Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

Latest Episodes:

Dog Enrichment Secrets Part 1: Using Your Dog's Natural Instincts To Build Variety And Engagement #314 Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

If you've ever thought a stuffed Kong was enough to keep your dog enriched, you might be in for a surprise. Enrichment is about more than keeping our dogs busy. It's about creating experiences that meet their emotional, mental, social, physical, and instinctive needs in ways that truly matter to them. In this episode, you'll discover how everyday activities can turn into meaningful experiences that build your dog's confidence and connection with you while giving them a happier, more enriched life.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• What enrichment really means and why it's essential for every dog. • How true enrichment goes beyond keeping dogs busy. • The difference between meaningful enrichment and passive distraction. • Why variety, choice, and balance matter for your dog's wellbeing. • Common misconceptions about enrichment, including TV, laser pointers, and dog parks. • How to recognize when enrichment becomes monotonous or overwhelming. • The eight stages of the canine predatory sequence and how each relates to enrichment. • Examples of enrichment activities for every stage, from orienting and locating to chasing and consuming. • Safety tips for enrichment toys, puzzles, and play. • How to meet your dog's instinctive needs through simple, creative ideas at home. • A simple homework exercise to help you create your dog's personal enrichment list.

Resources:

1. *West Paw Zogoflex Toppl Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Puzzle - https://geni.us/toppl 2. *KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy - https://geni.us/kong-toy 3. YouTube Playlist: Stop Barking Dogs! Why Dogs Bark And Anti-Bark Action Plan With Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0bpnsTRDCxIC7NrkOuWYsU&si=jN8_e1S-t18bR_Nw 4. Podcast Episode 215: What Your Destructive, Lunging, Nipping Or Hyper Dog Or Puppy Is Trying To Teach You - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/215/ 5. Podcast Episode 85: Understanding Your Dog's Sit: LWT - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/85/ 6. Podcast Episode 232: Canine Predatory Motor Sequence: Understand Your Dog's Prey Drive To Enrich Your Life Together - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/232/ 7. Podcast Episode 71: Pro Dog Trainer's Secret to Help Your Naughty Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/71/ 8. Nina Ottosson Food Puzzles - https://www.nina-ottosson.com/products/all-products/ 9. Podcast Episode 272: 10 Engaging Chase Games To Increase Your Picky Eater Dog's Food Drive - https://dogsthat.com/transcript/episode-272/ 10. Podcast Episode 264: Shaping Tips For Timid, Shy, Softer Or Fearful Dogs To Create Enthusiastic Learners - https://dogsthat.com/transcript/episode-264/ 11. Podcast Episode 89: Why Dogs Should Not Tug: The Truth Revealed - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/89/ 12. YouTube Video: DIY Puppy Bombs: Easy & Affordable Enrichment Toy for Puppies - https://youtu.be/UBveJe2C2dA 13. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/fJUvfrU_zP4

*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!

Are You Learning Or Looping: What To Do When Training Your Dog Stops Being Fun #313 Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Visit us at shapedbydog.com

When training your dog stops being fun, it's often a sign that something in the process needs a reset. In this episode, I share how to recognize when you're looping instead of learning and how to shift your mindset to get back on track. With a few simple changes, you can bring clarity, confidence, and joy back into your training sessions for both you and your dog

In this episode, you'll hear:

• What to do when dog training no longer feels fun or rewarding. • How to redefine what "fun" really means for you and your dog. • The powerful question to ask yourself: Am I learning or looping? • What learning looks like and how to adjust your training for success. • What looping looks like and the four steps to move from looping to learning. • Why resetting yourself matters just as much as resetting your dog. • How mentors and guidance can help you find clarity when you're stuck. • Advice for coaches and instructors supporting students through challenges. • A special opportunity to keep learning with Home School The Dog and/or Recallers. • Why target training is a brilliant way to grow your dog's understanding. • How shifting your mindset brings the fun and connection back to training.

