Transforming An Overwhelmed And Anxious Dog Into A World Champion - DeCaff’s Story Part 1

[@DogsThat]

Do you relate to Decaff’s story? Check out our video “All The Things That Influence Your Dog’s Behavior And What Behavior Tells You” - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipTIZmxtrcukd5Y 🐾And if you want to learn more about Recallers games with your dog, join the ItsYerChoice Summit here: dogsthat.com/y/iycsummit - it's free!

[@milissaellan6805]

Decaff's flyswatter story was what had me offer one to my standard poodle... and he's the same as she was-- absolutely bananas over it. It's helped us really branch out and find other things that he loves, like the chance to jump straight up in the air! 😂 So now I keep a couple of dollar store swatters (we call them 'smackers') in the car and in my training bag and any time he gets worried or overwhelmed, we go take a 'smacker break' and he can come back refreshed and in a joyful state of mind again. Someone once saw me grab one when we were having a challenge and she thought I was going to hit him or threaten him with it... but I showed her how I smack my leg and how his whole body lights up... yeah it's not scary, he LOVES it more than any treat that exists in this world. 😂

[@kimatlastlooks2915]

Maybe I need to get a fly swatter for my dog! That sounds fun! Glad you found something that works!

[@DogsThat]

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@learning2curve995]

Can't thank you enough for your insight. My latest puppy did not enjoy the spotlight at all, Like so many others I was told she has to do this 'by herself without the help of other canine members of her household'. What a great way to set her up for failure. Now she is walked with another house mate who is super confident. We take a tug toy along 'never had my dogs tug before', just to give her some joy when she gets a little worried. She especially loves the cardboard tags on the toy so I no longer take them off but allow the tug game to be focused on these (she doesn't eat them :D ). She goes into training with a different dog from her household every time and is allowed to run with them by her side. Lately we have had a really wake up moment, she actually did her turn in the ring with her tail up looking joyful by herself, no support dog by her. She interacted with another puppy in training and it was a joy to see. She was allowed to be a puppy. I realise now that I was disappointed in her and embarrassed that with all my years showing dogs I had failed with my last two. Lack of socialisation with the first one but with the second it was just who she was and I wasn't seeing it. My biggest take away from all your lessons Susan is that we need to be observant, patient and see the dog for what she will be. Keeping a journal or even just notes on your diary will show all these things up big time. My older girls fave is the center out of toilet rolls, she now shines in the ring to (there was a lot of 'it's yer choice', involved in this. I know they are just bonkers but bonkers works for us.

[@RaptorsGirl]

Beautiful ❤

[@rosieleat6868]

So awesome to see you putting your dogs emotional well being ahead of anything else :) xxx

[@rogehnimunoz4327]

Love you so much for the lessons that you're bringing not only for our furbabies but also in our lives. I think Decaf did have so much joy to be with you. God bless.

[@DogsThat]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@barthjanice4716]

Love your story of Decaff ... having a JRT also ..... wonderful stuff!

[@Doktracy]

I really wish you’d write a book about each of your dogs. One of my very favorite books ever was your book about Buzz. I’ve read it several times.

[@uteweyer1548]

Thank you so much! This is so encouraging. I certainly have a very challenging dog and it is not always easy to keep the believe that she is the greatest dog in world - which she is!!!

[@PaulaDTozer]

Dogs are our furry gurus. They teach us what WE need to learn. Dogs have taught me about life and love more than most humans. Thanks for your insight.

[@kd1g130]

Just thoughtful and brilliant deductions on how to think like a dog, and then apply it - gaining success for both the dog and yourself !! YAAY !!

[@gavsmart]

Thank you as always Susan, you are truely an inspiration that reminds me that we CAN do things even when it feels like we can't. Marty and I can't thank you enough :) Your podcasts always have this uncanny, near six sense timing of being just what I really need to hear, just when I need it most. I hope you don't mind me sharing this wee story with you please...Marty my awesome 2yr old Parson Russell is very similar to D in so many ways, he has a wonderful natural talent for agility, but like D struggles intensly when we started out with with external stimulation and under arousal. I had to learn to stop comparing him to all these amazing collies and labradors etc that we met at classes, but celebrate his wonderful near-death defying confidence, quick thinking and natural talent for obsticles and challenges. As a first time dog trainer I regularly felt that I failed him as I just didn't know what to do when these problems kept happening. I was listening to this on the way home from a recent class where after two of his best ever runs (and only 5 mins into training!) he just completely ignored me and strolled right out of the training barn we were working and wandered off down a country road without looing back, and nothing I could do could entice him back. It was moments like this (after a few tears as always!) that I realised agility really wasn't the issue (it's only his 2nd month btw and he's crushing it bless him) but that he was telling me "Dad, we need to have more fun and work on our relationship together." We've left aside the agility equipment for a week at and we're working to make his tug even better, turn good focus into amazing focus, and work on amazing fun little games (Thank you Recallers!!!) in lots of difficult environments to help for when we get back into the training ring next week. Thanks again for all the amazing work you do, it's changed Marty and my relationship in ways I never knew possible! PS: I love "Mighty D" so much! He's never been just Marty to me, he has always been the fearless Marty McFly at 88mph: "Where I'm going Dad, I don't need roads!" Best wishes, Gavin & Marty :)

