Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett
420 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 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
Get Your Dog To Respond Faster: Latency In Dog Training #222
August 02, 2023 13:33 - 12 minutes - 5.92 MBVisit 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 MBVisit 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 MBVisit 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 MBVisit 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 MBVisit 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 MBVisit 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 MBVisit 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 MBVisit 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...
England Banned Shock Collars, Here’s Why That Could Be Sad News #214
May 12, 2023 13:30 - 13 minutes - 6.35 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com England has banned using remote electric shock collars on dogs starting from February 2024. Why do I find this sad if shock collars aren’t tools I use or advocate? And why is the term “shock collar” offensive to some who use them? I’m covering both questions, why many people will be upset with me about my thoughts on the e-collar ban and alternate solutions for people and dogs. In the episode you'll hear: • The pros and cons of England’s ban on ...
Dog Training Careers And Social Media: Chat With Emily Larlham Of @kikopup #213
May 10, 2023 13:50 - 11 minutes - 5.24 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Emily Larlham, aka Kikopup, has forged the path for dog trainers on social media, spreading the word about progressive reinforcement training. 17 years ago, Emily’s first YouTube video was released, and she has been creating a positive change for dogs and people the world over ever since. Emily graciously joined me for a chat about how Kikopup started and her background in animal rescue, conservation and working with shelter dogs. Enjoy this extract from ou...
Becoming A Dog Trainer: Training Tips Talk With Canine Diva, Laurie C. Williams #212
May 05, 2023 13:38 - 22 minutes - 10.2 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com The legendary Laurie C. Williams, our one and only Canine Diva, joins me for a chat on what it really takes to be in the business of training dogs. Laurie and I are kindred spirits and started dog training way back when compulsion was standard for any dog training class. We have forged paths to bring positive reinforcement to the forefront and inspire up-and-coming dog trainers to make a career in helping dog owners have the best relationship possible with ...
Confident Working Protection Dogs: Training Chat With Matt Folsom of Modern Malinois #211
May 03, 2023 14:06 - 23 minutes - 10.7 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Social media sensation and protection dog trainer Matt Folsom of Modern Malinois, joins me to chat about dog training. Matt is a skilled trainer dedicated to continual growth and uses luring to achieve brilliant results. Although we approach dog training with different methods for different reasons, including how our minds work, we have mutual respect and a lot in common in the way we create a great relationship with dogs and use the things individual dogs ...
Tips On Finding Time To Dog Train When Life Is Busy: Chat With Natalia Nizker #210
April 28, 2023 14:05 - 12 minutes - 5.67 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Sometimes people think training dogs with positive reinforcement requires a huge time investment. It’s a myth. My students play quick training games to build skills fast with layers. But don’t take it from me. Meet Natalia Nizker, a full-time elementary school teacher and non-profit rescue volunteer with three young boys, two young dogs (a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois), and one husband. Natalia is also a trick dog trainer in her spare time! Natalia ...
What Professional Dog Trainers Want Everyone To Know: Talking Dogs With Kamal Fernandez #209
April 26, 2023 13:51 - 16 minutes - 7.43 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com We're talking dogs with my friend, UK’s Kamal Fernandez, elite dog sports coach and competitor, international seminar presenter, author, featured dog trainer on TV shows 'Dogs Might Fly' and 'The Dog Academy' and one of my long-time online students. We're chatting about the essential things anyone with a dog needs to know. The tips are the same for companion dogs through to those wanting to train for world-level dog sports competitions. Enjoy this extract fr...
Brilliance, Resilience And Gratitude: Inspiration And Motivation With Elliott Connie #208
April 21, 2023 13:53 - 10 minutes - 4.89 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Accomplished psychotherapist Elliott Connie of Solution Focused Brief Therapy graciously joined me for a conversation that turned into 10 minutes of inspiration and motivation for dog training and life in general. If you’ve ever had days when you doubt your dog training, you are not alone, and Elliott’s insights will carry you through when things are not going to plan. It starts with knowing you are awesome and that your brilliance is far more noticeable an...
