"Train the dog in front of you." -Susan Garrett

When agility stops feeling fun, expectations may be moving faster than understanding. Dog agility champion Max Sprinz shares why clarity, confidence, and connection matter more to dogs than ribbons. ✨ https://dogsthat.com/t/max-agility-fun-blog

Show us Dogs That love kids!

There’s a big difference between “this dog changed my life” and “this dog is my one and only.” One honors the past while leaving room for future connection. The other can quietly close the door on new possibilities. https://dogsthat.com/t/episode-329

What’s your dog’s actual name… and what nickname do you use way more often? Let us know in the comments! 💬

Socialization isn't a "free-for-all." Puppies don't need to greet everyone; that just breeds overstimulation. True socialization is about neutrality. Teach your pup that the world is "white noise" so they stay calm and connected to you. Learn more: https://dogsthat.com/t/puppy-socialization-blog

Growth doesn’t start with certainty. It starts with curiosity. Asking better questions, staying open, and being willing to consider things differently. 💙 What’s something you’ve become more curious about lately?

Try something different: when training is frustrating, turn correction into curiosity. Ask: “How can I be clearer?” Assuming they "know" leads to blame. As guardians, let’s take responsibility. Make the next rep clearer and watch change happen! https://dogsthat.com/t/episode-330

Stop focusing on "don't." Dogs learn actions, not negatives. Often, we accidentally reward jumping with attention. To fix it, reward what you want them to DO instead. Learn my strategy to empower your dog for polite greetings and agility here: https://dogsthat.com/t/stop-jumping-blog

Stop limiting your dog with stories about their "quirks" or breed traits. Whether you label them as "difficult" or your "one and only," these definitions hide who they truly are. Let go of the labels and see the possibilities. Listen here: https://dogsthat.com/t/episode-329

Take a moment to be compassionate to yourself today. 💗

If you’re working toward dog training without physical corrections or intimidation, there will be moments where your dog does something you didn’t expect… and suddenly it feels unclear what to do next. That moment is what I call “the gap.” https://dogsthat.com/t/bridging-the-gap-blog

Today in dog training, there's so many conversations about things like ‘errorless learning’ or ‘building resilience’ or ‘how dogs learn through failure’, and I think the real conversation is: Are we building understanding or are we building pressure? https://dogsthat.com/t/episode-330

"We never lose. We either win the class or we win the lesson." -Susan Garrett

How do you continue to grow your relationship with your dog? Share with us in the comments!

Can you trust your dog alone with a steak on the counter? 🥩 It all starts with one simple game that teaches your dog they always have a choice ... and that good choices lead to the things they want most. https://dogsthat.com/t/self-control-blog

🐾 Which trick will you learn this month? With 50+ tricks and training games ready to explore, and a new one added every month, Wag Nation gives you endless ways to learn and have fun with your dog! Join (or gift) Wag Nation today! https://dogsthat.com/t/sbd-anniversary

We were born to be real, not perfect. 🦋

The labels you give your dog shape what you see. Call them “slow” or your “heart dog,” and your brain finds proof. That story changes how you respond. It feels like truth, but it started as your choice. Choose better, build better. https://dogsthat.com/t/episode-329

Choosing your dog’s name is fun, but it’s also one of your first training decisions. Whether it’s a rescue or a new puppy, picking with intention builds clarity and confidence from day one. https://dogsthat.com/t/dog-names-blog

6 years Shaped By Dog 🎉 7 days anniversary pricing on online classrooms. Recallers, Home School the Dog, J-Walking, Crate Games, Pedicure Please, Wag Nation, Handling360, Agility Nation. Find your path: https://dogsthat.com/t/sbd-anniversary

Huge gratitude to our incredible community! We’re thrilled to be named the #1 Dog Training Blog for 2026 by Feedspot. This is yours as much as ours. Thanks for learning, trying, and sharing with us ❤️ https://dogsthat.com/t/top-blog

💙 "Our dogs are doing the best they can, with the education we've given them, in the environment we've put them in." -Susan Garrett

Your beliefs shape what you notice, and what you notice shapes how you train. It’s not about judging your bond, it’s about understanding your brain so you can change outcomes for you and your dog. https://dogsthat.com/t/episode-329

Training starts the moment your puppy comes home… even if you don’t feel like you’ve “started training” yet. Take a look at the blog and video and see which game you might try first! https://dogsthat.com/t/games-for-puppies-blog

The brilliance of your puppy's future is defined by the decisions you make today. -Susan Garrett

Don't look to the ceiling - look to the horizon.