Join Home School the Dog: Write to us at wag@dogsthat.com with the subject line "Learning or Looping" for a very special opportunity to join us in Home School the Dog.

Resources:

1. YouTube Playlist: Puppy Training with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2SggplHx3uEWAjXOL9hI21&si=QsXvt3IokvU9VTfa 2. YouTube Playlist: Helping Your Rescue Dog After Adoption: Success Strategies For Rehomed Dogs With Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1uFZJTuWdJCjQYmjjOguax&si=4OpGY8_cLkRX9PbO 3. YouTube Playlist Reactive or Aggressive Dogs: Key Insights with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0Tbd6ZybIXgJk3mtpBLLk7&si=CW8n1yX4bRhhUWHJ 4. Podcast Episode 110: Is Your Over-Aroused Dog Just Over-Faced In Training? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/110/ 5. Podcast Episode 89: Why Dogs Should Not Tug: The Truth Revealed - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/89/ 6. Podcast Episode 133: Become Your Own Dog Training Coach With This Video Strategy - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/133/ 7. Podcast Episode 205: The Hidden World Of Reinforcement For Dogs And Why You Need To Know - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/205/ 8. Podcast Episode 24: Distraction Intensity Index: Help For Dogs Who Chase Chipmunks, Bicycles, And Neighbor's Cats - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/24/ 9. Podcast Episode 21: The 5 Critical Dog Training Layers for Confidence with Anything - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/21/ 10. Podcast Episode 307: Not Seeing Results In Dog Training? Why Layers Of Learning Lead To Real World Success - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/307/ 11. Podcast Episode 301: When Dog Training Doesn't Go As Planned: How To Make Adjustments To Find Success - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/301/ 12.YouTube Playlist Target Training for Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3 13. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/HjOeqUByTqw

Potty Training Fails: What Your Puppy Is Trying To Tell You #312 Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

Visit us at shapedbydog.com

If your puppy's potty training isn't going as planned and you're finding puddles where you least expect them, it might be time for a reset. In this episode, I share the 10 most common reasons why puppies have accidents in the house and what you can do to help. You'll discover how to recognize your puppy's "tells," adjust routines, supervision, and expectations and bring clarity and confidence back to potty training for both you and your puppy.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why a "potty trained" puppy might still have accidents in the house. • How the H.O.T. Method helps set every puppy up for success. • How accidents could signal a possible health issue and how to rule them out. • Why some puppies avoid going outside in certain weather or on specific surfaces. • How setting realistic expectations helps both you and your puppy. • The connection between supervision, freedom, and potty training progress. • The difference between managing behavior and actually training it. • How to recognize your puppy's "tells" and teach them to communicate. • Examples of some of my own dog's "tells." • Simple routines that make potty training consistent and reliable. • Why proper clean-up prevents repeat accidents. • How emotions or scolding can create confusion. • What might be reinforcing your puppy's indoor accidents. • How to use a positive interrupter to redirect accidents before they happen. • Why celebrating small wins builds lasting success. • How to see every accident as feedback and keep progress moving forward.

Resources:

1. Podcast Episode 48: Potty Train Your Puppy in a Week (Easy 3 Step Process) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/48/ 2. Podcast Episode 250: Expectations Vs Reality: Navigating The Path To Dog Training Success - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/250/ 3. Podcast Episode 71: Pro Dog Trainer's Secret to Help Your Naughty Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/71/ 4. Podcast Episode 166: Puppy Freedom: How Much Is Too Much? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/166/ 5. Podcast Episode 30: Why Dog Crates Are Not Dog Cages - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/30/ 6. YouTube Playlist: Target Training for Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3&si=43hw1UJ7r7fV12Sf 7. Podcast Episode 275: How To Teach A Dog To Speak: From Parlor Trick To Working Dog Skill - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/275/ 8. Podcast Episode 115: Understanding Your Dog's Language - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/115/ 9. Podcast Episode 254: Why Your Older Puppy Or Dog Is Not House Trained And What To Do About It - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/254/ 10. Podcast Episode 140: Stop Your Puppy's Excited Peeing Or Submissive Urination - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/140/ 11. Podcast Episode 2: Reinforcement - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/2/ 12. Podcast Episode 158: Stop Your Dog's Unwanted Behaviors With This Positive Interrupter - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/158/ 13. Podcast Episode 228: Navigating Failure In Dog Training: What's Your Plan B? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/228/ 14. Podcast Episode 234: How To Stop Puppy Biting: Avoid Mistakes With Susan Garrett's Backup Plan - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/234/ 15. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/EQpRKDaq9mQ

