Baltimore PETS

In this video, I introduce Sadie Jane to a blue traffic come and shape the behavior of a nose touch to the cone. The video is sped up, but it took her less than four minutes to get to the final goal behavior - just using shaping and a clicker; no luring and no cues!

Shaping is a method that can be used to train dogs by breaking down a behavior and rewarding the dog for making small steps towards the final goal behavior.

Not sure if both dogs want to play? Try a consent test! 🐾🐾

Does your dog seem fearful when you are holding something new to them? When you pick up the broom or vacuum cleaner? Or maybe when you bring packages inside?

Using the 1, 2, 3 could help your dog become more comfortable with the weird stuff you carry around! By creating a predictable sequence of events - that ends with a tasty reward for them, and increased distance from the scary thing - this training game can increase communication and trust between you and your dog, and start the process of desensitizing them to you carrying around everyday household objects.

1. Teach your dog the 1, 2, 3 pattern and pair it with your approach.
2. Practice with items the dog is familiar with in hand, then move onto new items or ones known to cause fear in the past.
3. Always move away after treat delivery to increase distance from the scary object and give your dog a break.
4. To help generalize this game practice with different items, in different rooms; vary your distance, distractions, and speed of approach.



(This video contains music from Shutterstock, licensed by Splice video editing app.)