Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett Susan Garrett

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.
 
In this episode I’m asked:
 
• How to teach self-control to a hyper dog.
• How to protect a dog’s confidence and your connection when training games fail.
• Does training with treats encourage dogs to follow you instead of settling down?
• How do I calm a leash-lunging, reactive dog?
• Do I make my own raw dog food?
• How to train a puppy with separation anxiety?
• Can reinforcement-based dog training really be as effective as balanced?
• How many times a week do you recommend practicing agility?
• What is overtraining in dog agility?
• How many different marker words do you use for one dog?
• Why do you name dog behavior rewards differently?
• Are there dogs that can’t learn agility no matter your effort?
• How did I bring Prophet to Canada from Switzerland.
• Why ‘slap’ and ‘push’ dogs when playing tug?
• How to help a Border Collie pup who lunges at and chases cars.
• How do I balance puppy training and a hectic life?
• Do you prefer male or female dogs?
• When to reduce treat rewards in dog training?
• Are breeders registered with the AKC CKC de facto reputable?
• What’s your take? My vet said feeding raw food is dangerous due to disease risk from infected animals.
• What’s a good course recommendation for a first-time dog owner who wants to do agility?
 
Susan Garrett’s Online Programs Mentioned
Recallers
Home School the Dog
Crate Games
Handling360
 
Resources:
 
1. Podcast Episode 99: When Reinforcement Based Dog Training Doesn’t Work - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/99/
2. YouTube Video: Take Control of Dog Time to Calm Down Excited Dog Greetings and Reduce Anxiety - https://youtu.be/fmzaxSDiHBY?si=JtrcbDW2kxAk2hW3
3. Podcast Episode 184: Proofing Vs Generalizing In Dog Training To Grow Skills And Confidence - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/184/
4. Podcast Episode 191: Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/191/
5. Podcast Episode 79: Reduce Anxiety and Grow Your Dog’s Confidence with These Pro Dog Training Tips - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/79/
6. Podcast Episode 176: Why Your Dog’s Emotions Are A Critical Element Of Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/176/
7. Podcast Episode 217: Understanding Emotional Regulation In Dogs To Create Calm - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/217/
8. Podcast Episode 200: Solve Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety With FRIDA: Expanding Calm With Functional Relaxation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/200/
9. Podcast Episode 78: How to Train a Rescue Dog with Behavior Problems - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/78/
10. Podcast Episode 8: Get Your Dog in the Belief Loop of Awesome - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/8/
11. Podcast Episode 190: Using Daily Quickies To Fast Track Your Dog Training And Grow Your Dog’s Skills - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/190/
12. Podcast Episode 151: How Location Specific Reinforcement Markers Will Improve Your Dog Training! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/151/
13. Podcast Episode 193: Do Different Dogs Really Need Different Dog Training Methods? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/193/
14. Podcast Episode 203: Reactive, Unmotivated and Fearful: Finding Resiliency For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 1 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/203/
15. Podcast Episode 204: Dog Behavior And Diet: Recovery For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 2 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/204/
16. Podcast Episode 206: Firs

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 nipping is natural as puppies explore new environments with their mouths, so have realistic expectations for your new family member.
 
In this episode you’ll hear:
 
• Why puppies bite and games to get you through this phase.
• The 10 reasons puppies bite.
• How to manage your puppy biting expectations.
• Tips to build your puppy’s brain, body and connection with you.
• Mistakes puppy owners make that increase puppy biting.
• My Puppy Biting Prevention Protocol.
• How to play the Consent & Console Game to mitigate puppy biting.
 
Learn To Play ItsYerChoice:
https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/
 
Resources:
 