Training Tips From Susan: Connected, Driven, Or Detached? How To Recognize And Grow The Right Kind Of Focus In Your Dog Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

Message 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!

Connected, Driven, Or Detached? How To Recognize And Grow The Right Kind Of Focus In Your Dog

I'm sharing what it really means for a dog to be connected, driven, or detached, and how to recognize and grow the right kind of focus in your dog. Understanding where your dog's focus truly lies is the first step to building stronger teamwork, better communication, and lasting connection.

Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGu03YVsN1k

Training Tips From Susan: How To Set Up A Successful Shaping Session With Your Dog Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

Message From Susan

How To Set Up A Successful Shaping Session With Your Dog

I'm sharing how to set up a successful shaping session that builds clarity, confidence, and success for you and your dog. When each piece fits together, learning becomes effortless, and your dog's understanding grows step by step into stronger focus and reliable behaviors.

Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOT8z4B81eg

Training Tips From Susan: Agility Foundations Before Equipment: What Puppies Really Need To Succeed Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Message From Susan

Agility Foundations Before Equipment: What Puppies Really Need To Succeed

When it comes to preparing your puppy for dog agility, success starts long before any equipment enters the picture. I'm sharing what puppies really need to succeed, including the key foundations that build confidence, connection, and joy in the sport from the very beginning.

Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMJ0e7HYvPk

Training Tips From Susan: Mini Q&A With Susan: When To Start Contacts, Build Foundations, And Stop Zoomies In Dog Agility Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

Message 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!

Mini Q&A With Susan: When To Start Contacts, Build Foundations, And Stop Zoomies In Dog Agility

When should you start dog agility contacts? What foundations do puppies need first? And how do you stop zoomies in the ring? I cover it all in this mini Q&A.

Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVtH3LQR0Qs

Training Tips From Susan: Using A Variety Of Dog Treats (And Some Of What I Use) To Keep Training Effective, Engaging, And Fun Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Message From Susan

Using A Variety Of Dog Treats (And Some Of What I Use) To Keep Training Effective, Engaging, And Fun

Keeping training effective, engaging, and fun starts with using a variety of dog treats, so I'm sharing some of what I use (and you might like to try) along with a link to my Tasty Treats Recipe Ebook.

Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjiaOy_iWyw

Check out our Tasty Treats Recipe eBook for homemade tasty treats your dog will love! https://dogsthat.com/tastytreats/

Training Tips From Susan: Listening To Your Dog's "No" And Building A Better "Yes" Together Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

Message From Susan

Listening To Your Dog's "No" And Building A Better "Yes" Together

Every time your dog says "no," they are giving you important information. I'm sharing how to listen to your dog's "no" and build a better "yes" together so you can turn those moments into opportunities for learning, growth, and connection.

Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzoUUJT5eiQ

Training Tips From Susan: How To Use Everyday Reinforcement To Grow Lasting Skills Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Message From Susan

How To Use Everyday Reinforcement To Grow Lasting Skills

I'm sharing my step by step plan on how to use everyday reinforcement to grow lasting skills, helping you open the door to brilliant behaviors, stronger focus, and a deeper connection with your dog.

Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MIAwmx1450

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