Common Misconceptions Around Shaping: Why You May Find Dog Training Frustrating

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?    • Use These Simple Shaping Hacks To Exp...   
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’    • Proofing Vs Generalizing In Dog Train...   

Learn How To Play ItsYerChoice: https://dogsthat.com/y/261/iycsummit
Get Crate Games Online: https://dogsthat.com/y/261/crategames

Resources:
1. Podcast Episode 259: Use These Simple Shaping Hacks To Expedite Your Dog Training -    • Use These Simple Shaping Hacks To Exp...  
2. Podcast Episode: 171: Dog Training With Layered Shaping: Why Classical Conditioning Must Come First -    • Dog Training With Layered Shaping: Wh...  
3. Podcast Episode 5: What is Shaping And How Can Dogs Shape Us -    • What is Shaping And How Can Dogs Shap...  
4. Podcast Episode 149: Superstitious Behavior In Dog Training: Beware The Killer Bees! -    • Superstitious Behavior In Dog Trainin...  
5. Podcast Episode 69: Clicker Training: Will It Work For Every Dog? -    • Clicker Training: Will It Work For Ev...  
6. Podcast Episode 131: How Would Susan Garrett Plan Your Dog Training Sessions? -    • Creating Your Dog Training Plan: Susa...  
7. Podcast Episode 157: Dog Body Language: Understanding Canine Communication Signals And Emotions -    • Dog Body Language: Understanding Cani...  
8. Podcast Episode 59: Why Your Treats Aren’t Working for Your Dog -    • Why Your Treats Aren’t Working for Yo...  
9. Podcast Episode 90: Premack, Dog Training and Transfer of Value -    • Premack, Dog Training and Transfer of...  
10. Podcast Episode 226: Safe Toys For Dogs And Why To Avoid Tennis Balls And Sticks -    • Safe Toys For Dogs And Why To Avoid T...  
11. Podcast Episode 94: How the Best Professional Dog Trainers Use Reinforcement -    • How the Best Professional Dog Trainer...  
12. Podcast Episode 151: How Location Specific Reinforcement Markers Will Improve Your Dog Training! -    • How Location Specific Reinforcement M...  
13. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett’s Perch Work Dog Tricks (Pivots and Spins) -    • Susan Garrett’s Perch Work Dog Tricks...  
14. Podcast Episode 133: Become Your Own Dog Training Coach With This Video Strategy -    • Become Your Own Dog Training Coach Wi...  
15. Podcast Episode 245: Make Dog Training Easy! Quick Guide To Antecedent Arrangements -    • Make Dog Training Easy! Quick Guide T...  
16. Podcast Episode 31: 5 Simple Hacks to Help Your Dog Learn Faster (Reinforcement Process) -    • 5 Simple Hacks to Help Your Dog Learn...  
17. Podcast Episode 12: When Helping Your Dog is an Illusion -    • When Helping Your Dog is an Illusion #12  
18. YouTube Playlist:    • Target Training for Dogs with Susan G...  
19. Podcast Episode 251: Should We All Stop Using Non-Reward Markers In Dog Training? -    • Should We All Stop Using Non-Reward M...  
20. YouTube Video: 5 Tips for Dog Trick Training with Susan Garrett -    • 5 Tips for Dog Trick Training with Su...  
21. Podcast Episode 232: Canine Predatory Motor Sequence: Understand Your Dog’s Prey Drive To Enrich Your Life Together -    • Canine Predatory Motor Sequence: Unde...  
22. Podcast Episode 184: Proofing Vs Generalizing In Dog Training To Grow Skills And Confidence -    • Proofing Vs Generalizing In Dog Train...