Podcast · Kids & Family

Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

by Susan Garrett · English · Kids & Family

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.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 16 min
Latest: 24 Jul 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

24 Jul 2026 · 23 min

This Or That's: Your Dog's Decision-Making Blueprint #332

Visit us at shapedbydog.com This or That games create a decision-making blueprint that helps your dog learn to make brilliant choices. In this episode, I share the five stages that grow simple choices into confident everyday decision-making. You'll also discover the common mistakes that can take choice away from your dog and how to know when they're ready to progress, so you can grow a confident decision-maker who knows how to choose well, even when life gets exciting. 🎉Join the free ItsYerChoice Summit and be added to the waitlist for the Recallers Archetype Series event coming in late…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E331 · 15 Jul 2026 · 15 min
This Or That's: Why Most Dogs Never Become Decision-Makers #331
Visit us at shapedbydog.com What if most dogs never become great decision-makers because decision-making is one of the most overlooked skills in dog training? In this episode, I introduce the philosophy behind my This Or That games and share why the choices dogs rehearse every day become the ones they rely on when it matters most. You'll discover what creates a "decision deficit" and how giving dogs opportunities to make choices builds the confidence, understanding, and reliability we all want in real life. 🎉 If you've been thinking about training with us, now's a wonderful time to get…
E330 · 8 May 2026 · 17 min
Is Dog Training About To Change? #330
Visit us at shapedbydog.com Is dog training about to change? In this episode, I'm sharing why a recent conversation about reinforcement-based dog training gave me something I haven't felt in a long time: hope. Looking back at an agility discussion from the mid-1990s, I reflect on how dog training shifts happen, why curiosity creates more clarity than blame or punishment, and why great results are not reserved for "special" trainers. We're talking about reinforcement, intrinsic motivation, meaningful change, and why dogs are always doing the best they can with the information we've given them…
E329 · 29 Apr 2026 · 20 min
Is Your "Once In A Lifetime Dog" Holding You Back? #329
Visit us at shapedbydog.com Is your "Once In A Lifetime Dog" holding you back? What you believe about your dog shapes what you notice, how you respond, and the results you create together. In this episode, I'm sharing how the stories and labels we attach to our dogs influence our focus, our training choices, and ultimately our dog's success. Through the lens of neuroscience and real-life examples, you'll see how belief drives behavior, how confirmation bias reinforces those beliefs, and why even positive labels can quietly limit what's possible. When you shift the story, you open the door to…
E328 · 25 Mar 2026 · 30 min
How To Shape Your Dog: The Ultimate Guide To Training Success #328
Visit us at shapedbydog.com How to shape your dog for training success starts with understanding that shaping isn't about waiting and hoping, it's about designing success from the start. In this episode, I'm sharing the ultimate guide to shaping, including the three phases I use to design, execute, and reflect on shaping sessions so they're clear, efficient, and confidence-building for our dogs. We'll look at how to define clear criteria, split behaviors into achievable pieces, choose reinforcement with intention, and recognize "cheap behaviors" before they become habits. When you shift from…
E327 · 13 Mar 2026 · 21 min
Beyond "Yes" And "Good": Why Your Dog Needs "Spotlights" #327
Visit us at shapedbydog.com Moving beyond general marker words like "yes" and "good" can bring much more clarity to your dog's training, and in this episode, I share why your dog needs what I call "Spotlights." Spotlights are Location Specific Reinforcement Markers that tell your dog what reward is coming and where it will be delivered. When dogs understand where success lives, they can make better choices and feel more confident in their training. I'll walk you through the Spotlights I use with my own dogs, how they function as both markers and cues, and how introducing just a few can help…
E326 · 6 Mar 2026 · 21 min
The 30 Second Reset - Because Your Dog Knows #326
Visit us at shapedbydog.com Sometimes what we need most in dog training is a simple 30-second reset, because our dogs know far more about our emotional state than we realize. In this episode, I'm sharing why your emotional resilience and nervous system can have a greater influence on your dog's behavior than any training plan, treat, or technique. Our dogs are incredibly sensitive to our emotional state, and when frustration, anxiety, or disappointment creeps in, they feel it long before we realize it. I also share a personal story about training through grief after losing my dog Twister and…
E325 · 13 Feb 2026 · 18 min
When To Add A Verbal Cue... Don't Make These Mistakes #325
