1. Feasibility and operability of target behavior
Behavior modeling can establish a new behavior for dogs, but it does not mean that you want to shape what behavior It must be successful, but the ultimate target behavior should be determined according to the characteristics of the dog.
For example, training Chihuahuas to bite.
If it is a family pet dog, the target behavior of biting is not feasible, because the family pet dog mainly accompanies the owner and does not need aggressive biting behavior.
But if it is used for hunting, then it is feasible.
During the training process, if the conventional training method of training large dogs is adopted, it will not be operable,
because Chihuahuas are small dogs. When training to bite, people and targets are too tall for the dog, which is not suitable. It is difficult for the dog to learn to bite, and it will waste time.
It may also make Dogs create stress and even make dogs fearful of training. This situation is not operational.
If it is a German shepherd dog, it is feasible to use the conventional large dog training
method to bite.
2. Variety and Accuracy of Evaluation Criteria
When a dog is training a slightly more complex behavior, in the process of guiding the dog to the target behavior, the dog will infinitely approach and approach the target behavior. Only when the previous behavior meets the standards and requirements, can the next behavior be continued.
For example, when training a dog to bark, you should pay attention to two sounds, namely “hum” and “beep”, and determine the evaluation criteria for these two sounds respectively.
It can be After the dog “hums” 10 times, train the dog to make a “bow” sound.
It can also be a “hum” sound 6 times, and then train the dog with a “beep” sound.
As long as the dog can “bark”, don’t reward the dog when it “hums”.
The evaluation criteria should be selected according to the state of the dog.
3. Timeliness of reinforcement
Every step of the dog’s shaping training To apply reinforcement, the timeliness of reinforcement should be considered at each step. It is timely and effective reward.
Maybe in the training process, if the reward food is given to the dog, the temptation for the dog is not so great.
The first time the dog may follow you to train for a short time, the second time the dog will no longer focus on the food, become lazy and slow. This makes the reinforcer lose its original reinforcing effect.
At the same time, after the dog shows the expected action, the reward should be given within 1.5 seconds.
If you miss the best reward time, it will not achieve the effect of reinforcement.
For example, when training to sit down, the dog stands up during the reward, which misses the best reward time. Unable to achieve the role of target behavior reinforcement.
4. Rationalization of shaping steps
In formulating dogs When shaping the steps, it should be flexible and changeable. It should be determined according to the characteristics of the dog, and it should also be changed due to the environment. This requires sufficient observation and understanding of the dog before formulating the steps.
The span between steps should not be too large, too large will make the dog feel difficult, lose confidence and stagnate;
But not too small, too small will make the dog feel The process progresses too slowly, which is time-consuming and tires the dog.
Changes in steps should vary from dog to dog and there is no set standard.
The trainer can determine the connection between the various steps through the dog’s usual performance and acceptance of new things, so as to further determine the target behavior to be shaped. Break it down into stages or steps.
5. Adjustability of the shaping process
The training of any new behavior is It is not possible to develop as smoothly as the dog trainer expects.
Although the process of behavioral shaping is a gradual process, there may still be unexpected situations in the training.
For example, the size of the steps in the training plan, the time of reinforcement is not timely or the reinforcement is not what the dog likes, and changes in the dog’s physical condition make The target behavior cannot be performed as originally planned, etc.
Therefore, make adjustments according to the actual training situation during the training process.
If an intermediate approaching goal behavior cannot be stabilized after repeated reinforcement, the intermediate approaching goal behavior should be appropriately reduced or modified.
6. Adaptability to Shape Results
Training The dog teacher has a purpose and consciously using the modeling principle to shape behavior.
It is to establish the good behavior expected by the owner (such as modeling a dog not to be afraid of people), and the established modeling behavior can be used in future life can quickly integrate into the human family.
By shaping, the dog will not only feel fearless in front of the owner and the dog handler, but also should not be afraid of strangers in parks and squares.
Therefore, the results of shaping should also pay attention to the adaptability of the dog’s environment.
In the process of shaping, the environment should be changed as much as possible, so that the dog can show the same or similar behavior in various environments.
