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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Training Tips From Susan: Want Your Dog To Listen From Far Away? Here's Where That Training Really Begins
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8:38Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! Want Your Dog to Listen Fro…
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Training Tips From Susan: Why Recalls Fail And The Common Mistakes That Get In The Way Of A Reliable Response
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3:51Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! Why Recalls Fail And The Co…
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Not Seeing Results In Dog Training? Why Layers Of Learning Lead To Real World Success #307
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18:16Visit us at shapedbydog.com Not seeing results in dog training? I’m breaking down why that happens and how layering your dog’s learning is the key to creating real-world success. We often believe our dogs are “trained” when things look great in controlled settings but when connection disappears, distractions take over, or confidence fades in new en…
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Training Tips From Susan: The Best Way To Talk To Your Dog Trainer When Things Aren’t Working
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4:47Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! The Best Way To Talk To You…
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Training Tips From Susan: Seamless Dog Training Sessions Start With This Simple Setup Plan
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4:20Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! Seamless Dog Training Sessi…
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Training Tips From Susan: 30 Years Ago, They Laughed. Today, It’s How We Train Dogs.
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5:57Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! 30 Years Ago, They Laughed.…
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Training Tips From Susan: Clarity is Kind: What Your Dog Needs You To Understand
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5:31Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! Clarity Is Kind: What Your …
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Training Tips From Susan: How To Safely Introduce A Puppy To An Adult Dog: Tips & Strategies
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9:16Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! How To Safely Introduce A P…
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Dog Only Listens With Treats? Use This 5 Step Process To Build Better Behaviors #306
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18:00Visit us at shapedbydog.com Do you feel your dog only listens when you have treats? Or maybe you’ve been told dogs should work because you said so. No one needs to choose between insisting on their dog's compliance without rewards or getting stuck as a treat-dispensing machine, so I’m sharing my 5 step process to help you build better behaviors. Th…
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Training Tips From Susan: The 5P Test: How To Tell If Your Dog REALLY Understands Their Cues
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6:41Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! The 5P Test: How To Tell If…
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Are R+ Trainers Frauds? Can A Dog Come When Called Around Wildlife Without Using Punishers? #305
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27:01Visit us at shapedbydog.com Can you really stop a dog from chasing deer or anything else without an e-collar? Yes, and I’m sharing how. There’s an ongoing commentary that it's impossible to train certain dogs, especially those with high prey drive, to come when called using only reinforcement-based methods. Now, those of us who are reinforcement-ba…
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Training Tips From Susan: The Words You Use With Your Dog Matter More Than You Think
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3:58Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! The Words You Use with Your…
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Training Tips From Susan: How Recording Your Dog Training Sessions Can Help You Grow As A Trainer
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6:06Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! Training Tips From Susan: H…
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Training Tips From Susan: Susan Garrett's Tip For Training Frantic Dogs: Stimulus Control
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3:43Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! Training Tips from Susan: S…
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Let’s Talk About E-Collars: Why Dog Trainers Are So Divided #304
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20:30Visit us at shapedbydog.com I set out to do a podcast episode explaining why I choose not to use an electric collar with my dogs and with my students' dogs. It sent me down a spiral of research and careful consideration. So, after nearly 40 hours reviewing videos from trainers who use e-collars, I'm sharing observations about the wide spectrum of e…
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How Long Should It Take To Train My Dog? Realistic Expectations For Every Age & Stage #303
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17:11Visit us at shapedbydog.com How long should it take to train my dog? That’s a popular question I get, so I’m covering how to set realistic expectations for every age and stage of a dog’s life. Dogs are lifelong learners and learn with all their senses, so we’re looking at how to create success with intention rather than letting things around your d…
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The Recall Myth: Why Your Off Leash Dog Isn’t Coming When Called And How To Fix It #302
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17:20Visit us at shapedbydog.com Wondering why your off leash dog isn’t coming when called and what you can do to fix it? I’m busting the recall myth and sharing how to teach your dog to head whip and run to you as fast as they can every time you call, without force or frustration. Learn my fun, easy, and effective recall training approach that builds c…
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When Dog Training Doesn’t Go As Planned: How To Make Adjustments To Find Success #301
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19:35Visit us at shapedbydog.com Have you ever felt stuck when you are training your dog? Or wondered what to do when things aren't working? I’m sharing how to troubleshoot, adjust, and turn things around with a fix for common mistakes. We’re looking at why training might not be working, what to do about it, essential foundations that make all training …
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Replying To Zak George About Crossover Dog Trainers #300
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26:29Visit us at shapedbydog.com Recently, dog training advocate Zak George asked me about crossover dog trainers, and framed the question in such a different way that it inspired replying with a podcast episode. When I crossed over from balanced training to reinforcement based training in 1996, many people asked me why and told me it would not work. I'…
