jump over to YouTube and let me know what it is in the comments....

Milestones That Transform Your Dog's Life! Goals To Achieve Dog Training Success #248

December 13, 2023 15:21 - 13 minutes - 6.23 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Ever set goals for your dog but struggled to make progress? I’m doing a deep dive on how to change that! Whether you're a new puppy owner, facing challenges with your dog or want to excel in dog sports, achieving your training goals is possible! Discover the power of setting goals and celebrating achievable milestones to transform your dog training and create success.   In this episode you’ll hear:   • Where you are in your goals for dog training. ...

Redefining Expertise In Dog Training And What Counts More Than Years Of Experience #247

December 06, 2023 15:07 - 11 minutes - 5.37 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    What's better than 30 years of dog training experience? It’s NOT 31! I’m covering why the duration someone spends training dogs does not create expertise, going against the commonly held belief that longevity in a profession guarantees proficiency. Now, 30 years of growing skills and being open to new ideas can create mastery, but living the same year 30 times does the opposite. Get all the critical tips to maximize the next year of your dog training experi...

Susan Garrett’s Puppy Socialization Strategies For Raising Confident, Happy Dogs #246

December 01, 2023 14:40 - 19 minutes - 8.75 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    For every puppy owner using a socialization strategy that grows confidence and connection, there’s a thousand who don’t do it at all or do it terribly wrong. I’m sharing exactly how I socialize my puppies, including my current five-month-old, Prophet, so that everyone can do the same thing to get the best start to a life of joy with their dog.   In this episode you’ll hear:   • The exact things I do to socialize my own puppies. • Common misconcepti...

Make Dog Training Easy! Quick Guide To Antecedent Arrangements #245

November 15, 2023 15:14 - 17 minutes - 8.09 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Recently, a professional dog trainer told me her favorite Shaped by Dog episode is 16, where I explain the simple concept of “antecedent arrangements” as one of the most effective, animal behavior science solutions to ANY dog training problem. Although it’s an all-time favorite of my students and dog training professionals, it’s a hidden gem to the general public. So, I’m revisiting the topic of how to increase brilliant dog behavior – while decreasing unde...

Dog Myths Debunked: Separating Canine Facts From Fiction #244

November 08, 2023 14:43 - 15 minutes - 7 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   There are 14 canine myths commonly accepted as truths and I’m doing some serious debunking to separate fact from fiction. For example, have you heard the myth about “Doodles never shed”? It's a myth because it's genetics. If you breed a shedding breed to a non-shedding breed, we can't predict what we're going to get. Don’t miss this one, because I’m “shedding” even more light on popular lore about dogs that too many people still believe. Enjoy!   In this...

Training My New Puppy, What He Knows So Far: Susan Garrett's Plan And Puppy Schedule #243

November 03, 2023 14:52 - 20 minutes - 9.45 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   My puppy, Prophet, turned four months old this week! At this point, the Prophet knows nothing. What!? Now, my definition of ‘know’ is different. Although he doesn’t “know” much, Prophet recognizes many behaviors and several markers, and that’s the start of true understanding. I’m sharing exactly what my daily routine and puppy-training plan looks like and my top priorities for raising a confident, joyful dog.   In this episode you’ll hear:   •  What ...

Help! Why Won't My Dog Pay Attention? (Secrets Of Focus) #242

November 01, 2023 13:53 - 17 minutes - 8.21 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Help! How do I get my dog to focus on me and pay attention? Today I’m sharing the positive reinforcement “secrets” that make your dog prioritize you over environmental distractions. If you feel non-existent to your dog around other dogs, squirrels, cats, people, bicycles, etc. – but you’ve been taught to collar pop and say things like “leave it!” – I’m going to teach you to combine two of my proven, science-based games to inspire your dog to focus on you wi...

Halloween Prep For Dogs: Tricks To Make Celebrations A Treat For Everyone #241

October 27, 2023 13:52 - 15 minutes - 7.27 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Trick or Treat! It’s almost Halloween and although not every country celebrates it, I want to suggest a dog training plan-a-palooza to prep for holidays and celebrations no matter where you live. Halloween and similar events can be scary and dangerous for dogs! I’m sharing common but deadly candy ingredients your dog must avoid, why you shouldn’t take most dogs trick-or-treating and how to prevent reactivity and anxiety when spooky, costumed strangers knock...

Stop Barking Dogs! Step-By-Step Action Plan And Anti-Bark Strategies To Avoid #240

October 25, 2023 13:47 - 20 minutes - 9.41 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Has your dog’s barking ever had you consider using an anti-bark collar? I did in the Nineties with my dog, Buzz, and I'm letting you know the results right up front. Lessons were learned and I developed an action plan to stop annoying barking that’s proven to work, so I’m sharing what to do step-by-step. Plus, if you want your dog to settle down when greeting houseguests, don’t miss the protocol for using a remote feeder to create calm at home.   In thi...

