Are You Stressing About Your Dog's Stress? #67

[@elizabethross9870]

I have a one year old, blind border collie cross. To say that life with a blind dog is a challenge is an understatement. I am constantly putting out fires before they start with my Stella, and whenever her and I step outside of the house, I am on constant high alert, and so is she. I just have to be one step ahead. It is a LOT of work to make sure that Stella is having the BEST time on her walks, and building her confidence is my highest priority. It is exhausting... Sometimes I sigh with despondency when I consider how far we have yet to go.... But then I stop and remember... I remember how far we have come. I bask in the little victories as we walk past people or dogs and her sightless eyes look up towards me. I am SO PROUD of her when she overcomes her fear and takes those steps with courage. Each and every day I love her more for the strength in her weakness. Proud doesn't begin to describe how I feel about my little dog. Thank you Susan. Thank you for all of your podcasts, blog posts, games, Homeschool the Dog, Wag Nation, Facebook groups and posts on Instagram. Each and every single thing you have put out, I watch and learn, which translates to the BEST life for my dog and for me. I am eternally grateful!

[@lisapeer5310]

Oh Susan! You are responsible for my proudest moment in my dogs life, which also happens to be the most stressful moment. When my dog ended up in the middle of the freeway lane and our recallers training kicked in and he limped directly into my arms and safety.That is the day I am most grateful for every day. Thank You!

[@melissajenkins9960]

These videos are giving me the confidence to help our rescue dog. We were seriously crying and talking about rehoming her yesterday. Today we have renewed hope. Thank you ❤️

[@bellavistadanes3881]

Thankyou!! 2 months ago I took on a dog that was over 500 days in a rescue … wow is he a challenge BUT this helped me focus on all the great things about him and what a gift he is !!!!

[@lizlopez1575]

Thank you! That's all I can say, although I want to say so much more. Thank you! I am thankful for Susan.

[@karenkontact9633]

Great podcast. Being reminded to look at the amazing puppiness and sweetness of my boy in addition to the daily goals and games and challenges. Important reminder. Thank you.

[@haleyheffley2501]

I re-listened to this podcast today, and it brought me to tears. This morning I made a list of things I was grateful for. My girl Ellie is always at the top of my list. I have been feeling guilty for getting stressed out over Ellie's reactivity to the mailman and people coming in the driveway. This is something I've been trying to work through since my start in Recallers when I "collected my crap." My girl's reactivity has seemed to get worse. I found myself getting into the mindset, "Ughhhhh not again" or "here she goes again." I realized I've been on edge. Listening to this podcast again reminded me I always have to be conscience of my energy and live in the present. A huge "THANK YOU" Susan for this reminder. This exercise is one I've done while listening to Mel Robbins, and it really did make a difference. Visualizing all the positive moments with my dog made me cry happy tears. There is always something to be grateful, and I am going to write down a new plan of action for tomorrow!

[@nesebsen3779]

Hi Susan, recently I asked a question, it was my frustration was talking. I wish I had an answer of this episode. I feel that we always ask ourselves questions but with emotions we cannot think or we do not want to think. This is a refreshing approcah with all aspects. I guess this episode has to be a must for all frustarted dog owners and reality second. Since most of us wants all good things for our dogs and luckly we find you. Thank you. 💕

[@MaryPoppyMom]

Dear Susan, Thank you for this podcast and for your sage wisdom that has touched me personally as well as with my relationship with my sweet girl, Poppy. I am so grateful for my dog and how she has enriched my life with love and joy. Thank you for a reminder that I need to always live in gratitude and positivity. We have had our challenges in training and emotions over the last year and a half, but we have had many more victories, with your help and guidance. You inspire me and you have helped me and Poppy find our way together. I am grateful for you and all that share with us all. ❤️🥰

[@ammi_10]

I always tell my new adult dog that she is awesome and SO good because I know she's doing her best. 6 weeks ago she was strictly a kennel dog and when she's desperate to connect with me after work I CONNECT with her. And I often connect with her when she's chilling so she doesn't always have to find it because it's freely given. 💙 Denim is awesome!🙂

[@TheTenaj9]

Susan, I totally love episode 67 and so many of your episodes because you are just a ray of sunshine and about 5 things you say in every episode I listen to make me smile. I will be sharing this one with my husband and 11 yr old daughter who by the way is getting a purple Shaped by Dog hoodie for her birthday in August and is going to be over the moon as she think the Shaped by Dog logo is adorable. Thank you so much for all you share with us.