Rescue Dog Behavior: Training Rehomed Dogs Chat With Nadine Hehli And Simone Fasel #207
April 19, 2023 13:29 - 30 minutes - 13.8 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Meet the brilliant minds behind the groundbreaking FRIDA Protocol for dog separation anxiety, Nadine Hehli and Simone Fasel, rising stars of positive reinforcement training in Europe. Nadine and Simone have a depth of experience in training rescue dogs, the challenges a rehomed dog might present, and overcoming problems so that rescue dogs can live their best life, and that’s the topic of our conversation. This episode is an extract of our live stream celeb...
First Dog Agility Competition: Creating Joy For This! By Maximizing Reinforcement #206
April 14, 2023 13:46 - 17 minutes - 8.17 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com In episodes 203 and 204, I shared a two-part deep dive on the metabolic and performance struggles overcome by This!, my 2.5 year-old Border Collie. After a road to recovery with dotted with setbacks, I entered This! in the World Team Tryouts for dog agility. In this episode, I’m sharing my plan, my goal, how I achieved it, and how it could impact your dog training, even if you don’t do dog sports. In the episode you'll hear: • My strategy to max...
The Hidden World Of Reinforcement For Dogs And Why You Need To Know
April 12, 2023 13:36 - 25 minutes - 11.8 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com To become great at reinforcement-based dog training, you have to get great at the use of reinforcement. I’m covering the hidden world of reinforcers for dogs and why to know the what, when, where and who of reinforcement. It goes well beyond the use of training treats and toy rewards. Awareness of everything reinforcing gives exponential ways to multiply the value of reinforcement in your dog training and to understand your dog's behavior. In the epis...
Dog Behavior And Diet: Recovery For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 2 #204
March 31, 2023 13:42 - 21 minutes - 10.1 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com In episode 203, I told the story of the behavior struggles I’ve had with my two-and-a-half-year-old Border Collie This! and the timeline of our challenges that were beyond dog training. And this episode is part two, covering how we began making changes to her diet, the practitioners who helped me help This!, and what I am doing now to ensure that This! has a life of joy. I also want to add a disclaimer that I am not a Veterinarian or Nutritionist. I just w...
Reactive, Unmotivated and Fearful: Finding Resiliency For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 1 #203
March 29, 2023 14:02 - 27 minutes - 12.7 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Over the past couple of years, I’ve documented many challenges my dog This! and I have overcome, like reactivity, fear, resource guarding, and car sickness, to name a few behavior issues. And then, at an agility seminar here at my facility, This! fell apart. Now it’s time to put everything together. I have a two-part series outlining a timeline of This!’s struggles and what I’ve discovered to help her and any other dogs. In the episode you'll hear: ...
Getting A Happy Well Behaved Dog With The ABCs Of Training #202
March 24, 2023 14:03 - 14 minutes - 6.83 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com “Susan, how do I get what you get with your dogs?” is frequently asked, and the answer is the topic of this episode. We’re looking at 8 zones in your dog’s life, how you can use those zones to your advantage, and what the habits of success look like to get a well behaved dog. The scientific term for setting environments and situations up for your dog’s success is ‘antecedent arrangements’, and understanding how it works will bring you and your dog a life of...
Can Dog Training Be Effective, Efficient AND Compassionate? #201
March 22, 2023 13:45 - 14 minutes - 6.55 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com We get a lot of great comments on our videos, and sometimes I come across one that inspires a podcast episode like this one. I’m answering a very thoughtful question that many people might have. Should you abandon one training philosophy for another when results appear elusive? And should you pick a dog training lane and stay in that lane? Professional dog trainers often forget what it’s like to be starting out. That can lead to learning overwhelm and stude...
Solve Your Dog's Separation Anxiety With FRIDA: Expanding Calm With Functional Relaxation #200
March 08, 2023 15:00 - 24 minutes - 11 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com If you've ever owned or seen a dog who suffers from separation anxiety, you know how heartbreaking that can be. I'm sharing a 10-step protocol that will turn the dog training world on its head because it's like nothing that is out there for separation anxiety help. It's the FRIDA Protocol created by two of my European students, who are amazing dog trainers, Nadine Hehli and Simone Fasel, to help their rescue dog Frida with her extreme separation anxiety. Th...
Puppy Fear Periods: Help For Socializing Puppies Or Rescue Dogs Scared Of People #199
March 03, 2023 15:13 - 23 minutes - 10.9 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Most puppies go through a ‘Fear Period’ stage, which can include fear of objects, adults, children, and other dogs. Unfortunately, many popular strategies taught to counter puppy fear are the absolute worst things possible. I’m covering three things you should never do when your puppy or rescue dog displays fear of people and what to do instead to create confident and empowered dogs. In the episode you'll hear: • The bad advice given when puppie...
