In this Skill Boost episode, I’m breaking down the 5 layers of learning and how they work together to support real understanding for your dog. Because when training feels inconsistent or starts to fall apart, it’s often not the skill itself. It’s that one of the earlier layers hasn’t been built yet.
When you build these layers in order, your dog has a clearer path to success.
Most importantly, you’ll understand: 👉 Why connection comes before everything else 👉 How clarity is created through intentional reinforcement 👉 Why confidence grows by changing the picture 👉 How to introduce challenge without losing understanding 👉 Why moving to complexity too early can make training harder
When you build learning in layers, your dog has the opportunity to understand before being asked for more.
Training becomes more predictable, progress becomes easier to see, and your dog can succeed in more situations.
🐾 Key Moments: 00:00 Why training can feel harder than it needs to be 00:53 First layer - Connection 02:50 Second layer - Clarity 04:11 Third layer - Confidence 05:15 Fourth layer - Challenge 06:14 Fifth layer - Complexity 07:00 Understanding “drive” within the layers 08:06 Demonstration of the layers in action 11:38 Focus is a byproduct of engagement
What This Video Helps With:
Training that feels inconsistent or unclear Dogs struggling in new or more complex situations Understanding how to structure training step by step Building confidence and engagement through games Creating a clear path from foundation to real-life success
If you’d like to learn how I train dogs using game-based methods, you can join me in the free ItsYerChoice Summit. https://dogsthat.com/iycsummit-join/
Dogs That is brought to you by Susan Garrett and the Say Yes Dog Training Team.
Susan Garrett’s interest in animal behaviour started at the University of Guelph where she earned a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Science. Since then she has developed into a preeminent dog trainer and canine sports instructor and competitor. Susan is one of the most successful agility competitors of the last three decades. She has won multiple Gold Medals at National or World Championship events with every dog she has ever owned over the past 30 years.
A natural teacher and an entertaining speaker, Susan is world renowned as a leading educator of dog trainers. Her understanding of how to apply science-based learning principles to both competitive and family pet dog training has been pivotal in changing how dogs are trained.
Susan is now helping many thousands of dog owners in 132 countries have the best relationship possible with their dogs. The real joy for her comes from bringing confidence to dogs and their owner through playful interactions and relationship building games that are grounded firmly in the science of how animals learn. - - - - - - -
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