Just a compilation of some happy doggos!! 🐕🐾
Shaping - Breaking down a training exercise into smaller (more manageable) steps that are rewarded, building towards the desired outcome.
Zippy has always been very nervous of a harness and now his confidence has grown so much we've started a journey to help him to be comfortable wearing one!
Shaping is a technique I use a lot with Zippy as it focuses on rewarding small steps towards a complete behavior which is something Zippy has really benefited from as he's so nervous!
Over the last couple of weeks I introduced him to the "feet" cue where he puts his feet into his harness. After continually reinforcing him for having his feet into his harness I then began making small movements with the harness towards putting it on him such as...
- Touching the harness while he has his feet in it.
- Slowly building up the duration i.e. how long I touch it for before rewarding.
- Gently lifting the harness a small amount then placing it back down.
- Slowly lifting the harness higher and placing it back down after each lift.
As you'll see in the video I stop what I'm doing if Zippy becomes uncomfortable i.e. moves away. I'll then only start again if he chooses to come back - if he doesn't this is him telling me he's had enough so I'll either give him a break or end the session as I don't want to overload his stress bucket
Synchronized Golden Retriever bum wiggles 🥰
Just two doggos enjoying their snuffle mats!! 🥰