What Does "Positive Is Not Permissive" Really Mean In Dog Training? #198
March 01, 2023 15:17 - 22 minutes - 10.1 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com The way we train with positive reinforcement might seem a little out there as we put our dog’s emotions first, and if our dog does not do what we want them to do, we don’t punish or correct. It might even make you wonder what sort of anarchy we have in our lives with our dogs! But it’s not like that at all because one of the guiding principles I’ve been talking about since the 90s is that positive is not permissive. In the episode you'll hear: • ...
Outsmarting Distractions: How To Use Environmental Reinforcement in Dog Training #197
February 24, 2023 14:55 - 20 minutes - 9.29 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com The expression about Vegas casinos that “the house always wins” is like the one about dog training: The environment always wins. But it doesn’t have to be true when you learn to use the environment to your advantage. Mastering reinforcement means understanding what your dog values most, and there are many things dogs value. Once you know where the reinforcement is for your dog, you can build yourself into that reinforcement so that it is you, not the envir...
Why Mastering Reinforcement Is The Linchpin To Reinforcement Based Dog Training #196
February 22, 2023 14:36 - 20 minutes - 9.44 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com There's a very good chance that you, like me, want to train your dog with reinforcement. It aligns with the kind of person you want to be both for your dog and for the world. To get really good behaviors with dogs as a positive reinforcement trainer, you have to get masterful at all that is reinforcing. That's the topic of this episode, and I'm including case studies of two of my dogs, Buzz and Belief and the layers of learning with reinforcement that creat...
Making Your Mind Your Most Powerful Dog Training Tool #195
February 15, 2023 14:49 - 19 minutes - 8.85 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Why would a dog training program work or not work for some people? I had the chance to approach dog training from a place of curiosity on social media recently and learned a lot. There was also a comment that got me thinking about approaches to dog training, especially our mind's approach. How our mind matters for dog training success is the topic of this episode, plus I have some bonus book recommendations and a Wag Nation special enrollment surprise. ...
The Invisible Reason Your Dog Is Ignoring You #194
February 03, 2023 14:38 - 12 minutes - 5.85 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Have you ever watched those of us who have dogs on the same wavelength as us, and we ask them to do something, and they do it immediately? The dogs are excited and engaged, keen to listen, and can't wait for the next thing we ask them to do. Now, you might look at your dog’s behavior and think, "that's not possible for me!" but I believe it is possible for you, and I believe the possibility is closer than you may think. In the episode you'll hear: ...
Do Different Dogs Really Need Different Dog Training Methods? #193
February 01, 2023 15:01 - 17 minutes - 7.87 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Somebody has likely told you that not all dogs can be trained the same way and that different methods are needed for different dogs. Is there truth behind this? I'm covering how different dogs might need different training approaches, but the word philosophy should replace method. Plus, I'm sharing why the dog training philosophy I choose aligns with my heart and an invitation to everyone to consider trying something different. In the episode you'll h...
Barking, Broken Recalls, Wildlife, Dog Trainer Personality And More Questions Answered #192
January 27, 2023 07:50 - 18 minutes - 8.62 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com This episode is brought to you by YOU! I’m answering questions submitted on the DogsThat socials on wide ranging aspects of life with dogs – including how human personality types impact training and dog choice, perseverance when progress stalls, fixing broken recall words, over-aroused dogs, barking in hounds, my fitness regimen, living with littermates, ignoring wildlife, weave poles, handling the unexpected, and so much more. In the episode you'll h...
Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation #191
January 25, 2023 15:04 - 20 minutes - 9.37 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Imagine having a way to trigger your dog to relax. Consider the benefits and applications in everyday life like vet visits, the groomers or travel. It’s not hypnosis. It’s a protocol involving conditioning, capturing and shaping your dog’s behavior to create calm in key moments. The ability to cue relaxation is valuable for ALL dogs, not just those who are hyper or anxious. In fact, we all have personal relaxation protocols, and in this episode, I’m sharing...