Barking Dogs! How To Help Your Dog Be Quiet And Stop Annoying Barking #239

October 20, 2023 14:00 - 23 minutes - 10.6 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    All the details on how to minimize excessive and annoying dog barking with seven fun and fast dog training games! Remember that canine vocalizing can be an expression of emotion, so the solution to nuisance barking begins with a dog’s physical and emotional needs being met. There are also times we DON’T want our dogs to stop barking and times we unconsciously reinforce unwanted vocalizing. Understanding canine vocal communication is the path to a more harmo...

Barking Dogs! Understanding Canine Vocalization To Prevent Nuisance Barking #238

October 18, 2023 14:39 - 13 minutes - 6.31 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Help, how do I stop my dog barking! This topic gets requested so much I’m turning it into a series. Most people refer to a dog’s verbal communication as barking, but what if you reframed it as vocalizing – just as humans do with whispers, laughing, yelling, sobbing, squealing? It’s all communication. In part one of this series I’m analyzing the 5 reasons dogs bark and identifying different meanings of canine communication with vocalization. Plus, learn how ...

A Plan For Your Fearful Dog (Part 2): Susan Garrett’s Strategic Plan For Anxious Dogs #237

October 06, 2023 13:46 - 24 minutes - 11 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    In episode 236 I detailed 10 reasons why dogs might show fear. In today’s part two, I’m giving you a strategic plan to help fearful, anxious dogs grow into calm, confident family pets. My uncommon approach is a game changer for dogs that are constantly afraid, anxious, over-reactive, or extremely excitable. Be sure you’ve listened to Part 1 first so you can identify the triggers that might be contributing to your dog’s fear. Leave me any questions below and...

Understanding Dog Fear (Part 1): Genetics, Trauma, And Your Dog’s Well-being #236

October 04, 2023 13:55 - 21 minutes - 9.71 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    How to help frightened and anxious dogs is a question I receive frequently, so I’m diving into identifying and overcoming canine fears and phobias that often lead to withdrawal or reactivity. Today’s focus is on overlooked reasons dogs become fearful and what you need to know about anxiety. It’s important to recognize a dog’s fear triggers and the role we might play in unconsciously creating stress.   In this episode you’ll hear:   •  Overlooked tri...

AMA With Susan Garrett: Leash Lunging, Dog Anxiety, Agility Angst, Bad Breeders, And More #235

September 29, 2023 14:23 - 23 minutes - 10.8 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    How do you know if a breeder is truly reputable? How do I fit a new puppy into my daily routine? Why do some vets say raw food is dangerous for dogs? How do I calm a leash-lunging dog? What’s the best way to cure puppy separation anxiety? How do I help my hyper dog relax? These are just a few of your questions I’m answering in today’s Ask Me Anything about raising and training brilliant, healthy, joyful puppies and dogs using positive reinforcement.   I...

How To Stop Puppy Biting: Avoid Mistakes With Susan Garrett's Backup Plan #234

September 27, 2023 14:50 - 20 minutes - 9.39 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    I’ve done several episodes on puppy biting, but my new Border Collie, Prophet, is one of the bitiest I’ve ever owned. Today I’m expanding on how to save your feet and hands from puppy teeth with the top ten reasons puppies bite, the biggest mistakes we make during puppy biting, and a preventative action plan for puppy biting I’ve never shared before. Plus, a great new Plan B game for when the puppy is actively biting you. Remember that most biting and nippi...

Flying A Dog Or Puppy: Susan's Pre-Flight Plan #233

September 20, 2023 14:05 - 12 minutes - 5.66 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Since I recently had a friend fly my new puppy to Canada from Switzerland in-cabin, many of you asked how I prepare my dogs for airline travel. Even if you don’t have plans to fly a puppy anytime soon, you’ll benefit from hearing how I train them to be great travelers in two phases. Moreover, there’s a lot of red tape and regulations around in-cabin flying with puppies and dogs that vary from airline to airline and country to country. I read the fine print ...

Canine Predatory Motor Sequence: Understand Your Dog's Prey Drive To Enrich Your Life Together #232

September 08, 2023 14:51 - 15 minutes - 7.25 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Why do Beagles, Border Collies, Belgian Malinois, Boston Terriers (and most breeds) present different dog training challenges? It’s because their Predatory Motor Sequence aka Predation Sequence creates a behavior pattern of eight events selected for some breeds but removed from others. Recognizing which of these eight exists in your dog allows you to enrich, train, reinforce, and avoid denial of things critical to their well-being. Today I’m showing you how...