[@PapillonsFrankfurt]

To everyone out there who is as touched and at the same time motivated by Susans reflections on training DeCaff: Lets work together! My dream would be to have translations into each and everybody's mother language! Perhaps undertitles, no clue. Let's work together!!! Let's honour Susans work by what we ourselves can contribute - so this podcast can be shared worldwide in as many mother languages as possible! Together we can do it!

[@quinngonzalez2856]

The Game of Deke is my favorite, it's the easiest way to get my dog focused on me and ready to train. This would be a cool series since you already did one for This!, you could do an episode on Momentum and Swagger too.

[@Emma-fe6yt]

Thank you! It's always so nice hearing about your story with Decaf. My boy is 3 now, and we have had some challenges with motivation, but I have stayed curious, trying to help him build confidence and enthusiasm, also by following your story with This!. He's in working role now as a detection dog (agility is a fun past time for us now!) and finding that one super high level reinforcer has always been a challenge, and it seems to change, variety seems to be the most optimal reinforcement. But just recently i found a plush squeaky toy that he loves! He doesnt always want to tug with it, but he enjoys parading it around and chomping on it. He began shredding it, which at first i was hesitant to let him to, but then i realized just how much fun he was having ripping it apart, so now its part of the game :) i also wonder if it helps complete the prey sequence of a search, and is therefore highly reinforcing. Thinking of how you saved the fly swatter for the hottest part of the day, I think i will try the same, using his squeaky toy after particularly challenging searches only, and see how that goes! Thanks as always for sharing your knowledge!!

[@caroldent9819]

What a great episode! Thank you!

[@janetgeier5187]

What you have to say is always helpful. I am struggling with my pups who are now 11 mos old. I continue to watch you.

[@judethholst9273]

I loved this podcast!!! I can't wait for the next installment.

[@RebeccaAnnFord]

I do love Decaff's story; it is part of what helps me to reframe the thoughts, challenges, lessons and delight that Annie brings to my world.

[@juliusyoohanruz920]

awesome podcast buddy❤ you're deserved million subscribers 🎉

[@DogsThat]

Thank you, Julius! 💖

[@deborahparrott4983]

Thank you for this video. You gave me insight and a path forward with some of the similar issues I am having. So much appreciate your expertise.

[@ammi_10]

Awesome podcast once again! You can learn just by being curious, observing and journaling ❤

[@maple8859]

OMG, ever since I found Susan’s podcast and trainings, I had so many moments of “this puppy is so brilliant! If only he had the chance to be Susan’s dog!” If you ever come to South Florida, it would be so great for him to meet you.

[@DreBassoMattBernius]

I am so excited for this podcast! I have been waiting for Decaff's story after seeing her in Crate Games! 😊

[@kimatlastlooks2915]

Thank you for this!! I have a version of Decaf with my Lily. Lily (10 yr old Beardie) is a thinker & sometimes over thinker. Her only love is a jolly ball. But the jolly ball only has power outside. Bring it inside & she doesn’t care. She doesn’t care about treats, food, or even toys. I put the ball in time out & use it for spot training. Even sometimes get her to tug, but it’s not her thing. I’ve struggled with how to transfer that value & I think I may have hit on something. Train a few minutes inside, run outside & get the ball. Come back inside & repeat. I’m eager to try this just wish it wasn’t so dang hot in Texas right now. Lol

[@CuriousCat8010]

I love this so much! Flyswatters for the win!

[@DogsThat]

💕💕💕💕💕

[@lisagraham8359]

This podcast is yet another example of hearing exactly what I needed to hear at exactly the right time. Thank you so much for sharing your insights. I have yet to watch/listen to one of your podcasts and not learned some thing valuable. My four year old golden will benefit greatly from your message today. Thank you.

[@Jen_Tay]

Can't wait for part 2. My dog Winnie has a almost obsession with her ball and will only tug inside. I am going to try getting the tug with the hidden ball to see if we can get the same results. We will also try it in new places where gets nervous. Thx Susan

[@ClaudiaOfTheWorld]

such sweet dogs, i love hearing your wisdom and journey. by telling us about your dogs as individuals i learn so much more than i do from videos that are more generic!

[@vikingdogmanship]

Jack Russell are the best dogs ever. I got 5, but they have great tempraments. Cool, calm and confident dogs. They are great with other dogs and small animals since they been properly socialized and well bred.

[@RaptorsGirl]

Yes, I LOVE both breeds but in my experience, there are very few strictly JRT x BC crosses that have temperaments as good as either breed alone.

[@vikingdogmanship]

@@RaptorsGirl 100% I've seen this trend of mix lately. I see the ads on "craigslist". And i say out loud that we are going to see these puppies up for adoption in about 7 months. And Suprise, suprise what do you know, 7 months later there they are. It's just too much for an average family with day job and kids.

[@azogal53]

Thanks to you, Susan, I always think my dog is brilliant -- any shortcomings are mine. And, now that I mention it, there is a certain behavior she has developed recently that I need to "get curious" about...🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪

[@nicoleledrewmay6404]

Just today I was having some training challenges with my dog that made me think about some of what I’ve heard about Decaf, and I thought to myself I needed to go search your blog posts about Decaf for inspiration, then I saw this on KZbin that had just been uploaded! Good timing! My puppy is going bonkers for the pond so I am going to use that! Thank you ❤.

[@DogsThat]

Oh wow, this is awesome! Part 2 is coming soon too 💕

[@nicoleledrewmay6404]

@@DogsThat excited for that 🙂

[@ABrookfire]

Hi all, I think its so cool that you support deep belief in your dogs and don't allow others to say detrimental things about them. Indeed, they feel our energy and love. I'm confused though how you turned around the apparent fear (or anxiety) of the fly-swapper to something to train Decaff with. We are trying to train our over-reactive dog to accept our cats by giving her treats when she wants to bark at them, telling her "these are the kittys, we love the kittys." Also, would you please do a podcast on just what counter-conditioning is? I'm guessing it's not teaching your dog to jump on kitchen counter tops ;)

[@kimberlytedrick7068]

Thank you I really needed this!

[@yuminagaoka515]

I am always grateful when you share your challenges. Your idea about challenge, curiosity, and knowledge is liberating. I am going to take a guess about your big reflection. Is it about luring or showing rewards?

[@DogsThat]

Hi Yumi! You're going to have to wait until tomorrow 🌞

[@trishbech9082]

Thank You Susan for not only sharing great insights, but for your transparency and love to help everyone! ❤ So helpful! Z-Z (Zeke) gives you huge “paws up”! 😊 ❤

[@DogsThat]

Thank you, Trish! 💖

[@nancyhooper1742]

Totally Great podcast ❤❤❤❤🍪🍪🍪🍪

[@DogsThat]

Thank you, Nancy ! ❤️🍪

[@nancyhooper1742]

@@DogsThat Can't help if you are Awesome and we learn so much from you. God bless you always and He will definitely say for you, Great Job soldier 💖💖💖💖🍪🍪🍪🍪

[@hannahcresswell7859]

Amazing episode! I think I found my dogs #1 reinforcer. It's a nerf bird 🤣 currently working on her transfer of value. Any pod episode recommendations to help?

[@melissaanderson9929]

Do you have tips for training reactivity for dogs with extreme dietary restrictions? Our 1.5 year old dog has inflammatory bowel disease and cannot have high-value treats like meat and fish. I bake his prescription food into treats that he enjoys but that is low value. He is not that toy-motivated, and we have not found a way to increase this motivation. He responds well to touch and praise, but classical counter-conditioning is difficult without food rewards.

[@amacatcat]

Super interested in this too. My dog was put on a strict hydrolyzed kibble diet after having chronic diarrhea for over a month. He's excellent at scavenging so I've had to muzzle him on walks outside the neighbourhood as there's too much trash out there and we don't have access to a car. It's been rough, definitely had to increase distance and lower criteria a lot compared to when he could freely have his stinky treats, it's so much harder feeding through the muzzle. We also just moved to a new place so that was a big added source of stress to him. He was excellent with bicycles at our old place but moving and having a trigger-stacked event shortly after (motorcycle + bicycle/scooter passing on sidewalk all in 1 min) seems to have reawakened his reactivity toward them. Mine loves to run, so I've been building drive for our emergency u-turns by pairing it with my cue to start running with me. Recently got the okay from the vet to add a wet food version of his kibble into his diet so that helped a lot, but treating through the muzzle is still a struggle! Right now I just try to keep his long walk to the early morning when fewer of his big triggers are likely to be an issue. The rest of the day he gets enrichment/training activities around the house and neighbourhood.

[@LAStars-sratS]

It’s too bad she didn’t know about homeopathic Hepar Sulph (30ch), works like a hot darn for over sensitivity! She does a great job of breaking down and explaining things. 🌷

[@bambinochen]

Hmmmmm…. Is it about using negative punishments in dog training? (Like taking something valuable away from the dog when they don’t do what you want)

[@RaptorsGirl]

Great guess!