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Fast And Easy Dog Training: Will A Quick Fix Get The Dog Behavior You Really Want? #299
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18:15Visit us at shapedbydog.com Looking for fast and easy dog training solutions? A quick fix won’t get the dog behavior you really want long term, so I’m covering what to do instead! Whether you have a new puppy or are working through challenges with an older dog, reinforcement and management are key to creating a successful solution for a well-behave…
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The Dog Training Quadrants We Don’t Talk About: Are We Using Them More Than We Know? #298
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29:23Visit us at shapedbydog.com I sometimes receive comments that some dogs need all 4 quadrants of dog training. But what does that mean, why does it matter for your dog, and what does science tell us? We all need to be aware of the blurred lines between quadrants, so I'm discussing each. Plus, I'm sharing experiences and insights on what unintentiona…
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Why In 2025 We Still Have Dog Trainers Who Believe “Reinforcement Dog Training Doesn’t Work“ #297
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18:48Visit us at shapedbydog.com Have you heard the news that positive reinforcement doesn't work? The truth about the dog training success enjoyed by positive reinforcement-based dog trainers comes down to application, and I'm sharing examples that will be familiar to everyone with a dog. Whether you're dealing with a reactive dog, struggling with agil…
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Training Tips From Susan: Reactive Dog Training: Help Dogs Move From Dysregulation To Self-Regulation Case Study
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6:18Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! Training Tips from Susan: R…
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Training Tips From Susan: Understanding Your Adolescent Dog: Teenage Hormones, Emotions, And Behavior
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3:37Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! Training Tips from Susan: U…
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Training Tips From Susan: Catch Your Runaway Dog! Stop Chasing And Do This In An Emergency
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4:18Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! Training Tips from Susan: C…
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Training Tips From Susan: How To Train Your Dog To Leave It With No Command: Susan Garrett's ItsYerChoice
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7:11Message From Susan Hey everyone, it’s Susan, and you’re about to hear one of my training tips and tidbits. These are quick, actionable strategies to help you and your dog in everyday life or for dog sport. Often our short videos with tips are created from your most popular segments of podcast episodes. So, let’s dive in! Training Tips from Susan: H…
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Reactive Dogs! Why Dog Owners Need To Know About Green, Yellow And Red Zones And Social Sensitivity #296
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23:55Visit us at shapedbydog.com Socially sensitive dogs can react to other dogs in many ways. Some shrink away, others get invigorated and overexcited, and some dogs are proactively reactive. When you know if your dog is in the green, yellow or red zone and the three phases to action, you can build their resilience and set them up for success so they c…
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Fear Of Criticism? Why Facing The Camera Is The First Step To Becoming A Better Dog Trainer #295
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18:04Visit us at shapedbydog.com Together, we’re overcoming emotional barriers so you can stop letting self-doubt and fear of criticism hold you back from becoming a better dog trainer. One of the most powerful tools I recommend for dog training is videoing your sessions, but it’s a big block for many people. I’m sharing tips on overcoming negative emot…
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Survey Shows 63% Of Dog Owners Currently Don't Use This Essential Dog Training Tool #294
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18:05Visit us at shapedbydog.com We recently did a poll on social media channels, and I was taken aback when the survey showed that 63% of dog owners currently don't use a dog training tool that I consider essential! Not only will this tool help prevent dog training mistakes, it will help you get results faster and save you time. It's videoing your trai…
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MRI: A Simple 3 Part Dog Training Formula To Fix Problems Like Counter Surfing, Reactivity And More #293
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17:34Visit us at shapedbydog.com Counter Surfing and other naughty dog behavior problems can feel unsolvable, but they don't have to be! I'm sharing an easy 3-step formula every dog owner needs to know for what to do. The challenges any one of us could have with our dogs will vary with our dog's age and experiences. But no matter if we have a puppy, res…
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Do 99% Of Dogs Really Have Behavior Problems? Unpacking The Truth Behind Claims And What You Can Do #292
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10:49Visit us at shapedbydog.com Do over 99% of dogs really have behavior problems? For claims like this we should be unpacking the truth and looking behind the headlines! We all want our dogs to reach their full potential, so I’m doing a deep dive into the study that sparked the “99%” headline and exploring the dog behavior problems cited like aggressi…
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Do Dogs Really Test Us? Fluctuations In Dog Behavior, What It Means And What To Do #291
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16:25Visit us at shapedbydog.com Do dogs really test us? It can sure seem that way when a dog's behavior is not what we expect and they show inconsistency and fluctuations in what they do. My stance on this topic has changed over the years, and I’m sharing why, along with perspectives on why dogs might seem to be testing us, and the first thing I usuall…
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The Red Flag Of Dominance Based Training: Why It’s Hurting Your Dog And What To Do Instead #290
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16:07Visit us at shapedbydog.com If you hear dog training advice based on the Dominance Theory, it’s time to rethink that approach. I’m diving deep into what you need to know about dog trainer red flags and choosing a method to prevent harmful mistakes that lead to lasting success for you and your dog. I’m sharing why these outdated, force-based beliefs…
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Stop Just Watching Dog Training Videos: Mastering Active Learning Instead! #289
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13:43Visit us at shapedbydog.com "Just stop watching!" coming from Susan Garrett might surprise you, but I've got tips for mastering active learning when viewing dog training videos! Turn any training video into a powerful tool for success and discover how to get more out of dog training online with effective strategies to accelerate success for both yo…