[@annelievanderwalt8338]

Thank you for sharing this episode and the exercise! I swelled up from gratitude for my dogs and our moments together! I smiled so broadly, a needed smile. Thank you for giving me the motivation for training tonight! For making my dogs lives the best that I can! Thank you Susan!!!!💚

[@tabihasdogs]

Thank you, that was very beautiful, we needed that. I'm struggling with his dog reactivity and it's so stressful but at the end of the day he is an amazing, sweet, smart, remarkable dog who makes me laugh everyday

[@suescheffelaar5977]

Love love love this. So helpful and I love your exercise on gratitude. Brilliant. Thank you so much ❤

[@inezhoffman3807]

💕Each day I am grateful for this old soul of a dog who has taught me so much. 💕

[@marywright2510]

4,300 KZbin views as of today, and how many more people have listened on Spotify and other platforms. I am so very grateful, Susan, for the impact you have, not only on my dog's world through me, but on our entire world through those of us who have the privilege of being touched by you and Shaped by Dog. With this privilege comes responsibility -- the responsibility to put into practice what we learn and to share it. As always, Susan, I am so humbled by your generosity and your genuineness. Thank you.

[@julesj8139]

Susan, you are just the right amount of brilliant, kooky and woo!! I'm so glad I found you and the amazing information you share. Thank you for sharing your gift!!

[@ashkieagregado6667]

Thank you! Going through that right now and you captured what I'm feeling. I'm definitely going to change my outlook while I'm working with my food aggressive pup.

[@andreapbalogh4349]

Thank you. Helpful and empowering.

[@elviamercuri7846]

Related to this one. Realized my dog was reacting to my emotions/frustrations. Once I clued in and changed my tone, he was fine.😁 They are so smart!

[@marykaychristophersen]

The exercise was amazing. My goal for Louis is to be able to have him come along trail riding when I ride my horse. The gratitude exercise has e thinking about that in a whole new way, about what would be in that for him instead of how it would make things easier for me.

[@trishbech9082]

❤ Revisited this podcast today… perfect time as I navigate the world of adolescence and finding my way back to why I chose Zeke and get in the right mindset again! Thank You ❤

[@DogsThat]

❤❤❤ You got this, Trish!

[@TheGatewayProductions]

Nobody likes stress but we can always learn to manage it. Nice work!

[@judydugan813]

All your programs are so much more than just dog training. And you are so generous with your time & knowledge. This past year has been difficult on the entire world and taking time to reflect on the positive helps us to endure. Thank you for this exercise. It doesn't seem like two years since John passed. I'm sure he is with you every day in all the memories you made together.

[@MalakaiBoarder16]

Thank you Susan, I didnt expect to cry today but I couldn't help but cry happy tears thinking about how my dog has changed my life for the better. I am so thankful for her everyday. Thank you for putting light to our training journey. I will definitely be making this a routine. ❤🐾

[@heathervenkat1414]

Thank you for this! I tend to think about past incidents, instead of looking ahead.

[@AVEEGEELIK]

Thank you for this video. It comes at the right time, my wife is feeling stressed as our dog is reactive to some dogs currently. She seriously thinks about rehoming, but my daughters and I really want to train the dog to overcome this. She is, as you state, thinking about the ast and projecting it to the current walk and that stresses her out. Anyway, I'll present this video to her and hope it will help her coping with the dog stress 🙂

[@sg4430]

I totally believe in the woo, but I am guilty of stressing about the past and the future 🤣..... trying my best not to stress cause my little young 6 year old pw corgi rocks! Just discovered your channel today and I am totally binge watching/ listening on youtube. Thank you Susan, grateful🥰 that the universe showed me your channel! From an aspiring trainer in Malaysia