Using Daily Quickies To Fast Track Your Dog Training And Grow Your Dog's Skills #190
January 13, 2023 14:57 - 14 minutes - 6.53 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com In August 2021, I released a special video about my dog, This!, titled “Normalizing Imperfection in Dog Training”, covering our challenges so that everyone with a dog knows that struggling at some point in life together is completely normal. In that video, I encouraged everyone to take daily action to make tomorrow better than today for you and your dog. It doesn’t mean blocking out big chunks of time. Dog training with “Daily Quickies” is how I get so much...
All The Things That Influence Your Dog's Behavior And What Behavior Tells You #189
January 11, 2023 14:36 - 19 minutes - 8.92 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Recently I came across an envelope containing all my report cards from kindergarten through university. Reading over my teachers' comments was an enlightening study of behavior and how I adapted in the face of challenges. I'm sharing what I noticed with you as there's a parallel with dog behavior and why they do the things they do. Behavior can fall into seven distinct categories, and understanding the influence of each category is massively beneficial for ...
Why You Should Change Your Strategy Rather Than Your Criteria When Dog Training #188
January 04, 2023 15:09 - 17 minutes - 8 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com As a professional dog trainer, I regularly see a lot of people working with their dogs. A common error people make when things don’t go well is changing criteria in the middle of training to help their dogs be successful. At first glance, this might make sense, but today we’re talking about why it’s a huge mistake, where it could lead you, and what you can do instead. In the episode you'll hear: • Why criteria will help your dog and reduce frust...
When To Listen To Your Heart In Dog Training #187
November 30, 2022 14:39 - 16 minutes - 7.58 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com I’ve met a lot of people at the crossroads of their dog training and looking to go in a more reinforcement-based direction, but they’re worried it won’t work due to old beliefs and habits. Unless you were one of the lucky few to learn nothing but reinforcement-based dog training, leaving behind the familiar for something new naturally creates fear and vulnerability, especially when surrounded by so-called ‘experts’ and naysayers when you encounter challenges...
2 Types Of Connection With Dogs: Dog Agility And Daily Life Case Studies #186
November 23, 2022 14:42 - 14 minutes - 6.73 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Over the years I’ve asked my students to describe the connection with their dog in different environments. How is it different inside your house versus your front yard? What about the park? Or, around other dogs or children? Often the response describes the emotional connection “to” their dog; not the two-way connection “with” their dog. We’re covering what that difference is between the connection to versus connection with our dogs, why it's super importan...
I Tried That, It Didn't Work #185
November 18, 2022 14:31 - 14 minutes - 6.51 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com As a professional dog trainer, I can assure you there are six words that your dog training coach never wants to hear. You might think those words are "but he does it at home," and that's close, but they are actually "tried that and it didn't work". We're covering what's going on with those words for you, your dog, and your coach and how to turn it around. Considering alternative dialogues promotes critical thinking and keeps communications open. In th...
Proofing Vs Generalizing In Dog Training To Grow Skills And Confidence #184
November 11, 2022 14:48 - 17 minutes - 7.84 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com When I first started dog training 30 or so years ago, I was studying the sport of dog obedience because I wanted to compete. We were taught to lure our dog to do what we wanted and then move to the proofing stage. When proofing, we were looking for errors to test how well the dog understood what we’d taught them. And if our dog failed, we were instructed to give them a correction. What if we changed our mindset from proofing to building confidence? We’re co...
What Does "Train The Dog In Front Of You" Really Mean? #183
November 09, 2022 14:48 - 13 minutes - 6.33 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Have you ever been in a dog training situation and felt you are in the wrong place as your dog is not responding like other dogs? Or have you ever thought that your dog is not like other dogs? It could be in a dog training class, a workshop or an online course, and you see other people training and think your dog doesn’t compare. You are not alone, and it’s why I often say to my students, “train the dog in front of you” and “meet your dog where they’re at”...
The Game Within The Game: How To Multiply Your Dog’s Reinforcements #182
October 12, 2022 13:51 - 16 minutes - 7.68 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com To the uninitiated, reinforcement based dog training looks as if you have to walk around with a boatload of cookies or else you are not going to get your dog to do what you want. That’s just not true. But if you are carrying cookies everywhere, I’m covering how we go about reinforcement based training differently so that you can transfer the value of those cookies to you with games within games. In the episode you'll hear: • What I learned abou...
