Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

Visit us at shapedbydog.com

How long should it take to train my dog? Thats a popular question I get, so Im covering how to set realistic expectations for every age and stage of a dogs life. Dogs are lifelong learners and learn with all their senses, so were looking at how to create success with intention rather than letting things around your dog train them, so you can avoid the frustration of needing to untrain anything.

In this episode, youll hear:

Why age and stage play such an important role in dog training success.
Why dogs are lifelong learners and how that affects your training expectations.
What the "honeymoon period" is in dog training.
What to do when the honeymoon phase ends and distractions become a challenge.
How to handle the 8-18 month phase when hormones take over.
Why dogs cant learn dont, only what we want them to do.
How the first 8 months of a puppy's life are the bulk of the training work.
Why ongoing maintenance of your dogs education is crucial for long-term success.

Resources:

1. Podcast Episode 197: Outsmarting Distractions: How To Use Environmental Reinforcement in Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/197/
2. Podcast Episode 24: Distraction Intensity Index: Help For Dogs Who Chase Chipmunks, Bicycles, And Neighbors Cats - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/24/
3. Podcast Episode 218: Puppy Development Stages And Your Dogs Behavior - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/218/
4. Podcast Episode 255: Rescue Dog Training: Priorities For Your First Week Together - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/255/
5. Shaped by Dog Podcast - https://shapedbydog.com/
6. Article: Early Spay/Neuter, Desexing Risks by Dr. Karen Becker - https://drkarenbecker.com/spay-neuter-and-desexing-for-dogs-veterinarian/
7. YouTube Playlist: Reactive or Aggressive Dogs: Key Insights with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0Tbd6ZybIXgJk3mtpBLLk7&si=FR2taAxKQiMZZj-5
8. Podcast Episode 62: 12 Keys to Helping My Dogs Live a Long and Happy Life - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/62/
9. Podcast Episode 48: Potty Train Your Puppy in a Week (Easy 3 Step Process) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/48/
10. Podcast Episode 254: Why Your Older Puppy Or Dog Is Not House Trained And What To Do About It - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/254/
11. Podcast Episode 109: Project Calm Dog: Prevent Over Enthusiastic Greetings - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/109/
12. YouTube Playlist: Puppy Biting Help with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy03hWZgAQfG1t5Q6YzGPi7z&si=aWLdw6Xfpd6kaegl
13. Podcast Episode 293: MRI: A Simple 3 Part Dog Training Formula To Fix Problems Like Counter Surfing, Reactivity And More - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/293/
14. YouTube Video: Susan Garretts 5 Games for Puppies - https://youtu.be/Hxd1sVEQp2Y
15. Podcast Episode 302: The Recall Myth: Why Your Off Leash Dog Isnt Coming When Called And How To Fix It - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/302/
16. YouTube Playlist: Loose Leash Walking with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy1mGMfdVKXq_hiJ27Ej1shW&si=BmL3AN6YON62PhSM
17. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/mNnvP8QtMLA

Visit 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 confidence and enthusiasm, so your dog wants to run to you with joy, speed, and reliability, no matter where you are. 

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How to get a really reliable recall and train your dog to come when called, every time!
• Why recalls might fail and common mistakes dog owners make and how to avoid them.
• How to create value for your dog to recall fast, the first time you call.
• The power of the Premack Principle for things your dog loves.
• Easy games to boost your dog’s recall and confidence (ItsYerChoice, Crate Games, Call Once, Collar Grab Game, Hand Target, Restrained Recalls)
• What to consider when choosing the right recall cue for your dog.
• About downloading a free copy of my Restrained Recallers ebook.
• How to build a brilliant recall even with distractions around.
• Opportunity to join my Recallers program and take your dog’s recall to the next level!

Join Recallers:
Write to us at [email protected] the subject line “I need my dog to come when called” for a very special opportunity to join us in Recallers.

