I’ve just returned home from a trip to Houston, where I competed at an agility trial with my young dog This!, and we had an epically amazing weekend. Many of you know of the struggles This! and I have experienced, which is the inspiration for this episode. What mindset do people need to either work through extreme dog training challenges or support somebody in the midst of those challenges? Today, we’re covering strategic approaches to help clear the path forward for you and your dog.

In the episode you'll hear:

  • What mindset has to do with extreme dog training challenges.
  • About the more challenging dogs in my life.
  • How I transitioned dog training methods with my Border Collie, Buzz.
  • Why some dogs stop listening to their handlers.
  • My mindset approach for dog trainers, dog owners and dog sport competitors.
  • Point 1: Create love and connection for and with the dog.
  • Point 2: Adopt a positive mindset even if it feels awkward.
  • Point 3: Use a strategic dog training program that prioritizes the dog’s emotional wellbeing.
  • Point 4: Daily conversations with your dog that are positive.
  • Point 5: The 3 types of peer support groups.
  • Point 6: Cultivate resilience and self-belief.
  • Point 7: See beyond the “box.”
  • Point 8: Identify healthy emotional outlets.
  • Point 9: The answers exist, so ask better questions.
  • Point 10: Importance of self-awareness and self-talk.
  • That mindset is the make-or-break factor to realizing our dogs’ potential and our own.

Resources:

  1. Podcast Episode 203: Reactive, Unmotivated and Fearful: Finding Resiliency For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 1
  2. Book: Shaping Success by Susan Garrett
  3. Podcast Episode 136: Help Your Excited Dog Calm Down And Stop Barking, Lunging, Spinning, Nipping
  4. Podcast Episode 79: Reduce Anxiety and Grow Your Dog’s Confidence with These Pro Dog Training Tips
  5. Podcast Episode 36: Puppy Selection: How I Do It and Why I Didn’t This! Time
  6. Podcast Episode 78: How to Train a Rescue Dog with Behavior Problems
  7. Podcast Episode 150: Adding Mindset To Your Dog Training Tools: Who Do You Become?
  8. Podcast Episode 172: How To Teach Your Dog Anything With My Training Plan
  9. Podcast Episode 207: Rescue Dog Behavior: Training Rehomed Dogs Chat With Nadine Hehli and Simone Fasel
  10. Podcast Episode 124: The Woo Side Of Dog Training: Power of Words
  11. Podcast Episode 208: Brilliance, Resilience And Gratitude: Inspiration And Motivation With Elliott Connie
  12. Podcast Episode 177: Dog Training Outside The Box: Transfer Of Value Case Study
  13. Podcast Episode 204: Dog Behavior And Diet: Recovery For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 2
  14. Podcast Episode 71: Pro Dog Trainer’s Secret to Help Your Naughty Dog
  15. Podcast Episode 176: Why Your Dog’s Emotions Are A Critical Element Of Dog Training
  16. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube