Episode 61: The World Champion Dog Trainer Who Changed Everything: Susan Garrett's Secrets to Perfect Dogs

In this episode, I sit down with amazing and talented Susan Garrett! World-Renowned Dog Trainer, Agility Champion & Leading Educator in Canine Behaviour, I am so grateful to have her join me as we dive into the science and evolution behind how we teach and live with dogs. From early days growing up around animals to force-free training, we explore what it truly means to empower dogs through enrichment, understanding, and compassion.Philosophies have shifted from dominance-based methods to reinforcement-driven, science-backed approaches—and we discuss why that change is so important for our dogs’ emotional and behavioral health.In this podcast, Susan shares game-changing insights on how to tailor enrichment activities to your dog’s natural instincts, the dangers of overstimulation, and the role hormones play in behavior and health. You'll also hear practical ideas like the "Vito game", snuffle mats, and even "puppy bombs"—plus hear why what you do when your dog isn’t doing anything might be the most important training of all.Whether you're a seasoned trainer or a dog-loving pet parent, this episode is packed with ideas, inspiration, and tools to help your dog thrive.Tune in and walk away with tools to build a stronger, more respectful relationship with your dog—grounded in science, shaped by empathy, and full of joy.💡 5 Highlights You’ll Love:How enrichment meets emotional, physical, and social needs. What to avoid in terms of enrichment.Why hormone health matters—and when HRT may help.How to manage destructive behaviors and anxiety.Give your dog a hug from me, and thanks for listening!Visit our website:https://peterdobias.com/Visit us on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitter#DogTraining #PositiveReinforcement #CanineEnrichment #SusanGarrett #ForceFreeTraining #DogBehavior #PetWellness #EnrichmentToys #DogParenting #ScienceBasedTraining #HealthyDogs #DogWellbeing #CooperativeCare