Recently, I asked for your questions about using shaping in dog training, and wow, did you deliver! I’m covering misconceptions about shaping, where shaping went wrong for me in the 90s with my dogs and a wall, what you need to know about successive approximations, and how behavioral blocks set dogs up for success. Plus, I’m answering some of your most popular questions and sharing the steps so you can shape your dog to close a cupboard door.
🐾Key Dog Shaping Points: 00:00 Shaping Dog Behavior with Susan Garrett. 00:43 Successive approximations - beware of cheap behaviors. 01:44 When successive approximations went wrong with my dogs, Twister and Stoni, and a wall in the 90’s. 06:01 Outside the box shaping – behavioral blocks. 07:10 Successful shaping session – start with a hierarchy of reinforcement. 08:16 Location Specific Reinforcement Markers – Reset Cookie. 09:51 ItsYerChoice: teach your dog self-control. 10:47 Focus on Crate Games and Hot Zone. 11:27 Commit to short shaping sessions: 5 sessions that are 1 minute or less. 11:48 Video and Review your shaping – analyze your progress and your dog's behavior. 12:25 Arrange Antecedents: positioning, gestures, and environmental factors create clarity. 14:06 Resist the urge to help – allow the dog to offer behavior. 15:18 1 Minute Evaluation – assess progress and adjust your approach accordingly. 15:29 How to shape your dog to close a cupboard door using behavioral blocks. 16:25 Q1 - Should I be using a non-reward marker when I'm shaping? 16:47 Q2 - What is a good exercise to help a dog to learn to be okay with offering responses? https://youtu.be/Nx4kmQMTKW8 17:10 Q3 - I've heard the comment, click for action and reward for position. Do you agree? 17:58 Q4 - I try to shape, but my mechanics suck and my dog and I get very frustrated. So, I've heard shaping isn't for novices. Is this true? 18:44 Q5 - Susan, do you cue shaping sessions? 19:02 Q6 - What do you do if the dog keeps getting it wrong? 19:32 Q7 - Does shaping work with all behaviors and tricks that can be taught or shaping only for specific things? 19:42 Q8 - Some things I just can't fathom how to shape. 19:50 Q9 - Does this work with all breeds, even unintelligent breeds? 20:58 Jean Donaldson's ‘Push, Stick, Drop’ https://youtu.be/FKUo3NWXhLE
