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 before you deliver a lick mat.

• The "thing before the thing" and how anticipation becomes reinforcement.

• What to do first when your puppy is anxious, whiny, or restless.

• The different stages of using a lick mat to support wanted behavior.

• How to prepare lick mats without triggering excitement.

• How to create a new trigger so calm behavior predicts the lick mat.

• Ways to use lick mats for fear, visitors at the door, and environmental distractions.

• Why lick mats should not be a lifelong crutch and how to use them with intention.

Resources:

1. Podcast Episode 16: The Thing Before Your Dog's Thing - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/16/

2. Podcast Episode 314: Dog Enrichment Secrets Part 1: Using Your Dog's Natural Instincts To Build Variety And Engagement - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/314/

3. Podcast Episode 315: Dog Enrichment Secrets Part 2: 30 Day Enrichment Challenge + Free Planner PDF - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/315/

4. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/U5zFK_WkHpY

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" means and how it reveals the real reason your dog is getting overexcited.
• A real-life example of reinforcement patterns we often miss.
• How picking up the leash becomes a conditioned emotional trigger for many dogs.
• Ways to create a positive C.E.R. around touching the leash.
• Why the connected Collar Grab is valuable for creating calm focus.
• How adding the cue "connect" helps dogs check-in reliably.
• What connected exits look like at low distraction levels.
• How toys, bowls, and movement create opportunities to strengthen connection.
• Why creating small daily "moments of connection" builds great habits.
• How a simple Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) can set every walk up for success.

Resources:

1. Podcast Episode 16: The Thing Before Your Dog's Thing - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/16/
2. YouTube Playlist: Help For Dogs Jumping Up and Excited Greetings: Creating Calm with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3KQXSC-3IzEdBgBetrl2YP&si=VfdPaAqO4mRgJs7i
3. Podcast Episode 18: 4 Puppy and Dog Training Games for Acquired Bite Inhibition - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/18/
4. Podcast Episode 176: Why Your Dog's Emotions Are A Critical Element Of Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/176/
5. Podcast Episode 24: Distraction Intensity Index: Help For Dogs Who Chase Chipmunks, Bicycles, And Neighbor's Cats - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/24/
6. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/GX7-sJna-Cc

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 with all my dogs from puppyhood to senior years.
• The prerequisites that make fitness exercises easier and safer (Nail Trims, ItsYerChoice, Crate Games).
• The four key categories of canine fitness (Proprioception, Strength and Stability, Flexibility, and Conditioning) and why each one matters.
• The importance of a vet check and establishing a baseline before starting any fitness plan.
• A special opportunity to join Home School the Dog and Wag Nation for more step-by-step support.

Join Wag Nation + Home School the Dog:
Write to us at wag@dogsthat.com with the subject line "Home School and Wag Bundle Please" for a very special opportunity to join us in Wag Nation and Home School the Dog.

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

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

Resources:

1. Susan Garrett's Dog Training Blog: Cutting Your Dog's Nails: How Important Is It Really? - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2013/08/cutting-your-dogs-nails-how-important-is-it-really/
2. Podcast Episode 266: Hot Zone And Stays – How One Dog Training Nuance Can Fix Anxiety And Duration - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/266/
3. YouTube Playlist: Target Training for Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3&si=Pe6C9uZGvjlzoolB
4. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett's Perch Work Dog Tricks (Pivots and Spins) - https://youtu.be/O6sj6fTJnFc
5. Susan Garrett's Dog Training Blog: How to Train Your Dog to Stand on Cue - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2020/10/train-your-dog-to-stand-on-cue/
6. Dogs That YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DogsThat
7. YouTube Playlist: Sit, Down, Stand, Stay! Dog Training Duration Behaviors with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2cY7Fg3MLUaobkSdnVx0jt&si=b_kVPMzPxg5jffFX
8. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/vMkEJo5zfLM

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 mindset shapes what's possible.
• The truth about what defines a senior dog and why age is more than just a number.
• How the four pillars (Physical Wellness, Nutrition, Emotional Connection and Joy, Cognitive Functioning) help senior dogs live longer, happier lives.
• Why "motion is lotion" applies to senior dogs just as much as it does to us.
• How maintaining a healthy weight can add years to your dog's life.
• Simple ways to boost your senior dog's energy and cognition through nutrition.
• How emotional connection and daily joy impact your dog's well-being.
• The importance of consent and respecting your senior dog's deep rest.
• Enrichment ideas to keep senior dogs mentally sharp and engaged.
• An opportunity to join Home School The Dog & Wag Nation.
• A special challenge to bring more purpose and fulfillment to your senior dog's life.

Join Wag Nation + Home School the Dog:
Write to us at wag@dogsthat.com with the subject line "Connecting with my senior" for a very special opportunity to join us in Wag Nation and Home School the Dog.

Resources:

1. Dogs That YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DogsThat
2. YouTube Playlist: Feeding Dogs, Training Treats, Dog Food, Nutrition and Canine Behavior, Raw Diets with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0ylVCv0BiSj27AeIdObb_q&si=QOwhqPDzbQs4ygUw
3. Podcast Episode 62: 12 Keys to Helping My Dogs Live a Long and Happy Life - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/62/
4. Podcast Episode 106: Consent In Dog Training: The Misuse, Misunderstanding And Misapplication - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/106/
5. Podcast Episode 314: Dog Enrichment Secrets Part 1: Using Your Dog's Natural Instincts To Build Variety And Engagement - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/314/
6. Podcast Episode 315: Dog Enrichment Secrets Part 2: 30 Day Enrichment Challenge + Free Planner PDF Shaped by Dog Podcast - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/315/
7. Shaped by Dog Podcast - https://dogsthat.com/podcasts/
8. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/518D-BzMFaQ

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 confident and know exactly what we DO want.

Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj5AeXdO4-4

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 discover how to set your sessions up for success, keep motivation high, and make shaping easier and more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

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