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How Your Dog Learns--
Experiments for the Curious This article will outline two experiments for dog owners to try at home. I have used these in numerous behavioral consultations and in class and students love them. These experiments will help you learn how your dog learns as well as being just plain fun to try. In addition, a third experiment/discussion on learning behaviors in both humans and dogs will enlighten and amuse many of you.
Behavior Lab for motivated and curious students:
Experiment #1: Shaping Behavior. Choose a naturally occurring behavior that you see the dog doing all the time. For instance, lifting a paw up, stretching a certain way, sneezing, etc. Using the principles of reward and a conditioned response word "yes", shape the behavior and put it on command when you have the behavior you want.
Experiment #2: Teach your dog to relax and lay down in the same spot every day. Using the principles of shaping but no treats, reward your dog with praise each time he lays down in a certain area-one that you would like him to use consistently. Track how long it takes for you to see the dog's behavior change to a consistent use of Your chosen area. Some Guidance for the above experiments:
What is a conditioned response? How do I teach it?
Simply put, you teach your dog that a reward (treat) is coming when he hears the word "yes". (Or, you can use the ever-popular "clicker".) Teach this by sitting with your dog and the afore-mentioned treats. The treats should not be in sight. I usually put one in my right hand and close my fist and put that hand behind my back. I use my left hand as a "target" and present that "target" palm facing outward and hand flat, to my dog who is sitting in front of me.
Most dogs immediately touch an outstretched hand with their nose. AS SOON AS he does, say "yes" and bring the treat hand out and give the treat. I mean immediately! Repeat this up to 15 times the first time and see your dog realize what is happening. He will recognize that he can only get you to give that treat if he touches your hand. He will try other things--lying down, sitting, barking, etc. Do not give in. Do not laugh. Don't say anything. Extend that hand and wait. (that's the hard part). Practice this every day for a few minutes at a time until you see a consistent reaction to your outstretched target hand--he touches it with his nose. Once he knows "yes" means he did it right and he gets the treat, you may start your Experiment #1.
Experiment #3: Who says it's easy to change behaviors? A brief discussion on behavior modification. In order to do this third experiment, you must use yourself as the guinea pig. You will almost instantly realize how much you are asking of your dog when you expect him to remember and learn almost instantly. Most new behaviors will take 4 to 6 weeks to change or ingrain themselves. To test this, here is your assignment: At home, change the position of something that is significant to your daily life. Some ideas: where you put your keys, where you keep your coffee mug, where you keep your toothbrush or hairbrush. If you really want to have fun and involve the whole family, change where you put the trash basket or the cereal boxes.
Write down the first day you start the new change and when you notice you have started consistently going straight to the new place instead of the old. Count how many days it's been! You'll most likely be very surprised. After this, you might want to be more patient with your puppy or dog as they try to learn new behaviors. Give new behaviors time to work before you throw in the towel! Have fun, and if you want to write to me about your experiments, feel free to do so at bmacrg@bellsouth.net .
Barbara L. McNinch Author: Training Your Rottweiler Loved and owned by: Esmond's Go For Broke, CD, CGC, Brisco Von Der Konigsbrucke, CD, CGC Fondly remembering: Shirwin's Cody In Command, CDX
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