Did you know that there are four ways to train a dog? That's what we're talking about in this episode, and how science plays a part in successfully shaping behaviour. We'll also look at the best way to get your floor swept! It's got everything to do with behaviour. After this episode, you'll be able to tell if you are the shaper or shapee. Step outside the box and into learning about creating lasting behaviours.
In the episode you'll hear:
- What is shaping and how you can use it.
- The four ways to train a dog.
- All about "hope" training.
- How you can easily alter behaviour.
- Where "outside the box" thinking fits into dog training.
My latest puppy is teaching me radical acceptance, which is useful because my 25-year relationship with my partner is winding down. She’s very fearful of noises and being alone, and also needs ongoing grooming. Wishing she was easier and confident is very stressful, so I try to practice radical acceptance. As a result, I am learning two very slow ways of changing a dog’s emotional response —separation training and cooperative husbandry. I’ve never had to do anything so slow with a dog before, and it’s definitely shaping me. It’s often painfully slow, but I think I’m learning an important lesson for me.
I had been “Shaped by my dogs” without knowing it. Our Border Collie was Epileptic and I was “tuned in” to any sound that may have been him going into a fit, race to him with meds and lead in hand. He’d be blind for several minutes after a fit so I would put him on lead to protect him, but he would cringe at my voice and efforts to calm him, he had a need to pace, but I was afraid he’d hurt himself being blind. Eventually I stopped trying to contain him and our younger Border Collie she walked with him and guided him away from any danger by walking in front of him and guiding him to change direction all the while allowing him to pace. I also learned that her frantic quiet little barks to me were warnings he was going to go into a seizure. Apparently he’s scent changed, she always knew. He was only 5 when he had fatal clusters, I hate Epilepsy, but I also learned a lot.
Love, love, love this. Shaped by dog has new meaning to me now. I continue to be shaped by my new dog – thank you
I have been shaped by my dog, Zeus! When he first came into our home, he was my dad’s dog. I had no intention with doing much with him. I had my older dog that I had shown with for the past 9 years and didn’t want him to feel left out or forgotten. So, I tried really hard not to grow close to Zeus. Sad but true. Fast forward a little bit… Zeus would whip around the house so fast that he would have to take another lap just to slow down his initial speed. I started thinking, “Wow! Imagine that speed on an agility course!” Little did I know the ride i was in for. I started training Zeus, but I still didn’t want to be too attached to him. He wasn’t “my” dog, and I didn’t want my dog to feel sad that I was speeding time with Zeus. Well major fast forward of a year and somewhere in that time frame I grew close to Zeus and my other dog was perfectly okay with it. It was the best of both worlds but the part where Zeus shaped me was after a training session, a walk, when I get home from work, etc. I would go out to Zeus, pull him close, and tell him we are teammates and I loved him. We are both in this journey together and wouldn’t want it any other way. Zeus taught me how look towards bringing out the best in him instead of focusing on “pretty” or in my case “the pink ribbon.” We are teammates and our bond is very strong. I love Zeus! #TeamZeus
Hi Susan, do you have an example of shaping for one’s partner to sweep the floor?!!!!!!!
Absolutely wonderful talk – and very humbling at the end. Thank you Susan.
Sorry! Previous comment submitted was for the Hollywood podcast. I’m binge listening & got confused! Do you want me to repost to the correct one?
AHA moment! I need to get out walking early because daytime temperature is going up to high 30sC. I try to get out as soon as it’s light enough. BUT the puppy isn’t coming on these walks yet so I feel bad about high-tailing it out and leaving her … full of energy! Tomorrow she’ll get 10-15 mins games while it’s still dark… Then breakfast in her crate while I walk the other dog. Thank you, Susan!
So happy that you’re podcast is in air. I love podcasts and you have so much knowledge to distribute,❤️❤️❤️🌹🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💫