Chapter 6: Problem 24

What is shaping and how would you use shaping to teach a dog to roll over?

Short Answer

Expert verified

In essence, shaping is a sequential method of learning where behaviors are gradually built upon until the final behavior is mastered. When teaching a dog to roll over using shaping, you'd begin with the dog comfortable lying on its side, then encourage it to roll slightly further onto its back, and finally guide it to complete a full roll over, reinforcing and rewarding the dog at each step.

Step by step solution

Defining Shaping

In behavioral psychology, the term 'shaping' refers to a method of conditioning where more complex behaviors are reached by reinforcing successive approximations or small steps towards the desired behavior. In simpler terms, it means gradually teaching a new behavior through reinforcement until the target behavior is achieved.

Introduction to Training a Dog to Roll Over

The process of shaping can be quite effective in training dogs. When we want to shape a dog to roll over, we should start by breaking down the behavior into individual steps or stages. Each step that is nearer to the desired behavior 'Roll Over' is reinforced, until the complete behavior is mastered.

Conditioning the Dog for Initial Movement

First, condition the dog to feel comfortable lying down on its side. This can be done, for example, by using a favorite toy or treat to lure the dog into lying down on its side and reinforcing this position.

Encouraging Further Roll

Once the dog is comfortable lying on its side, the next step would be to encourage it to roll slightly further. We can achieve this by moving the treat or toy over its shoulder, luring it to move onto its back. Again, reward each successful movement.

Full Roll Over

Finally, once comfortable with the previous actions, it's time to guide the dog to complete the full roll over. This step could require some patience, due to it being the most complex part. Continue using the toy or treat to guide its movement, helping it understand the expectation to roll completely over. Whenever it does, give a hefty reward and plenty of praises.

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What is shaping and how would you use shaping to teach a dog to roll over?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Defining Shaping

Introduction to Training a Dog to Roll Over

Conditioning the Dog for Initial Movement

Encouraging Further Roll

Full Roll Over

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