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Matching Law In Dog Training: How To Get Consistent Behavior Without Corrections #288
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14:57Visit us at shapedbydog.com The science of Matching Law is vital for everyone with a dog to understand for dog training and daily life so you can get consistent behavior without needing to use punishment. It’s something we can all use to our advantage as positive reinforcement based trainers! Knowing about Matching Law and its relationship to reinf…
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The Power Of Perception: Reframing Dog Training Setbacks Into Successes #287
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22:34Visit us at shapedbydog.com If you’ve ever had a setback in dog training, you are not alone! Setbacks can lead to frustration, but there’s a step-by-step process that harnesses the power of perception to reframe, reclaim, and revitalize our responses. I want to help you turn any setback you may have into an instant success for both you and your dog…
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Frustrated Puppy, Frustrated Human! Strategies For Wins With Puppy Raising #286
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16:31Visit us at shapedbydog.com Puppy frustrations! Everyone will be frustrated with a pup occasionally, but it doesn’t need to be a way of life. Here’s the good news. You can turn the anarchy of puppy problems around to create calm, cooperation and confidence with simple solutions for success with easy wins. Get my top tips to end the chaos and say go…
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My Dog Just STOPS On Walks! Overcoming Puppy Plunking To Get Your Dog Moving #285
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15:10Visit us at shapedbydog.com Is your puppy or dog stopping on walks? You're not alone! I’m sharing how to keep them moving with confidence and how to turn those hesitant moments into fun, forward motion. I’ve got practical solutions that will help you understand why your puppy or dog refuses to move on walks and what to do next. With easy-to-follow …
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Harnessing Excitement While Training Your Dog: Understanding Arousal For Better Behavior #284
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21:44Visit us at shapedbydog.com Harnessing excitement in dog training and understanding arousal lets you create better focus from your dog! Whether your dog gets over the top or seems super laid back, knowing their emotional pathway and what you can do to help them get in the optimal zone will make a world of difference to your training and life with y…
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Reactivity, Dog Behavior, Nipping, Agility, Frustration And More: Q&A With Susan Garrett #283
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19:17Visit us at shapedbydog.com Answering your top questions on reactivity, dog behavior, agility, frustration, sports dogs, neutering and more! You'll hear tips on training multiple dogs, strategies for improving focus, impulse control, and drive, and how to handle things like lunging, growling, nipping and jumping up. If you have any other questions …
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How To Walk Multiple Dogs: Step-by-Step Guide To Stress-Free Walks #282
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16:01Visit us at shapedbydog.com "How do I walk multiple dogs?' is a popular question. I'm sharing my tips and step-by-step guide to walking more than one dog at once so walks are stress-free and enjoyable for everyone. The process I've got for you is how I teach my dogs to walk together calmly and happily, no matter what distraction is nearby. In this …
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How Vito’s Thinking Games Will Transform Your Dog Training #281
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18:16Visit us at shapedbydog.com Want an easy, fun way to boost your dog's skills, strengthen your bond, and lay the foundation for advanced training while having fun? Look no further than Vito's Thinking Game! I'm sharing how to play and why it has so much power. Whether you're a seasoned dog trainer or a first-time puppy or rescue dog owner, this game…
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The Boost Button For Dog Training Happiness: Activate Your Mind’s Superpowers #280
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17:09Visit us at shapedbydog.com Imagine there's a secret booster button we could press, and our dog would suddenly turn into a superhero, and we'd have dog training superpowers. Guess what? I've got that booster button for you, and am sharing how to activate it. It all starts with being present to our presence, hacking for our self talk, and knowing a …
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Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? Understanding Canine Coprophagia And How To Stop It #279
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11:12Visit us at shapedbydog.com Why do dogs eat poop? It’s known as coprophagia and how to stop it is a popular question. Poop eating in dogs is more common than you might think. When your dog eats their own poop or another dog's poop, it can be distressing, and if it's out in public, downright embarrassing! I'm walking you through the three main reaso…
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Food Puzzles: Key Mistakes To Avoid And Strategies To Help Your Dog Best Deal With Frustration #278
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21:04Visit 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 be…
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When To Start Agility Training With Your Puppy: Insights From A World Champion #277
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18:01Visit 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. Eve…
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What No One Tells You About The Best Place To Train Your Puppy Or Rescue Dog #276
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17:01Visit 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…
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How To Teach A Dog To Speak: From Parlor Trick To Working Dog Skill #275
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12:59Visit 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 Mod…
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How I Use 1 Minute Training Sessions To Bring Clarity, Confidence And Calm Thinking To My Dogs #274
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12:24Visit us at shapedbydog.com What if I told you that you could dramatically improve the outcome of your dog training sessions in 60 seconds? Using just 1 minute to train and evaluate helps me be far more efficient and create success for my dogs quickly. It’s been part of my dog training for at least 20 years and it’s something everyone can do. This …
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6 Fun Restraint Games For Dogs To Increase Food Drive For Picky Eaters #273
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18:27Visit 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 f…
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