Visit us at shapedbydog.com If your dog has ever "known" a verbal cue but didn't respond the first time you asked, it may be that your cue has been poisoned. In this episode, you'll discover why that happens, the most common reasons cues lose their power, and how to set your dog up for success before you ever add a word. I'm sharing the system I use to build consistent, confident behavior first, so when you finally add the cue, it simply reflects a rich history of reinforcement. The result is powerful, clean, and effective verbal cues your dog responds to anywhere with clarity and…
E324 · 6 Feb 2026 · 18 min
The First Two Weeks With Your Puppy: What You Grow Is What You Get #324
Visit us at shapedbydog.com The first two weeks with your puppy are when what you grow is what you get. In these early days, everyday choices shape how your puppy learns, rests, and stays engaged long before cues are added. In this episode, I share a real-life puppy story to show how well-intended decisions can accidentally grow behaviors you weren't aiming to teach, and why raising a puppy with the future in mind supports clarity, confidence, and the relationship you're building as your puppy develops. In this episode, you'll hear: • How small, everyday choices can accidentally grow puppy…
E323 · 16 Jan 2026 · 12 min
Why Dogs "Ignore" Commands #323
Visit us at shapedbydog.com Why dogs "ignore" commands has less to do with defiance and more to do with education. When a dog doesn't respond, it's easy to label it as disobedience, but what that moment actually offers is feedback on what the dog has learned. In this episode, I'm breaking down the difference between commands and cues, how Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence shape understanding, and why dogs respond to pictures rather than words alone. When cues are taught with intention, reliability grows naturally, and responses become confident, joyful, and consistent, wherever you are.…
E322 · 19 Dec 2025 · 23 min
Loose Leash Walking Starts Without A Leash #322
Visit us at shapedbydog.com Loose leash walking starts without a leash. I would like you to think for a moment about what kind of an emotional experience it is to take your dog for a leashed walk. For some people there is lunging, jumping, spinning, barking, or zig-zagging. Different behaviors, same outcome. What is meant to be exercise, connection, and calm ends up feeling frustrating instead. In this episode, I'm sharing why leash walking fails so often and why it's not because you or your dog have done something wrong. Leash walking breaks down when expectations severely outpace…
E321 · 12 Dec 2025 · 16 min
Is Your Dog Really Being Spiteful? #321
Visit us at shapedbydog.com When a new puppy arrives, the change in routine can create big feelings for an adult dog who has been part of every training session. Behaviors that look surprising are often signs of stress rather than spite or defiance. When we stay curious, it becomes easier to notice what our dogs may be trying to communicate. I'm sharing simple ways to support your adult dog so they can feel calm and confident while you focus on training your new puppy. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why dogs are not capable of spite the way we imagine. • Two questions to ask ourselves that…
E320 · 10 Dec 2025 · 11 min
The Thing You THINK Calms Your Puppy... #320
Visit us at shapedbydog.com A lick mat can feel like magic when it brings instant peace to a whiny or restless puppy, but sometimes that calm comes after a buildup we don't even notice. I'm taking a closer look at what drives that rising anticipation and how small, thoughtful changes can shift the pattern toward calm, confidence, and comfort. With a bit of intention, lick mats can become tools that support your puppy's emotional well-being rather than fuel anxious routines or unwanted behaviors. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why puppies start whining, circling, pawing, bouncing, or barking…
E319 · 3 Dec 2025 · 13 min
10 Misleading Dog Training Arguments #319
Visit us at shapedbydog.com If you've ever had someone twist your training philosophy into something it's not, you've likely run into a Straw Man argument. In this episode, I'm breaking down ten of the most common ones aimed at positive reinforcement-based dog training, why they're not valid, and what you can do to create genuine conversations with people who hold a different view of dog training than you, all while staying centered and calm. In this episode, you'll hear: • What Straw Man arguments are and why they show up in dog training conversations. • Why these arguments misrepresent…
E318 · 26 Nov 2025 · 15 min
What If The Hidden Source Of Your Dog's On Leash Chaos Begins BEFORE Your Walk Does? #318
Visit us at shapedbydog.com Many dogs start spinning, barking, or rushing when the leash comes out or you head toward the door, but what if the hidden source of that on leash chaos actually begins earlier than you think? In this episode, I'm sharing how to uncover what is reinforcing your dog's unwanted behaviors and how to build calm, connected exits using simple conditioning strategies and games so every walk begins with confidence and connection rather than chaos and pulling. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why some dogs react long before the walk even starts. • What "follow the money"…
E317 · 19 Nov 2025 · 16 min
20 Exercises That Help Your Dog Live Longer: Start Today! #317
