This Or That's: Why Most Dogs Never Become Decision-Makers #331

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What if most dogs never become great decision-makers because decision-making is one of the most overlooked skills in dog training? In this episode, I introduce the philosophy behind my This Or That games and share why the choices dogs rehearse every day become the ones they rely on when it matters most. You'll discover what creates a "decision deficit" and how giving dogs opportunities to make choices builds the confidence, understanding, and reliability we all want in real life.

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In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why teaching decision-making may be one of the biggest missing pieces in modern dog training.
• What a "decision deficit" is and how it develops.
• Why the choices dogs rehearse become the ones they rely on when it matters most.
• The difference between controlling choices and teaching dogs how to choose.
• Why inexpensive mistakes are essential for building confidence and better decision-making.
• Two real-life stories that reveal what great decision-making looks like.
• The philosophy behind This or That games and how they prepare dogs for real-life success.
• Why everyday opportunities to choose can lead to more confidence, freedom, and reliability.

Resources:

1. Podcast Episode 155: 10 Ways To Teach A Sit WITHOUT A Food Lure! Unreal Results For Puppies And Dogs Of All Ages - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/155/
2. Podcast Episode 145: 10 Ways To Teach A Dog To Lay Down And How To Shape It Without Luring - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/145/
3. Podcast Episode 302: The Recall Myth: Why Your Off Leash Dog Isn't Coming When Called And How To Fix It - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/302/
4. Podcast Episode 6: The Art of Manipulation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/6/
5. YouTube Playlist: Puppy Training with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2SggplHx3uEWAjXOL9hI21&si=RAxbn9IDYUBjfZpG
6. Podcast Episode 78: How to Train a Rescue Dog with Behavior Problems - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/78/
7. Podcast Episode 175: Food Luring VS Shaping In Dog Training: How Science Changed How I Teach Dogs - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/175/
8. Podcast Episode 198: What Does "Positive Is Not Permissive" Really Mean In Dog Training? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/198/
9. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/-u4ToWBhfNI