Do As I Do: Using Social Learning to Train Dogs

Train dogs based on "social learning"? Yes! Recent research suggests chat dogs can engage in social learning which includes the ability to observe the actions of other dogs and imitate them to learn new behaviors. The big news for dog trainers is that author Claudia Fugazza and her colleagues in Europe have discovered that dogs can also imitate people. This natural skill can be used to teach dogs new behaviors using the Do As I Do protocol presented in this book-DVD combination. The "Do As I Do" method is particularly useful in working with service dogs and canine athletes who must masters skills such as ringing a bell, jumping over a hurdle, spinning and dozens more. Learn about: The fascinating research which shows that dogs can observe, then imitate human behavior and remember it over time. How you can start with a known behavior, then teach the dog to perform the behavior after observing you demonstrate it, followed by the new cue "Do it!" Eventually the dog learns that "Do it!" means to do whatever has just been demonstrated by the trainer, even new behaviors. How this method can build a closer bond between you and your dog, bring new energy and joy to your training efforts and challenge your thinking about how dogs learn. Book jacket.