Visit us at shapedbydog.com Your dog's movement can reveal a lot about their long-term comfort and health. That's why I'm sharing more than 20 simple fitness exercises to help support your dog at every stage of their life, so they can move better, stay strong, and age with confidence. You'll discover the four key categories of canine fitness and how each one builds strength, balance, flexibility, and awareness in ways that support your dog's lifelong mobility. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why your dog's movement reveals so much about their long-term health. • The 20 simple exercises I use…
E316 · 12 Nov 2025 · 16 min
Senior Dogs, Best Lives: The Four Pillars To Longevity #316
Visit us at shapedbydog.com Helping senior dogs live their best lives starts with simple, intentional choices that nurture their body, mind, and heart. In this episode, I'm sharing the four pillars that lead to longevity and how they can help your senior dog stay active, confident, and connected as the years go by. You'll discover how small daily habits can support lasting wellness and create a joyful, purpose-filled life for your dog, one where every stage of aging is celebrated and full of possibility. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why living with a senior dog is a privilege and how…
7 Nov 2025 · 5 min
Training Tips From Susan: Why I Don't Use The Word "No" With My Dogs And What I Teach Instead
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! Why I Don't Use The Word "No" With My Dogs And What I Teach Instead I'm sharing why I don't use the word "no" in dog training and what I teach instead to create understanding and connection. Through clear communication and thoughtful reinforcement, we can help our dogs feel…
31 Oct 2025 · 4 min
Training Tips From Susan: Shaping Q&A: Non-Reward Markers, Reinforcement Strategies, And Making Training Work For Every Dog
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! Shaping Q&A: Non-Reward Markers, Reinforcement Strategies, And Making Training Work For Every Dog In this mini Shaping Q&A, I'm diving into your top questions about non-reward markers, reinforcement strategies, how to make training work for every dog, and more! You'll…
E315 · 29 Oct 2025 · 20 min
Dog Enrichment Secrets Part 2: 30 Day Enrichment Challenge + Free Planner PDF #315
Visit us at shapedbydog.com What might look like digging, chewing, or shredding is often a dog's way of saying, "I need more enrichment." In Part 2 of our enrichment series, I'm sharing how to build a 30-day plan that meets your dog's natural needs for curiosity, challenge, and balance. You'll get over 30 meaningful ideas to build confidence, support calm focus, and strengthen your connection so your dog feels happy, relaxed, and fulfilled. In this episode, you'll hear: • How digging, shredding, chewing, or turning everyday objects into games of their own are our dog's self-created…
E314 · 24 Oct 2025 · 17 min
Dog Enrichment Secrets Part 1: Using Your Dog's Natural Instincts To Build Variety And Engagement #314
Visit us at shapedbydog.com 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…
E313 · 22 Oct 2025 · 14 min
Are You Learning Or Looping: What To Do When Training Your Dog Stops Being Fun #313
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…
E312 · 17 Oct 2025 · 19 min
Potty Training Fails: What Your Puppy Is Trying To Tell You #312
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.…
15 Oct 2025 · 4 min
Training Tips From Susan: Connected, Driven, Or Detached? How To Recognize And Grow The Right Kind Of Focus In Your Dog
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…
10 Oct 2025 · 8 min
Training Tips From Susan: How To Set Up A Successful Shaping Session With Your Dog
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! 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…
8 Oct 2025 · 6 min
Training Tips From Susan: Agility Foundations Before Equipment: What Puppies Really Need To Succeed
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! 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…
3 Oct 2025 · 3 min
Training Tips From Susan: Mini Q&A With Susan: When To Start Contacts, Build Foundations, And Stop Zoomies In Dog Agility
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…
1 Oct 2025 · 4 min
Training Tips From Susan: Using A Variety Of Dog Treats (And Some Of What I Use) To Keep Training Effective, Engaging, And Fun
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! 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…
26 Sep 2025 · 6 min
Training Tips From Susan: Listening To Your Dog's "No" And Building A Better "Yes" Together
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! 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…
24 Sep 2025 · 8 min
Training Tips From Susan: How To Use Everyday Reinforcement To Grow Lasting Skills
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! 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…

About Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett

Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett is a English kids & family podcast from Susan Garrett. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Susan Garrett
Language: English
Category: Kids & Family
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 16 min
Latest episode: 24 Jul 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1520189814

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