[@michellegray4456]

Brilliant (as they all are). We are just starting home school the dog and doing very well, the challenge is on our walks - he walks fine on the way there but lunges and jumps up me, biting, when we turn to come home - apparently it’s my body language that’s triggering it because I’m expecting it to happen and he’s reacting to me…. a tricky one to work through but hoping the training and other KZbin video will help 👍🏻

[@dogsrgodsspelledbackwards3340]

Thank you Susan for giving your time, energy, and knowledge. Tonight I wrote down 3 things I am grateful for. Number one is my dog Joseph who was reactive and challenging to work with. He is now having me say out loud how proud I am of his quick learning skills. He’s no longer reactive and I smile all the time when out with him. I have many moments of being totally grateful for the things I have, things I don’t and things I will obtain. All of those include something to do with my dogs, my husband, my friends and family. Thanks once again for a great podcast.

[@SPiehl]

Thank you!!!❤

[@patriciadulaney2547]

Binge-listening again :) and I came across this episode...and how very timely!!! My young Lab, Kaylee, did pretty well on a CGC test today but did not pass because she is SO ENTHUSIASTIC when she meets people. Loves to just WIGGLE or "body wag" when ANYONE approaches. (Someone teaching agility weave poles would be terribly jealous.) I was so stressed trying to think how best to solve this and how the trainer wants to "manhandle" her into behaving. Time for me to journal, be grateful, take a deep breath, and try to figure a plan to solve it...and maybe wait for her to mature a little, too.

[@amberchambers7846]

How nice to be asked to reflect on our proudest moment! It was a really great way to think about all the amazing things my dogs have done. Thank you 💓

[@elsagonthier3412]

A beautiful episode. You made me cry while arranging a wall of chainsaws (pretty good uh?) and I stopped to go and pet my dog for a couple minutes and tell her again how much she means to me.

[@pascaleburnet7583]

That ebook was one of the first I downloaded from Recallers and go back to it from time to time. Should put be putting it in action each night. A good 30 days habit idea. Thank you Susan.

[@DogsThat]

Thanks for sharing!

[@azogal53]

Podcast idea: how to teach our dogs to eliminate on cue. I have taught one dog to do this successfully and the second one is sort of hit or miss. I haven't had great luck using a bell with her. And she gets outside and sort of wanders around even after I've given the cue, for which she has been reinforced many times. This is a great skill to use before travel or if you need the dog to be in the house alone for a while etc. Thanks Susan!

[@DogsThat]

Hi Carolyn, the podcast on housetraining will help, and is for dogs of all ages, here's where you can watch on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGK4oqaOhqd7Z6M

[@thats4anita]

Wise words. You are such a big inspiration! Thank you!

[@michellefries8361]

Thankyou !!!!

[@sarahanderson2032]

I needed this for my bunny. I did that gratitude stacking exercise for him, because he has been driving me crazy. I really do need to be more grateful for him and look at him differently.

[@clydepride]

Great podcast. I would love to hear more about when you traveled as a sales rep with your dog. I am an outside sales rep that travels with my dog. I would love to hear more about this and maybe some games or suggestions on how to keep the travel safe and fun for the dog. Keep up the great work!

[@janajenickova5582]

Thank you very much for this! I nearly start crying, because my younger dog is a huge challenge. But I love her so much that I can't be also without her. Last time I need to know, that what I am trying to do, is what we both need to do. To move on together. Because we tried to live separratelly and it was quite hard either. Thank you again,. Love your blog and podcasts and whatever you do!

[@hankaskacanova7500]

I cried the whole time (out of love)💕😂

[@carrielibowicz9429]

I loved this. Thank you!

[@DogsThat]

Glad you found it helpful, thanks for commenting! Happy training! ❤️🍪🐶

[@natasjamets872]

Love your training. It teaches a healthy mindset as much as life skills for my dog. All this positive energy makes raising a puppy so rewarding, and now even more (during pandemic)

[@jodydel]

It was exactly what my dog and I needed today, thank you so much for this precious sharing!🙏🏻🐶

[@DogsThat]

You are so welcome!

