Introduction

Learning is Messy. And teaching our animals to learn something new is no exception. There isn’t a single ’trick’, tool or quick fix that magically installs a behaviour we want our horse or dog to learn.

Learning isn’t a one-hit wonder, and I’ll be very clear here: Any trainer or product that promises to do just that, is one you avoid like the plague.

When we want to lose weight, we accept that it takes time for sustain change. When we study for an exam, we accept that it takes time to prepare for the test. So it would stand to reason that when we want to teach our animals a new skill, we know it takes time.

Learning something new is about understanding the intricate process of shaping behaviors over time.

I hope this blog will help you set goals for your training, by developing an approach with shaping, not just as a training one technique, but applying a fundamental approach to learning and development.

Patience, consistency, and understanding animal psychology leads to successful training outcomes.

Shaping Behaviors

Shaping behaviors in animal training is about building skills gradually. It’s about guiding an animal through a series of gradual and achievable steps to eventually master a desired behavior.

The example I often use with my clients is how we learnt long division in school. Our teachers didn’t just go straight to long division, first we learnt our times tables, then XX

We start with the basics – multiplication tables, simple division – and over time, these fundamentals lead us to tackle more complex problems.

This gradual progression is the same key to sucess in animal training as well.

This method also aligns with the scientific principles of skill acquisition and learning. It recognises that learning is inherently messy and full of trial and error. Embracing this messiness is crucial, as it allows both the trainer and the animal to learn from mistakes, adjust tactics, and progress steadily. Each small victory or correction is a valuable lesson, contributing to the long-term success of the training process.

When shaping a behavior, we focus on breaking down the final goal into smaller, manageable steps, like long division. Each step represents a milestone, an achievement that brings us closer to the overall objective.

As trainers, we understand that mistakes are not setbacks but essential parts of the learning journey. They provide valuable insights that help us refine our techniques and better support the animal’s learning process.

Goal Setting and Progressive Learning

Setting realistic goals is fundamental in training. Whether it’s teaching a dog to sit, wait, and stay, or guiding a horse through a show jumping course, the key is to break down these goals into smaller, achievable steps.

It’s about acknowledging that learning, whether for humans or animals, is a step-by-step journey. Each step in this journey is an opportunity for learning and growth, not just for the animal, but for the trainer as well.

Skill acquisition is not a linear process; it’s fraught with trials and errors. Emphasizing progression over perfection, we allow both the animal and ourselves to learn from these errors. As trainers, we often say, “Learning is messy.” This messiness is not a sign of failure, but a natural part of the learning process. It’s where the real learning happens, in the nuances and adjustments made along the way.

Take the example of teaching a dog a complex command like sitting, waiting, and staying while you move out of their sight line. This behavior is a chain of smaller actions, each shaped over time. We start with teaching the dog to sit, then to wait, slowly introducing movement triggers, and eventually combining these steps to achieve the complex task.

Similarly, in horse training, particularly in disciplines like show jumping, we don’t expect a horse to immediately clear high jumps or navigate a complex course. It starts with basics like clearing small jumps, learning to turn left and right, slowing down, and adjusting stride length. Each of these skills is a critical building block for the more complex behavior of show jumping.

This approach to skill development recognizes that learning is not linear. Skill acquisition is filled with trials and errors, and as trainers, we embrace this. We understand that learning is messy, and this messiness is where both the animal and the trainer learn and grow. It’s in these moments of challenge and adjustment that true progress is made.

Shaping in Desensitization Work

Shaping behaviors is also critical in desensitization work. By gradually introducing an animal to a once frightening stimulus, they learn to adjust and become comfortable at their own pace. This method is effective in reducing fear and anxiety, replacing negative associations with positive ones over time.

For a deeper dive into this topic, have a read of my previous blog on desensitisation and flooding. There, I discussed how patient and progressive exposure is essential in helping animals overcome their fears.

For more detailed insights into desensitization, I invite readers to revisit my previous blog on the topic. There, we explored how patient and progressive exposure is key to helping animals overcome their fears.

Practical Examples of Shaping

Understanding shaping behaviors in animal training is best illustrated through practical examples. Let’s delve into a few to see how this concept comes to life in real training scenarios.

1. Dog Training:

   Imagine teaching a dog to perform a complex command like a combination of sitting, waiting, and staying while you move out of sight. Initially, we teach the dog to ‘sit.’ Once mastered, we introduce ‘wait,’ followed by ‘stay.’ Each of these is a small step towards the final behavior. Gradually, we add movement, increasing the distance and complexity, until the dog can perform the entire sequence reliably. This step-by-step approach ensures the dog not only learns the command but understands it deeply.

2. Horse Training:

   In horse training, consider the example of show jumping. We don’t start by having the horse jump high obstacles. We begin with teaching them to clear small jumps, navigate turns, and adjust their stride. Over time, as their confidence and skills build, we introduce higher jumps and more complex sequences. This gradual progression helps the horse understand and become comfortable with each aspect of show jumping.

These examples demonstrate how shaping behaviors work. It’s not about achieving the final behavior overnight; it’s about building up to it, step by step. Each small success is a confidence booster, a learning moment that paves the way for the next challenge.

The Scaffolding Metaphor

The concept of shaping behaviors in animal training can be likened to the use of scaffolding in construction. Just as scaffolding provides support and structure during the building process and is removed once the structure is complete, in animal training, we use temporary aids to support and guide the learning process.

In both scenarios, these supports are not signs of weakness but essential tools for building strength and ability. They provide the necessary support at each stage of development, ensuring steady progress and safety. As the learner gains confidence and mastery, these aids are gradually removed, revealing the strong, independent skills that have been developed.

This metaphor beautifully illustrates the importance of patience and gradual progression in training. It emphasizes that using tools and supports is not only acceptable but crucial for successful learning.

Addressing Cultural Misconceptions

A common cultural misconception in animal training is the belief that using tools or aids signifies weakness or incompetence. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, scientific research supports the use of aids as an effective method for learning and training.

For instance, using armbands in teaching swimming or stabilizers when learning to ride a bike is not viewed negatively; rather, they are recognized as necessary steps in the learning process. The same understanding should be applied to animal training. Whether it’s using a lead for initial training or introducing a harness for a horse, these tools are not crutches but facilitators of learning.

This misconception often stems from a misguided notion of instant success or natural talent overshadowing the need for support. However, the reality is that learning – for humans and animals alike – involves stages of development, and each stage may require different forms of support. It’s time we shift our perspective and recognize that using tools and aids in animal training is a sign of a knowledgeable and responsible trainer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shaping behaviors in animal training is a journey of progression, patience, and understanding. It’s about building skills step by step, acknowledging that learning is a messy but rewarding process. By embracing this approach, we create a learning environment where both animals and trainers can thrive and achieve remarkable results.

As we continue to train and teach, let’s remember the importance of these small steps and the tools that assist us along the way. They are not just aids but integral components of the learning process. Here’s to embracing every part of this journey, messy as it may be, and to the incredible bond and trust it builds between us and our animal companions.