1. YouTube Playlist: Puppy Biting Help with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy03hWZgAQfG1t5Q6YzGPi7z&si=cHuWRnb3uT-vJ9tE
2. Podcast Episode 228: Navigating Failure In Dog Training: What’s Your Plan B? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/228/
3. Podcast Episode 225: Keep The Food Bowl! Why Dogs Don’t Need 100% Hand Feeding - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/225/
4. Podcast Episode 17: Help! How Do I STOP Puppy Biting?! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/17/
5. Podcast Episode 42: Behavior Chains: Are You Teaching Your Dog to be Bad to be Good? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/42/
6. *Kongs - https://geni.us/kong-toy
7. *Wooden Chews - https://geni.us/wood-chew
8. Podcast Episode 218: Puppy Development Stages And Your Dog’s Behavior - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/218/
9. Podcast Episode 232: Cracking The Canine Code: Prey Drive In Border Collies, Malinois And Other Breeds - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/232/
10. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett’s 5 Games for Puppies - https://youtu.be/Hxd1sVEQp2Y?si=ukLVHXq2dwKP-VOk
11. Podcast Episode 89: Why Dogs Should Not Tug: The Truth Revealed - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/89/
12. Podcast Episode 18: Puppy and Dog Training Games for Acquired Bite Inhibition - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/18/
13. YouTube Playlist: Dog Training Games with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2TzttCtZVFwzwMGayAsaYe&si=68UsRBptYpE2_LIq
14. YouTube Playlist: Cooperative Care and Consent in Dog Training with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1wgUlMBX63miIBBpxE-DAO&si=WQGIr5FHHnhXSOac
15. Podcast Episode 191: Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/191/
16. Podcast Episode 106: Consent In Dog Training: The Misuse, Misunderstanding And Misapplication - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/106/
17. Podcast Episode 107: Pedicure Please: 3 Steps To Dog Nail Trimming Or Grooming Success At Home! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/107/
18. YouTube Video: Vet Visits For Dogs: How To Create A Positive Experience For Everyone - https://youtu.be/VJc42BfNre4?si=sWNGC4ZArJRwuxBf
19. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/3UJhi16mmSA
 
 *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 
 
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 for you and I’m sharing how to avoid expensive – and upsetting – airport snafus when flying with your dog.
 
In this episode you’ll hear:
 
• How to prepare puppies to fly in-cabin confidently.
• The three parts to puppy flight preparation.
• That each airline has different pet travel requirements.
• What to expect when checking your dog in at the airport.
• My in-cabin pet carrier recommendations.
• The best crate for flying dogs in cargo or the hold.
• My two dog training projects to prepare dogs and puppies for air travel.
• Why Crate Games makes traveling with your dog so much easier.
 
Susan’s Pet Carrier & Crate Recommendations:
*Sherpa Original Deluxe Travel Pet Carrier - https://geni.us/sherpa-bag-carrier
*Sturdibag Pet Travel Carrier - https://geni.us/sturdibag-carrier
Gunner Crates - https://gunner.com/
 
Resources:
 
1. Crate Games Online - https://get.crategames.com/
2. Flying Your Pet eBook - https://dogsthat.com/product/flying-your-pet-ebook/
3. Podcast Episode 200: Shaped By Dog Live 200th Celebration Episode With Friends - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/200/
4. YouTube Playlist: Target Training for Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3&si=eMU2_ODghVGQffbx
5. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett’s Target Stick Training, Part Two - https://youtu.be/TqsEEWCXze0?si=brMfXI5GuNOPV2Zx
6. Podcast Episode 190: Using Daily Quickies to Fast Track Your Dog Training and Grow Your Dog’s Skills - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/190/
7. Podcast Episode 145: 10 Ways to Teach a Dog to Lay Down and How to Shape It Without Luring - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/145/
8. Podcast Episode 180: Taking Your Puppy to Café or Restaurant: Socialization Success - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/180/
9. Podcast Episode 48: Potty Train Your Puppy in a Week (Easy 3 Step Process) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/48/
10. YouTube Playlist: Puppy Essentials with Susan Garrett Dog Training - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2hywpv3Md3HbWWPPbVF8W5&si=is6W0SlqrIMxnqpx
11. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett’s 5 Games for Puppies - https://youtu.be/Hxd1sVEQp2Y?si=GQSZ-yVBje-rJRwU
12. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/3PBHGYjGzwE
 
 *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 
 
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 to spot these patterns and sharing unique tips and fun games to support or redirect some of the predator sequences inherent in your dog. Enjoy!
 
In this episode you’ll hear:
 
• The 8 patterns of a domesticated dog’s Predatory Motor Sequence.
• How to identify the Predatory Sequence traits in your own dog.
• How certain breeds like Border Collies were bred selectively for certain predatory traits and not others.
• How dogs present their predatory traits through play with toys.
• The different prey drives of many different dog breeds.
• The various ways dogs stalk that most people don’t recognize.
• Dog training games for chasing, hunting, biting, and stalking.
• That it’s better for dogs to dismember food toys than stuffed animals.
• Awesome enrichment ideas and training games to redirect or highlight your breed’s predatory instincts.
 
