Have you tried shaping a timid, shy, softer or fearful dog and found your dog could not offer behaviors or engage in dog training sessions? The challenge is real! Recently, we looked at shaping high-drive dogs, but what about dogs on the other side of the spectrum who seem unmotivated? Help is at hand, and we’re covering how to shape more reserved dogs to grow their confidence, unlock their full potential, and rapidly increase their joy and enthusiasm for training with you.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- Shaping confidence for reserved, timid, shy, or fearful dogs.
- The importance of training the dog in front of you.
- About learning from my less confident dog, Decaff.
- A review of the confidence triangle for dogs.
- Why mindset is everything in training your dog.
- Common assumptions about shaping less motivated dogs.
- Why you need clarity over complexity for better results.
- All about the Yerkes-Dodson's curve and its role in understanding arousal levels in dogs.
- The importance of planning training environments strategically to optimize learning.
- How to manage frustration effectively.
- How to implement location-specific markers like “Cook” and “Search” to enhance training engagement.
- Learning the “Flirt Pole" game to build confidence and drive.
- Innovative games like “Hand Targets with a Twist” for engagement.
- Empower your dog's choice through the ItsYerChoice Summit for better training outcomes.
- How confidence grows with Crate Games and other tricks to keep training fun and rewarding.
Learn How To Play ItsYerChoice:
Get Crate Games Online:
YouTube Playlists to Check Out:
- Playlist 1 - Emotional Regulation in Dogs: Dysregulation, Coping Strategies, Co-Regulation, Self-Regulation and Habituation
- Playlist 2 - Mastery of Positive Reinforcement Based Dog Training with Susan Garrett
- Playlist 3 - Unmotivated or Stressed Dogs: Key Insights with Susan Garrett
- Playlist 4 - Susan Garrett’s Dog Training Philosophy and Training Processes
- Playlist 5 - Fearful Dogs Help With Susan Garrett
- Playlist 6 - Reinforcement, Permissions and Transfer of Value in Dog Training with Susan Garrett
- Playlist 7 - The Emotional State of Dogs with Susan Garrett
- Playlist 8 - The Heart / Mind Connection Side of Dog Training with Susan Garrett
Further Resources:
- Podcast Episode 262: Shaping Tips For High Drive, Frantic, Hyper Dogs To Stop Dog Training Frustration
- Podcast Episode 229: Transforming An Overwhelmed And Anxious Dog Into A World Champion – DeCaff’s Story Part 1
- Podcast Episode 230: Finding Joy Amidst Frustration And Shame In Dog Training – DeCaff’s Story Part 2
- Podcast Episode 236: Understanding Dog Fear (Part 1): Genetics, Trauma, And Your Dog’s Well-being
- Podcast Episode 237: A Plan For Your Fearful Dog (Part 2): Susan Garrett’s Strategic Plan For Anxious Dogs
- Podcast Episode 110: Is Your Over-Aroused Dog Just Over-Faced In Training?
- YouTube Playlist: Dog Agility Training and Dog Sports Tips with Susan Garrett
- Podcast Episode 259: Use These Simple Shaping Hacks To Expedite Your Dog Training
- Podcast Episode 86: How to Train Unmotivated or Overexcited Dogs
- Podcast Episode 255: Rescue Dog Training: Priorities For Your First Week Together
- Podcast Episode 151: How Location Specific Reinforcement Markers Will Improve Your Dog Training!
- Podcast Episode 141: Average Or Better Dog Training Question: What Did You Just Reward?
- *Flirt Pole
- Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube
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This was a very insightful episode for me, a lot of Ah! moments. I have two dogs, 16 mo old with a behavioral disorder and a 6yo that’s very shy and introverted. I’ve never been able to get the 6yo to walk on a leash, she turns into a sandbag. I’ve spent loads of time working with the younger dog due to her reactivity and and emotional dysregulation, she’s come a long way. Since I’ve had to do so much work with her I figured that surely I could build confidence with the older one. However I now understand why it’s not working and the approach needs to be different. It also explains why the younger dog is great at playing It’s Yer Choice and the older one gets frustrated with it immediately. Thank you so much for this episode, I’ve learned a lot from you and for that I’m forever grateful.