Not every dog starts out confident in dog agility. In this blog, I share the story of a dog who challenged my approach, and the lessons that reshaped how I build confidence by focusing on the dog in front of me. Check out our latest blog: https://dogsthat.com/t/decaff-agility

Where do my dogs sleep? 💤 I get asked this all the time, and my answer might surprise you! https://dogsthat.com/t/bed-sleeping-blog

Ever wonder why your dog misses that "bright" red ball right in front of them? 🤔 It is not bad eyesight but simple science. Most owners pick the one color their dog cannot actually see. Switch to this color instead to make fetch way easier! 🐶💙 https://dogsthat.com/t/episode-87

If your dog only performs when the equipment is out, the prop has become the cue. In this episode, I’m sharing why adding a cue too early brings in messy behaviors, and how to make sure your dog truly understands the behavior.  https://dogsthat.com/t/episode-328

"When empathy affects the way you show up in this world, guess what? It affects the world. One person at a time." -Susan Garrett

Sit, down, and stand. How can we turn these 3 simple behaviors into fitness exercises for your dog? 🐾 https://dogsthat.com/t/episode-87

When we talk about our dogs and exercise, what we are really aiming for is not just movement, but supporting how our dogs use their body.🐕   https://dogsthat.com/t/dog-fitness-blog

What is one personality trait your dog has that you actually wish you had more of yourself?

Choosing a toy might seem simple, but the wrong one can actually work against your training. In this blog, I walk you through the key things I consider before I buy a toy, so you can choose options that truly support your dog’s learning, safety and more!  https://dogsthat.com/t/dog-toy-checlist-blog

Does your dog bark to initiate play?

💩 If your dog is eating poop, it can feel confusing and something you want to stop right away. But there’s usually a reason behind it. ➡️ In this blog, I share how looking a little deeper at what’s driving the behavior: https://dogsthat.com/t/coprophagia-blog

🐶 A dog that sniffs in between obstacles is giving you feedback. They may be saying "I'm stressed/confused/overwhelmed”. 😰 Or they may be saying "You have skipped a couple of those 25 steps on the way to teaching this and I'm just not having fun." 👎😒 https://dogsthat.com/t/episode-114

Does your dog have a favorite spot? 🐾 Is it the park where they go full zoomie mode, a quiet trail, your backyard, or even a family members home?🏞️🏠 Share with us in the comments we'd love to know! 💬

𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲. The Canadian World Team Tryouts begin—and Prophet and I will be one of 80+ teams in the Large Dog division. At just 2 years, 9 months old, Prophet is one of the fastest, most talented dogs I’ve ever run…and I’ve run some incredible dogs.

When puppies get overwhelmed, it can show up as stress or anxiety… Suddenly there are new people, other pets, maybe even small humans or an unexpected iguana🦎 Take it easy and let your puppy settle in. 🧘‍♂️💤 https://dogsthat.com/t/episode-160

🐰🌸 With Easter around the corner, keep those chocolate eggs out of your dog's reach! Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and even a small amount can be dangerous. Know the signs of chocolate poisoning and what details your vet will need in case of an emergency. 🍫🐾

Feeling overwhelmed by dog training? Stop trying to do it all! 🛑 Pick just one thing to integrate this month, then add another next month. Keep it simple so training stays fun and consistent for you both! 🤩 Learn more here: https://dogsthat.com/t/episode-328

What are your future goals or aspirations when it comes to your relationship with your dog?

Two puppies can look like twice the fun. But when they grow up relying on each other, it can make it harder for them to build confidence, independence, and focus on us.🤩 This blog breaks down what’s really going on! 🐶https://dogsthat.com/t/littermate-blog

Reinforcement isn’t just about the rate. It’s about the value, how quickly you deliver it, how you deliver it, and where it’s placed. These four elements all matter when you’re planning your shaping sessions.

Be curious if things aren't going the way you expect. It’s never on the dog. It's always on either your mechanics, your placement of reinforcement, the delivery of reinforcement, or your plan. 📋 https://dogsthat.com/t/episode-328

An average dog owners day, can you relate? 😁

Never a dull moment when training my brown panther! #MismatchedExpectations #ThrowTheToy!