Resources:
 
1. Crate Games Online - https://get.crategames.com/
2. Podcast Episode 104: Naughty Dog Behaviors And How To Deal With Them - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/104
3. Podcast Episode 25: How All Dogs Can Bite and How to Reduce the Risk with R.E.A.D. - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/25/
4. Podcast Episode 105: Your Dog Agility And Dog Sports Questions Covered - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/105/
5. Podcast Episode 58: How to Create Kid Friendly Dogs and Dog Friendly Kids - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/58/
6. Podcast Episode 18: 4 Puppy and Dog Training Games for Acquired Bite Inhibition - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/18/
7. YouTube Playlist: Target Training for Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3&si=B5Io4kui_7OB21lz
8. Podcast Episode 89: Why Dogs Should Not Tug: The Truth Revealed - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/89/
9. Podcast Episode 55: Pro Dog Trainer’s Guide to Toy Selection - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/55/
10. Podcast Episode 189: All The Things That Influence Your Dog’s Behavior And What Behavior Tells You - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/189/
11. Podcast Episode 217: Understanding Emotional Regulation In Dogs To Create Calm - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/217/
12. Podcast Episode 24: Help for Dogs who Chase Chipmunks, Bicycles, and Neighbor’s Cats (Distraction Intensity Index) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/24/
13. Nina Ottosson Puzzles - https://www.nina-ottosson.com/products/all-products/
14. Podcast Episode 226: Safe Toys For Dogs And Why To Avoid Tennis Balls And Sticks - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/226/
15. YouTube Playlist: Dog Training Games with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2TzttCtZVFwzwMGayAsaYe&si=8DbnAp84CDe_7GbU
16. Podcast Episode 54: Dog Toy Checklist: What’s Good and What to Avoid - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/54/
17. *Kong Toys - https://geni.us/kong-toy
18. *West Paw Toppl Treat Toys - https://geni.us/toppl
19. *JW Hol-ee Roller - https://geni.us/holee-roller
20. YouTube Playlist: Puppy Essentials with Susan Garrett Dog Training - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2hywpv3Md3HbWWPPbVF8W5&si=Qxs08XRjsuIpFtfS
21. Podcast Episode 221: Mindshifting Dog Behavior Problems To Overcome Extreme Training Challenges - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/221/
22. Podcast Episode 131: How Would Susan Garrett Plan Your Dog Training Sessions? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/131/
23. YouTube Video: Calm Your Reactive Or Anxious Dog And Reduce Your Stress About Lunging, Barking, Growling - https:

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 for our students. You’ll also hear three critical tips to troubleshoot your positive reinforcement training plan when stuck.
 
In this episode you’ll hear:
 
• My answers and advice for an aspiring positive reinforcement trainer and agility competitor.
• The benefits of positive reinforcement dog training over other methodologies.
• Why we don’t punish or unleash frustration when dogs make mistakes.
• My thoughts on which dog training tools and techniques constitute abuse.
• Why some people perceive dog agility training as animal abuse.
• The importance of empathy for the plight of all sentient beings.
• My thoughts on those who employ shock collars, prongs and other aversives.
• Why making people feel judged shuts them down to learning.
• My checklist for when dog training doesn’t go as planned.
• The importance of having a respected and trustworthy dog training mentor.
 
Resources:
 
1. Podcast Episode 175: Food Luring VS Shaping In Dog Training: How Science Changed How I Teach Dogs - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/175/
2. Podcast Episode 205: The Hidden World Of Reinforcement For Dogs And Why You Need To Know - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/205/
3. YouTube Video: How To Get Your Dog To Listen Off Leash (Step By Step Guide) - https://youtu.be/Ei0lWFyAE50?si=CAuI3w96enkKpqFp
4. Podcast Episode 102: Transitioning Your Dog Training: From All That Is Wrong To That Which Is Right - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/102/
5. Podcast Episode 78: How To Train a Rescue Dog with Behavior Problems - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/78/
6. Podcast Episode 214: England Banned Shock Collars, Here’s Why That Could Be Sad News - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/214/
7. YouTube Video: Puppy's First Training with Susan Garrett: Shaping, Targeting and Collar Conditioning - https://youtu.be/ticB_1Twx6E?si=qEK3jiNTCEWYMipD
8. Podcast Episode 89: Why Dogs Should Not Tug: The Truth Revealed - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/89/
9. Podcast Episode 217: Understanding Emotional Regulation In Dogs To Create Calm - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/217/
10. Podcast Episode 69: Clicker Training: Will It Work For Every Dog? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/69/
11. Podcast Episode 197: Outsmarting Distractions: How To Use Environmental Reinforcement in Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/197/
12. Blog Post: The Top 10 Reasons Agility Dogs Drop Bars - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2020/05/top-10-reasons-agility-dogs-drop-bars/
13. Podcast Episode 34: Time Outs for Dogs: Does Your Dog Need One? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/34/
14. Podcast Episode 142: Giving And Receiving Constructive Feedback About Your Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/142/
15. Podcast Episode 134: How To Teach A Dog Stay WITHOUT Luring, Collar Pops Or Using The Word “Stay” - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/134/
16. Podcast Episode 136: Help Your Excited Dog Calm Down And Stop Barking, Lunging, Spinning, Nipping - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/136/
17. Podcast Episode 133: Become Your Own Dog Training Coach With This Video Strategy - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/133/
18. YouTube Playlist: Planning Your Dog Training with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3bIhKLPQApN0x_2PjNJgkG&si=PAUqCh2TgV2Jr9MH
19. Podcast Episode 218: Puppy Development Stages And Your Dog’s Behavior - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/218
20. Podcast Episode 172: How To Teach Your Dog Anything With My Training

