Nate Schoemer Dog Training Podcast Ep. 24 - Live Q&A: Understanding Shaping in Dog Training
Apr 14, 2025
Discover the art of shaping in dog training, a technique that revolutionizes how dogs learn. Learn about managing low food drive and why it matters for effective training. Find out how to combine lures and gentle pressure for faster responses. Explore free shaping versus traditional methods, and hear tips for handling reactivity on walks. Get insights on using markers effectively and the importance of patience when teaching bathroom habits outside. This session is packed with practical advice and live Q&A for dog trainers of all levels!
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Free Shaping Can Hurt Precision
- Overuse of capturing/free-shaping can cause dogs to 'offer' behaviors and lose points in precision work.
- Competitive obedience trainers often switch to clearer prompts after initial operant shaping.
Match Strategy To Reactivity Type
- For leash reactivity decide if it's self-reinforcing or fear-based and use prevent, redirect, or correct accordingly.
- For fear responses prioritize desensitization and counter-conditioning rather than punishment.
Change What Triggers Predict
- Counter-condition by changing what a trigger predicts: pair the trigger with something positive repeatedly.
- Replace negative classical associations by making the stimulus predict pleasant things like food or play.