Cracking The Canine Code: Prey Drive In Border Collies, Malinois And Other Breeds #232

September 08, 2023 14:51 - 15 minutes - 7.25 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Why do Beagles, Border Collies, Belgian Malinois, Boston Terriers (and most breeds) present different dog training challenges? It’s because their Predatory Motor Sequence aka Predation Sequence creates a behavior pattern of eight events selected for some breeds but removed from others. Recognizing which of these eight exists in your dog allows you to enrich, train, reinforce, and avoid denial of things critical to their well-being. Today I’m showing you how...

Empowering The Next Generation Of Dog Lovers: Finya's School Assignment #231

September 06, 2023 14:45 - 15 minutes - 7.06 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    I love kids, especially those who are keen on training dogs, so when a 10th grader named Finya sent me some wonderful positive reinforcement dog training questions for a school assignment, I said, “Let’s go!” Today I’m answering her questions about shock collars, eCollars, other aversives in agility training, training dog sport champions using only positive reinforcement,plus the importance of mentors, empathy and why dog trainers should keep egos in check ...

Finding Joy Amidst Frustration And Shame In Dog Training - DeCaff’s Story Part 2 #230

September 01, 2023 14:21 - 22 minutes - 10.5 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    In episode 229, I shared the story about finding joy with a “mighty dog” in my life, a Jack Russell Terrier mix named DeCaff. In Part 2, I admit a painful lesson around frustration, shame and struggle between two of my Terriers; as well as the last six lessons my agility champion taught me about conditioning positive emotional responses, arousal states in dog training, seeing behavior as communication, the canine gut-brain axis, and most importantly: forgiv...

Transforming An Overwhelmed And Anxious Dog Into A World Champion - DeCaff’s Story Part 1 #229

August 30, 2023 14:49 - 23 minutes - 10.8 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com - https://shapedbydog.com   Imagine a dog or puppy so overwhelmed by everything they see, hear or feel that it causes anxiety and crushes their confidence. Before transforming into a world agility champion, this was my Jack Russell Terrier mix, DeCaff. In part one of this two-part series I’m sharing six lessons DeCaff taught me as well as reflections on how I uniquely approached some of my toughest dog training challenges. DeCaff ultimately blossomed into a br...

Navigating Failure In Dog Training: What’s Your Plan B? #228

August 23, 2023 15:18 - 21 minutes - 10 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Has there ever been a time when things didn’t go as planned in dog training or in life? Or, not only that, but the outcome was the opposite of what you intended? We’re going deep on how to handle these setbacks with resilience, grit, grace, and a solid Plan B in place. I’m also sharing my favorite books on boosting mental agility, reframing perceptions, letting go of outcomes, and turning obstacles in dog training to your advantage.   In this episode yo...

My Foolproof Strategy To Overcoming Dog Training Challenges #227

August 18, 2023 14:02 - 19 minutes - 8.79 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Everyone with a dog, including professional trainers like me, encounters dog behavior problems. It might be a dog's non-existent recall, chasing things, counter surfing, being out of control, not paying attention, or, if you do sports, not listening to you in the ring. Or it could be a dog's naughty habits around home persisting. Help is at hand, and I'm sharing my strategy for success no matter what the dog training challenge.   In this episode you’ll ...

Safe Toys For Dogs And Why To Avoid Tennis Balls And Sticks #226

August 16, 2023 13:47 - 13 minutes - 6.23 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    All dogs deserve toys, and all people with dogs deserve to know as much as possible about toys. I’m covering my favorite dog toys, how I used them, and why to avoid the two most popular for dogs. My house is a treasure trove of toys, and I’m sharing who they are for and when. Plus, we’re looking at toy selection to protect you and your dog from harm and tips for playing fetch safely.   In this episode you’ll hear:   • My top dog toys and toys to avo...

Keep The Food Bowl! Why Dogs Don’t Need 100% Hand Feeding #225

August 11, 2023 14:39 - 11 minutes - 5.35 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Dog training has its fads and one you might have heard is never feeding your dog from a bowl. This trend of feeding dogs exclusively by hand can get people into trouble. I believe that dogs should not have to earn the right to get fed. Today I’m explaining why at least part of your dog’s meals should come from a bowl, alternative feeding methods to enrich your dog, and powerful ways to reinforce your dog that don’t involve food.   In this episode you’ll...

Unleashing Fluency In Dog Training: Cracking The Canine Communication Code #224

August 09, 2023 14:01 - 29 minutes - 13.4 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Before my recent episode on latency in dog training, we took a social media poll on cue response times. 62% of people thought their dogs responded too slow. So, to help, this episode covers all the elements that create fluent behavior and what’s truly behind a dog’s response time to a cue. One of the most significant elements can be what we believe to be true about dogs. We’re also looking at the difference between true fluency and a dog's good grasp of a b...