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: forgiveness of self and others.
 
In this episode you’ll hear:
 
• DeCaff’s Story, Part Two: A painful admission about my world champion agility dog.
• Lesson 1: A dog shutting down during training is feedback to you.
• About DeCaff’s slow weave pole times.
• Lesson 2: A dog’s behavior is a critique of your training plan, skills and execution.
• How I used time outs in the past.
• About DeCaff’s aggression redirection.
• Lesson 3: Never sidestep the lesson the dog is trying to share with you.
• About my a-ha moment with the “Smack Da Baby” tug game.
• How I doubled my agility dog’s weave pole times with positive conditioning.
• Lesson 4: You can’t truly help a dog you’ve labelled or compared.
• How to acknowledge a dog’s limitations but focus on their joy and strengths.
• Lesson 5: Release guilt, shame and angst we have about our dogs.
• When DeCaff jumped my sick senior dog.
• My struggles training DeCaff after the death of my other dog, Twister.
• About forgiveness for mistakes made with your dog.
• Lesson 6: Focus on you and your dog’s improvements.
• About the lessons dogs bring to our lives.
• About the link between gut health, a dog’s reactive behavior and their neuroses. 
 
Resources:
 
1. Podcast Episode 229: Transforming An Overwhelmed And Anxious Dog Into A World Champion - Decaff’s Story Part 1 - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/229/
2. Podcast Episode 36: Puppy Selection: How I Do It and Why I Didn’t This! Time - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/36/
3. Podcast Episode 205: The Hidden World Of Reinforcement For Dogs And Why You Need To Know - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/205/
4. Podcast Episode 177: Dog Training Outside The Box: Transfer Of Value Case Study - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/177/
5. Podcast Episode 86: How to Train Unmotivated or Overexcited Dogs - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/86/
6. Podcast Episode 189: All The Things That Influence Your Dog’s Behavior And What Behavior Tells You - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/189/
7. YouTube Playlist: Dog Body Language, Communication Signals, and How to Read Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2IwzRwAWcG0yK8oez1nPU0
8. Podcast Episode 157: Dog Body Language: Understanding Canine Communication Signals And Emotions - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/157/
9. Podcast Episode 5: What is Shaping And How Can Dogs Shape Us - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/5/
10. Podcast Episode 71: Pro Dog Trainer’s Secret to Help Your Naughty Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/71/
11. Podcast Episode 34: Time Outs for Dogs: Does Your Dog Need One? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/34/
12. Podcast Episode 64: Help! How Can I Tell My Dog He’s Wrong - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/64/
13. Podcast Episode 172: How To Teach Your Dog Anything With My Training Plan - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/172/
14. Podcast Episode 104: Naughty Dog Behaviors And How To Deal With Them - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/104/
15. YouTube Video: The Journey with Susan Garrett - https://youtu.be/JpgEi1n7yPc?si=b4mAJLD40it_TcWc
16. Podcast Episode 95: How Playing with Your Dog Like a Puppy Can Reduce Fear - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/95/
17. Podcast Episode 221: Mindshifting Dog Behavior Problems To Overcome Extreme Training Challenges - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/221/
18. Podcast Episode 8: Get Your Dog in the Belief Loop of Awesome - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/8/
19.