using shaping to build confidence
Shaping is the process of breaking down a behavior into small steps and reinforcing each small step as you work toward the final goal behavior. It is a great tool for teaching complex behaviors, as well as for increasing confidence in dogs that are hesitant to try new things.
In this video, KPA CTP Sammy Hyde is using shaping to help her dog build confidence around “scary” objects (in this case, a hoop). Sammy clicks and reinforces her dog for each small step, in the following sequence:
- Nose touch to the hoop
- Paw touch to the hoop
- One front paw through the hoop
- Two front paws through the hoop
- Three legs through the hoop
- Goal Behavior: All four paws through the hoop!
Now that Sammy has taught her dog to walk through the hoop with confidence, she can use these same steps to shape her dog to move through, over, or under other objects that may seem scary.
For more ideas about how to get started training your dog, check out our blogs and the Dog Trainer Foundations course! The new Immersion version of the Dog Trainer Foundations course offers an even more personalized, structured learning experience plus five hours of coaching to help you get to the next step!
Happy Training!
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