Shaping Dog Behaviour

Text Box: Most of us know that the stunning Dalmatian is famous for living with fire fighters You’re apt to see the word “shaping” when you read about dog training in books or on the web. It’s actually the latest buzzword for training your dog or shaping his behaviour by taking it one step at a time. It started out being used when talking about show training, but you’ll see the word creeping into all kinds of discussions about teaching your dog how to perform, whether it’s for you or in the show ring.

Clicker training is often used in shaping. It starts by you teaching the dog to obey a command by using a treat as a reward. Gradually he will respond to the sound of the clicker. Studies have shown that dogs do even better with a family member using this technique than they do with professional trainer. Dogs seem to enjoy learning this way, probably because the sound soon means praise to them. Not only that, but when they don’t do it right the first time; they don’t have to endure a physical correction. It also calls on their usual strong desire to learn new things. The sound becomes more important than lavish praise and treats or toys because it happens at the exact moment the dog performed the task. This increases the odds that the dog will do the correct thing next time he hears it.

You can try it without even buying a clicker. You can use tongue clucking or shaking some coins in your hand; anything that will get your dog’s attention. Reserve the vocals for bestowing praise. Start with something very easy such as “roll over”. Give your dog a treat so that he knows something good is going to happen. Have him lie down and give him another one. Gently roll him over and give him another treat. Keep them small so he won’t become overweight from shaping sessions. Start again and try to get him to roll over by following the treat in your hand rather than pushing him over with your hands. This of course, may take a few tries. As soon as he starts to get the hang of it, make the sound that you have chosen, use the command “roll over” followed by a treat. You’re likely to be surprised at how quickly he’ll roll over in response to the sound alone.

This method actually was first used in the water. Trained dolphins were taught to respond to the sound of a whistle since it would be impossible to put them on the leash. Getting some fish as a reward actually came to mean that when the dolphin heard the whistle he had done what was required of him. The fish was the icing on the cake, although he didn’t get it each time he did a trick.

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