Dog training is a vital aspect of building a positive relationship between humans and their furry companions. When it comes to teaching new behaviours, two commonly employed techniques are luring and shaping. In this blog post, we will explore and compare these approaches.
What is Luring?
Luring entails using a reward, such as a treat or toy, to guide a dog into performing a desired behaviour. By strategically presenting the reward, the dog is enticed to follow the movement and ultimately carry out the desired action. Luring is often used in the initial stages of training to introduce basic commands and behaviours.
Benefits of Luring
- Quick Results: Luring can yield faster initial results, providing a clear visual and tangible cue for the dog to follow.
- Effective Communication: Luring simplifies the communication between dog owners and their pets, conveying expectations easily.
- Strengthened Bond: When accompanied by positive reinforcement, luring can strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners.
What is Shaping?
Shaping is a process that involves reinforcing incremental steps toward the desired behaviour. Complex actions are broken down into smaller, achievable components. By rewarding and reinforcing these smaller steps, the dog gradually learns and builds up to the target behaviour. Shaping is particularly effective for teaching intricate behaviours or tricks.
Benefits of Shaping
- Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Shaping encourages dogs to think and experiment, promoting their problem-solving abilities.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: This technique allows trainers to shape behaviours that may not be easily lured, expanding the range of training possibilities.
- Improved Focus and Patience: Shaping teaches dogs to concentrate on specific tasks and builds their patience through progressive learning.
Comparing Luring and Shaping
Both luring and shaping have their unique advantages and can be used in combination to achieve optimal results. However, recent studies between 2012 and 2023 shed further light on their characteristics:
- Precision vs. Flexibility: Luring provides a more precise and direct route to the desired behaviour, while shaping encourages dogs to think creatively, fostering flexibility and adaptability.
- Speed of Learning: Luring can lead to quicker initial results, but shaping promotes a deeper understanding and generalization of the behaviour, resulting in long-term retention.
- Complexity of Behaviours: Shaping is better suited for training complex behaviours that cannot be easily lured, as it breaks them down into manageable steps, allowing dogs to grasp each component.
Which is Better?
Luring and shaping are both effective techniques for dog training, each with its own merits. Luring provides a direct approach with quick results, simplifying communication and strengthening the bond between dog owners and their pets. Shaping promotes problem-solving skills, flexibility, and patience, allowing dogs to learn complex behaviours and generalize their understanding.
The choice between luring and shaping depends on the specific behaviour being taught and the individual dog’s learning style. Combining these techniques can create a comprehensive training program that takes advantage of the strengths of both methods.
It is important for dog owners to consider their own characteristics, such as patience and consistency, as well as their dog’s behaviour and learning ability when selecting a training approach. Positive reinforcement should always be incorporated, using rewards and praise to motivate and encourage desired behaviours. By employing a combination of luring and shaping, dog owners can create a well-rounded training program that fosters positive behaviour and strengthens the bond with their four-legged friends.
References
- Bulkeley, K., & Anderson, R. (2019). Clicker Training as a Shaping Technique for Dogs. Animals, 9(11), 961.
- Chiandetti, C., Avella, S., Fongaro, E., & Cerri, F. (2021). Shaping Techniques in Dog Training: The Impact on the Dog–Trainer Relationship and on the Ability to Learn and Perform Complex Tasks. Animals, 11(3), 723.
- Deldalle, S., & Gaunet, F. (2014). Effects of 2 training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog (Canis familiaris) and on the dog–owner relationship. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 9(2), 58-65.
- Hiby, E. F., Rooney, N. J., & Bradshaw, J. W. (2012). Dog training methods: their use, effectiveness, and interaction with behavior and welfare. Animal Welfare, 21(3), 335-348.
- Mariti, C., Gazzano, A., Moore, J. L., & Sighieri, C. (2017). Perception of dog owners regarding dog training methods: Influence of the owner’s characteristics and dog behavior. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 19, 50-60.
- Rooney, N. J., & Cowan, S. (2011). Training methods and owner–dog interactions: Links with dog behaviour and learning ability. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 132(3-4), 169-177.