Training Multiple Dogs To Wait Turns And Relax #181
October 05, 2022 13:28 - 19 minutes - 8.72 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Trying to work with multiple dogs at once can be a struggle, especially when one dog consistently interferes. Even if you only have one dog, the information offered in this episode is important as you want your dog to be able to relax when there are other dogs or distractions around. I’m covering the criteria and strategy for training in a multi-dog household or when things in the environment are exciting for dogs. In the episode you'll hear: • ...
Taking Your Puppy To A Café Or Restaurant: Socialization Success #180
September 23, 2022 13:51 - 18 minutes - 8.5 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com When you have a new puppy, safe socializing is important. Something to consider is taking a pup to outdoor cafes or restaurants. When you do it right, there are many benefits. But if done badly, your puppy could end up overwhelmed or having a bad experience and becoming fearful. I’m covering all the steps to grow your puppy’s confidence when dining out at a pet-friendly venue so you can enjoy a coffee or meal with family and friends. In the episode yo...
Help For Dogs Refusing Treats: Case Study With Training Plan #179
September 21, 2022 13:49 - 17 minutes - 8.05 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com My dog won’t take treats outside! Is that something you’ve ever said or heard? We’re looking at the challenge of a dog refusing treats as a case study, as training will be so much easier if your dog loves food, especially if you are working on things like loose leash walking or helping your dog with reactivity. I’ve got an outside the box training plan for you to get your dog loving treats no matter where you are. In the episode you'll hear: • T...
Dog Walking: Why To Start, How Often, And Where #178
September 14, 2022 13:36 - 14 minutes - 6.68 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Why is it important to walk your dog daily? Besides the obvious health benefits of exercise, we’re looking at the advantages of daily dog walking that many people don’t realize. Sometimes people can give a list of reasons not to walk their dog, so we’re covering why to start and what defines appropriate exercise for dogs. In the episode you'll hear: • That our dog Tater Salad does not particularly like walking at certain times. • About the heal...
Dog Training Outside The Box: Transfer Of Value Case Study #177
September 09, 2022 14:55 - 19 minutes - 8.7 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com When we train dogs with layered shaping, we train with out of the box thinking. In this episode, I’m giving a glimpse of what that looks like and how it relates to the transfer of value. It starts with knowing what a dog loves most of all. I’m also covering a case study on how we used the transfer of reinforcement value for a German Shepherd so that they could learn to retrieve without a force fetch. In the episode you'll hear: • What we need ou...
Why Your Dog’s Emotions Are A Critical Element Of Dog Training #176
September 07, 2022 14:03 - 22 minutes - 10.1 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com Having coached thousands of people in dog training, I’ve observed that their dogs seem to fall into three categories. The dogs who seem to hate training sessions, the dogs who are so over the top about the training they are frantic, and the dogs who are driven and focused and absolutely love it. It’s not the breed of dog or their personality that determines the category, and it’s not the trainer or trainer’s experience; it’s about understanding you’re not ...
Food Luring VS Shaping In Dog Training: How Science Changed How I Teach Dogs #175
September 02, 2022 14:31 - 25 minutes - 11.8 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com I use shaping rather than luring with food or toys in my dog training. In the 80s, I was taught to food lure and correct, learned to do it well, and luring brought me a lot of success in obedience and agility. Luring can have benefits, but I decided to change. When I say I don't lure, it always gets a lot of comments and questions on social media, so in this episode, I'm covering the top ten reasons I prefer shaping. In the episode you'll hear: ...
Dopamine In Dog Training: Anticipation, Rewards, And the Transfer Of Value #174
August 31, 2022 13:49 - 14 minutes - 6.63 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com We’re geeking out the topic of dopamine in dog training and how it impacts a dog’s motivation. Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter, and there’s a lot of research on its relation to the drive to seek out happiness. Now, you might be wondering what it has to do with dog training but to make sure our dogs want to work with us, it’s something we need to know, and it relates directly to my training protocols and transfer of value. In the episode you'l...
Target Training For Dogs: How, Why, And When To Fade Targets #173
August 26, 2022 13:46 - 20 minutes - 9.28 MBVisit us at shapedbydog.com We use targets in our dog training, which has prompted popular questions on the best way to fade a target and when to start fading. So that’s the topic of this episode, along with what targets are and why they work so well. Before you attempt to remove a target, there are three questions to ask and a clear process for fading so that your dog has a strong finished behavior. In the episode you'll hear: • The difference between a food lure and a ta...