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Not seeing results in dog training? I’m breaking down why that happens and how layering your dog’s learning is the key to creating real-world success. We often believe our dogs are “trained” when things look great in controlled settings but when connection disappears, distractions take over, or confidence fades in new environments, it’s a sign that a layer of learning is missing. I’ll walk you through how the layers of the 5C Pyramid build lasting reliability and focus, a personal story from my own training, and how shaping behavior through intentional layers leads to long-term success in agility, sports, and everyday life.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why your dog might be great in training games but struggle in real-world situations.
• How building intentional layers in training leads to real-world success with your dog
• The concept of “real world success” and how it evolves as your relationship with your dog grows.
• A deep dive into the 5 Cs of dog training: Connection, Clarity, Confidence, Challenge, and Complexity.
• The difference between a connected, driven, and detached dog and why that matters.
• A powerful question to ask yourself in every training moment to stay aligned with your long-term goals.
• How intentional layers build deep connection and lasting success.
• A personal story about my own dog and how the layers of learning led us all the way to the world championships.

Crate Games:
Get Crate Games Online - https://get.crategames.com/

Learn How To Play ItsYerChoice:
Learn how to play the ItsYerChoice (IYC) Game - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/

Resources:

1. Podcast Episode 171: Dog Training With Layered Shaping: Why Classical Conditioning Must Come First - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/171/
2. Podcast Episode 21: The 5 Critical Dog Training Layers for Confidence with Anything - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/21/
3. Podcast Episode 202: Getting A Happy Well Behaved Dog With The ABCs Of Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/202/
4. Podcast Episode 18: 4 Puppy and Dog Training Games for Acquired Bite Inhibition - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/18/
5. Podcast Episode 68: 3 Easy Tricks Every Dog Should Know - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/68/
6. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/FGu03YVsN1k