AMA: Aggression? Agility? This!? Belief? Routine? Dog Training? And More Questions Answered #223

August 04, 2023 14:14 - 19 minutes - 8.92 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    I’m answering your questions on dog agility training, helping anxious, aggressive, and fearful dogs, crate training, dog ears, junior handlers, my daily routine, managing canine pain, socializing puppies, and so much more. Hear how I got my start in professional dog training and what’s most essential for me in my relationship with my dogs.   In this episode I’m asked:   • Advice for pet-sitting a seemingly aggressive dog. • What my competitive dog ...

Get Your Dog To Respond Faster: Latency In Dog Training #222

August 02, 2023 13:33 - 12 minutes - 5.92 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    When you cue your dog to perform a behavior, do they respond with lightning speed or a leisurely pace? The lag time between your cue and your dog’s response is called latency. When I design a training plan for my dogs, latency is built in, because I want super fast responses to cues. We’re covering how why dogs might respond slowly and what you can do to fix it.   In the episode you'll hear:   • What you need to know about latency of behavior. • Wh...

Mindshifting Dog Behavior Problems To Overcome Extreme Training Challenges #221

July 26, 2023 14:02 - 19 minutes - 8.82 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    I’ve just returned home from a trip to Houston, where I competed at an agility trial with my young dog This!, and we had an epically amazing weekend. Many of you know of the struggles This! and I have experienced, which is the inspiration for this episode. What mindset do people need to either work through extreme dog training challenges or support somebody in the midst of those challenges? Today, we’re covering strategic approaches to help clear the path f...

Help Humping, Barking, Destructive, Reactive Dogs Overcome Dysregulation: 4 Case Studies #220

July 21, 2023 13:37 - 18 minutes - 8.36 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    I’m sharing four case studies of dogs that overcame incredibly undesirable behaviors: a humper, a home wrecker, a screamer, and a dog-reactive dog. How did they go from out-of-control to completely calm? From emotional dysregulation to habituation, I’m showing you my strategy for turning behavior problems around. One of these dogs was rehomed because he was so dysregulated – spoiler alert – there’s a twist you won’t want to miss!   In the episode you'll...

Self-Regulation Helping Shy, Hyper, Anxious Or Fearful Dogs To A Better Life #219

July 19, 2023 13:40 - 24 minutes - 11.1 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Have you ever wondered why some dogs can walk down a path with their owner, encountering many dogs, but remain completely unfazed? Yet, other dogs see one single dog off in the distance and absolutely lose it. We’re talking about why this happens, the ability of dogs to regulate their emotions, and how we can help them. Plus, what you need to know about habituation and how dogs can grow the capacity to tune things out.   In the episode you'll hear:   ...

Puppy Development Stages And Your Dog's Behavior #218

July 14, 2023 14:13 - 21 minutes - 9.88 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Dogs experience seven developmental periods, from puppyhood to adulthood, and it's important we understand each. I'm covering the stages, what they mean for our dog's emotional growth and how we can build skills and confidence for the dogs in our lives. Knowing your puppy's or dog's current stage helps overcome behavior difficulties and guides your training choices.   In the episode you'll hear:   • The four criteria for deeper insight into a dog’s ...

Understanding Emotional Regulation In Dogs To Create Calm #217

July 12, 2023 14:07 - 17 minutes - 8.24 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Do you know how your dog or puppy self-regulates or dysregulates? Or how your dog self-soothes? Most dog owners don’t, and it could be the root of behavioral challenges around your home. Dogs show dysregulation or self-regulation much like humans. Your dog’s responses aren’t the same as choosing right from wrong but a reflection of emotional regulation. Today I’m breaking down what healthy self-regulation looks like and how to recognize and help your dog’s ...

Dog Sitting For A Friend? Top 10 Tips For Fun, Safety And Success #216

July 05, 2023 14:18 - 12 minutes - 5.64 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Have you ever had a friend or relative ask if you could look after their dog for the weekend or a short time while they are away? I’m sharing my top 10 tips for dog sitting in your home to help everyone have a good time. And if someone is going to be a pet sitter for you, the tips will also help! Very recently, I had the good fortune to look after a friend’s dog and my brother’s dog, and my tips focus on creating success and safety for everyone.   In th...

What Your Destructive, Lunging, Nipping Or Hyper Dog Or Puppy Is Trying To Teach You #215

May 22, 2023 15:10 - 17 minutes - 8.2 MB

Visit us at shapedbydog.com    Life with dogs is not always easy, especially when they misbehave, blow you off, ignore you, embarrass you in public and generally create frustration. Some days, you might even wonder if you should have a dog or if your dog would be better off with someone else. You are not alone, and I’m going to tell you a story on how finding a different pathway can open the door to amazing grace for your dog and, most importantly, for you.   In the episode you'll he...