Download Your Free Recalls eBook
Click HERE to get your Complete Guide to Playing Restrained Recalls - https://dogsthat.com/restrainedrecalls/

Free ItsYerChoice Summit
Learn How to Play ItsYerChoice - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/

Crate Games Online
Get Crate Games Online - https://get.crategames.com/

Resources:

1. Podcast Episode 255: Rescue Dog Training: Priorities For Your First Week Together - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/255/
2. Podcast Episode 24: Distraction Intensity Index: Help For Dogs Who Chase Chipmunks, Bicycles, And Neighbor’s Cats - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/24/
3. Podcast Episode 197: Outsmarting Distractions: How To Use Environmental Reinforcement in Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/197/
4. Podcast Episode 214: England Banned Shock Collars, Here’s Why That Could Be Sad News - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/214/
5. Podcast Episode 301: When Dog Training Doesn’t Go As Planned: How To Make Adjustments To Find Success - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/301/
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 90: Premack, Dog Training and Transfer of Value - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/90/
8. Podcast Episode 52: The Five Most Common Words in Dog Training and Which Ones I Never Use - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/52/
9. Podcast Episode 18: 4 Puppy and Dog Training Games for Acquired Bite Inhibition - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/18/
10. YouTube Playlist: Target Training for Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3
11. Podcast Episode 295: Fear Of Criticism? Why Facing The Camera Is The First Step To Becoming A Better Dog Trainer - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/295/
12. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/H8PL2bxL-fk

Visit 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 easier, and strategies to put on the brakes when things are going in a direction you don’t want.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why dog training sometimes doesn’t go as planned and what to do when your dog just isn’t getting it.
• What should be included in your strategic protocol (Relationship, Recall, Retrieve and Reinforcement Zone) and how they impact training success.
• About the key training games and exercises: ItsYerChoice, Crate Games, Relaxation Protocol, Tug Games, Hot Zone and Perch Work.
• How to join the ItsYerChoice Summit, 100% free.
• Why “Criteria is Joy.”
• Why having a dedicated Training Den helps build confidence.
• The importance of establishing and transferring value.
• How to create clarity in training so your dog understands exactly what you want.
• About recognizing signs of frustration in your dog and taking their feedback.
• The key to adding distractions, duration, and distance without overwhelming your dog.
• How to adjust your training plan so your dog succeeds.
• My best tip: Take a Paws (pause!) when things aren’t going right - small changes can make a big difference!

Special Discounts To Join Or Gift Our Online Programs
Check out our 300th Episode & 5th Anniversary Celebration Page - https://dogsthat.com/celebration-central/

ItsYerChoice Summit:
Learn How to Play ItsYerChoice - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/

Crate Games Online:
Get Crate Games Online - https://get.crategames.com/

Resources:

1. Podcast Episode 228: Navigating Failure In Dog Training: What’s Your Plan B? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/228/
2. Susan Garrett’s Shaped by Dog Podcast - https://dogsthat.com/podcasts/
3. Podcast Episode 255: Rescue Dog Training: Priorities For Your First Week Together - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/255/
4. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaUAScgaFAg
5. Live Stream Replay: Celebrating 300 With A Week of Positivity & Learning - https://www.youtube.com/live/-qligctVSFw
6. YouTube Playlist: Target Training for Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3
7. Podcast Episode 191: Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/191/
8. Podcast Episode 107: Pedicure Please: 3 Steps To Dog Nail Trimming Or Grooming Success At Home! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/107/
9. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett’s Perch Work Dog Tricks (Pivots and Spins) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6sj6fTJnFc
10. Podcast Episode 267: How To Use A Training Den To Fast Track Your Dog’s Success: No Space? No Problem! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/267/
11. Podcast Episode 257: How To Use Your Dog’s Favorite Reinforcements To Fix Unwanted Inadvertent Behaviors - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/257/
12. YouTube Playlist: Puppy Essentials with Susan Garrett Dog Training - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2hywpv3Md3HbWWPPbVF8W5
13. DogsThat YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DogsThat/videos
14. YouTube Playlist: Dog Body Language, Communication Signals, and How to Read Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2IwzRwAWcG0yK8oez1nPU0
15. Podcast Episode 131: How Would Susan Garrett Plan Your Dog Training Sessions? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/131/
16. Podcast Episode 295: Fear Of Criticism? Why Facing The Camera Is The First Step To Becoming A Better Dog Trainer - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/295/
17. Podcast Episode 256: What Was That Cookie For?! When Positive Reinforcement In Dog Training Goes Wrong - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/256/
18. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/NoUkg8RDpms

Visit 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'm sharing my start in dog training, pivotal moments, people and dogs that led me to change my approach, what I learned about myself along the way, and the reasons I never went back. 