[@nancyhooper1742]

Wow , so Loved this❤❤❤❤ You are so right. We do worry about things we can't control when we should think of what we can do and what are babies can if we just give them the confidence that they can do anything for they have so much potential. Truly Great podcast and will this more too. Thanks for all you do and Truly appreciate all you and your team do😊⚘⚘💐❤❤❤❤⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@KarlaandZac]

I love my Zulli girl so much. Yesterday she stole the chicken breast I’d inadvertently left out to defrost, it was meant for her anyway! This has helped me see the funny/ grateful side of such mishaps!

[@Ocudavidimvideooo]

How do I work on dog-to-dog resource guarding when we don't have another dog, and I don't know other dog owners well enough to ask for their dog to be our "guinea pig" (nor do I know those dogs well enough to know they won't attack her back and make it worse)? :( Btw. the questions you're asking in the video made me cry, because we didn't plan on getting another dog so soon (hah, 3 years) after my souldog was left to die by certain greedy vets in Vancouver, and I'm sad that I didn't have that "you're mine" moment with Hera; with her it was more like "I just can't leave this shy, fearful puppy to her fate and in conditions such as this (godawful backyard breeders!), I'll take her home and try to find her a good home" - in spite of none of us working at the time and not being in a good position (both financially and mentally) to have a dog. And she stayed with us since her 3rd month because not too many people here are truly willing to put in time and effort in training their dogs and fulfilling their needs ("they only need your love, food and shelter" 🤦‍♀), and that caused my spouse and I splitting up for a while. Having a dog can complicate life, and having a dog with issues definitely complicates it, squared. We somehow got through that hard and intensely stressful period, but it damaged my relationship with her which I'm now feeling a huge guilt about (and about not being able to love her as much as I did my previous girl) and am trying to fix and make it up to her... if that's even possible. :(

[@2008Korse]

❤

[@helenhargett8324]

Thank you for this, it has indeed been a tough year. I cried during the exercise as I have faced the first time in my life without a dog. True isolation because of covid and no dog. I sat and remembered more good things than bad and I hope that my next husky is 1/2 of what he was and praying that the bitch is indeed pregnant when the ultrasound is done next week. My biggest stressors have been worry that I won't be able to get my new puppy when I get him to do things that my old guy did. I keep studying and listening to all your podcasts.

[@marywilliams8831]

Thank you! I needed that. 🙏🏻😊

[@DogsThat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mackyvees9015]

Thx Susan, I have a Sheltie that came to me with anxiety about everything. Slowly, step by step we are working through them one by one. I have one big one that I continue to work with. Besides this big one, I do have a concern that I don’t know what to do. My puppy (15 months old) does not wag his tail. I have had 2 X-rays done on him and they say nothing is physically wrong. Any ideas? MackyVee

[@azogal53]

All of us can use some positive suggestions about how to handle stress. I loved the exercise and, gratitudinaciously , offer my thanks to you ... And 5 calorie-free vegan chocolate chips cookies of course 🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪

[@Knapier93]

Your videos had made me consider becoming a dog trainer! Where would you suggest I start, other than all your info :)

[@DogsThat]

Hi Kris, Susan has a podcast about dog training as a career, here's where you can watch (DogsThat Team) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJmadaSMfrGnZpI

[@windywilliamson5069]

That is

[@windywilliamson5069]

That is such a feet for this. I had a dog that just stays here because does not get along with out her dogs. But he is a big lover of people. He's laying on me now.

[@ellenruths]

Behaving with grace?

[@grenobledelf8440]

Seriously? And how small is your property? 40m2? 100m2? 500m2, 2 hectares ... more? Doesn't look too miniscule from what we can see from your vids & podcasts. I'm not saying that you haven't earnt it, you obviously work incredibly hard and deserve your success. But maybe you should consider how tough it is for those family's who live in 40m2 apartments under covid and how they feel listening to you proclaiming how you are suffering under covid restrictions.

[@RaptorsGirl]

This isn't a competition I want to win. Isolation and the feeling of loneliness respects no boundaries.