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• About my transition to becoming a crossover dog trainer.
• The question from Zak George that inspired this episode.
• When I decided to leave balanced training behind.
• What I learned from my terrier puppy, Shelby.
• The book that changed my thinking - Don’t Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor.
• When I first saw true autonomy in dog training and how choice transformed my approach.
• About my "Shaping Badly" era.
• How learning from Bob and Marian Bailey helped me refine my training with clarity and intention.
• The shift to shaping with success.
• Why judgment holds trainers back.
• That change is possible.
• Reasons trainers resist crossing over to a positive reinforcement approach.
• A special offer for podcast listeners who want to be coached by me and my team.

Special Discounts to Join or Gift our Online Programs
Check out our 300TH Episode & 5th Anniversary Celebration Page - https://dogsthat.com/celebration-central/

Resources:

1. Zak George - https://www.youtube.com/@zakgeorge
2. Podcast Episode 146: Balanced Dog Training: Does It Really Exist? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/146/
3. Book: Don’t Shoot The Dog! By Karen Pryor - https://shop.clickertraining.com/en-ca/products/dont-shoot-the-dog-karen-pryor?srsltid=AfmBOoqkL4DLKYAPB1xQMDtJGYDwa1AR0r-AdPOhXo5LFMYe2REoECS7&variant=33778264965258
4. Podcast Episode 34: Time Outs for Dogs: Does Your Dog Need One? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/34/
5. Bob and Marian Bailey: Behavior by Bailey - http://www.behavior1.com/
6. Podcast Episode 245: Make Dog Training Easy! Quick Guide To Antecedent Arrangements - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/245/
7. Podcast Episode 71: Pro Dog Trainer’s Secret to Help Your Naughty Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/71/
8. Podcast Episode 295: Fear Of Criticism? Why Facing The Camera Is The First Step To Becoming A Better Dog Trainer - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/295/
9. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior - https://avsab.org/
10. The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants - https://iaabc.org/
11. Podcast Episode 297: Why In 2025 We Still Have Dog Trainers Who Believe “Reinforcement Dog Training Doesn’t Work” - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/297/
12. Podcast Episode 290: The Red Flag Of Dominance Based Training: Why It’s Hurting Your Dog And What To Do Instead - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/290/
13. DogsThat YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DogsThat
14. DogsThat YouTube Playlists - https://www.youtube.com/@DogsThat/playlists
15. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/rajGh9u8gkw

Visit 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-behaved dog in a way that aligns with your heart.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why “fast and easy” in dog training often fails and what actually works.
• How to bridge the training gap and set your dog up for success.
• A special lesson from my father beyond dog training.
• The difference between behavior challenges and emotional challenges.
• The role of reinforcement and management in success. 
• How reinforcement shapes your dog’s choices every day.
• The power of management and why it’s the key to long-term success.
• My approach to growing confidence before introducing big challenges.
• Why finding the right trainer matters and how to know who to trust.
• A special opportunity to join Wag Nation and Home School the Dog!

Resources:

1. Podcast Episode 20: Bridging the Gap Between Blame and Kindness in Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/20/
2. Podcast Episode 97: Overwhelm in Dog Training: How to Take Action on Challenges - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/97/
3. Warwick Schiller Attuned Horsemanship - https://warwickschiller.com/
4. Podcast Episode 298: The Dog Training Quadrants We Don’t Talk About: Are We Using Them More Than We Know? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/298/
5. Podcast Episode 297: Why In 2025 We Still Have Dog Trainers Who Believe “Reinforcement Dog Training Doesn’t Work” - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/297/
6. YouTube Playlist: Puppy Essentials with Susan Garrett Dog Training - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2hywpv3Md3HbWWPPbVF8W5&si=UdgWP3VEaFvURChz
7. Podcast Episode 131: How Would Susan Garrett Plan Your Dog Training Sessions? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/131/
8. Podcast Episode 267: How To Use A Training Den To Fast Track Your Dog’s Success: No Space? No Problem! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/267/
9. Podcast Episode 30: Why Dog Crates Are Not Dog Cages - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/30/
10. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/zUFgD1yGO0w