[Day 55] Free Shaping - Encouraging creativity and learning new things
Basic obedience: Day 55 of 56
This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
Free shaping is a creative and exciting training method that gives your dog the opportunity to try out new behaviour independently. Unlike traditional training, you don't give your dog fixed instructions, but reward him for every new idea he shows. This makes free shaping not only an exciting change of pace, but also an excellent way of encouraging your dog's creative thinking skills and offering a new form of mental exercise .
In day 55 of the training plan, you will learn how Free Shaping works and why it is so effective. This method is based on the principle of trial and error: your dog tries out which behaviour is rewarded by you and is thus motivated to engage creatively with its environment. This often produces funny and surprising results that are enriching for both of you.
Goal: Known and new behaviours are explored independently by the dog
Equipment: Leckerli, evtl. Clicker
Location: low-stimulus environment at home
Duration: 5 minutes then break
The advantages of free shaping with a dog
Free shaping is not only a playful approach to dog training, but also has a number of benefits that are good for your dog both mentally and emotionally. Above all, this training method encourages your dog's creativity and problem-solving skills, as he has to actively find out which behaviour is rewarded by you. Instead of reacting to instructions, your dog has the opportunity to use his curiosity and make decisions on his own. Free shaping offers an exciting change, especially for dogs that already know a lot of tricks and signals, because there are no fixed guidelines - anything is possible.
The initiative that your dog shows during free shaping leads to intensive mental exercise. While he tries out and evaluates different behaviours, his brain is working at full speed. This cognitive effort is very fulfilling for dogs and helps to ensure that they are relaxed and satisfied after a training session. At the same time, the bond between you and your dog is strengthened, because free shaping is based on positive and finely tuned communication. You observe your dog closely, reward him for his ideas and show him that you value his independence.
Another important aspect of free shaping is training frustration tolerance. Especially at the beginning, your dog may feel insecure or not immediately understand what is expected of him. With patience and positive reinforcement, your dog will learn to deal with small setbacks and keep going without getting discouraged. This skill is not only important in training, but also in everyday life. Free Shaping therefore offers an ideal opportunity to train your dog's mindset, develop his talents and deepen your relationship at the same time.
Cynological knowledge: How free shaping activates the brain
During Free Shaping, complex processes take place in your dog's brain that promote both his cognitive abilities and his emotional stability. The focus is on the principle of trial and error: your dog tries out different behaviours and learns from your reaction which of them are desirable. Every reward you give him reinforces the link between the behaviour shown and success, which in turn increases his motivation.
Free Shaping activates your dog's grey matter, as he constantly has to find new solutions. This process trains his problem-solving skills and increases his ability to adapt to different situations. At the same time, it encourages what is known as creative thinking, as your dog cannot rely on familiar signals, but develops new behaviours independently.
Positive reinforcement is an important part of free shaping. By marking and rewarding certain behaviours, your dog learns that he can influence the situation with his behaviour. This type of learning not only strengthens his self-confidence, but also ensures that he remains happy and committed to the task.
Frustration tolerance is also trained during free shaping. If your dog tries different behaviours for a while without success, it learns to deal with the situation and not give up. This skill is particularly valuable as it helps him to deal better with challenges in other areas of life too.
By combining cognitive effort, positive reinforcement and creative freedom, Free Shaping is a unique way to mentally stimulate your dog while strengthening your communication and bond.
ℹ Psychology of "trial and error" learning
The principle of "trial and error" learning originates from behavioural psychology and was coined primarily by the psychologist Edward Thorndike. At the end of the 19th century, he conducted experiments with cats in so-called problem boxes. The cats had to activate a mechanism by trial and error in order to leave the box and receive a reward.
Thorndike observed that the animals initially displayed different behaviours at random until they found the right mechanism by chance. With each repetition, they became faster and more purposeful - a process he referred to as "trial and error".
This learning principle is based on the fact that successful behaviour is reinforced by rewards and the brain forms connections in the process. Behaviours that do not lead to the goal, on the other hand, are shown less frequently as they have no positive consequences.
In dog training, trial and error is a natural way for dogs to learn. It promotes cognitive flexibility as the dog has to try out different strategies to find out what works. This principle is also the basis of many modern training methods, such as free shaping, where dogs develop new behaviours through independent trial and reward.
Practical tips for successful free shaping
Choose a quiet environment
Train in a low-stimulus environment so that your dog can concentrate fully on the exercise. Avoid distractions such as loud noises, other dogs or people.
Use high-quality rewards
Use intense treats or work with a clicker to precisely mark your dog's behaviour. The reward should be particularly motivating for your dog.
Give animating prompts
Motivate your dog with a sentence like "Show me what you can do!". This encourages him to be active and creative.
Reward new behaviour
Immediately reward every new behaviour your dog shows. This encourages him to try out new ideas.
Ignore repetitions calmly
If your dog repeats a behaviour it has already shown, wait calmly or gently signal that you want to see something new. Corrections or frustration should be avoided.
Integrate objects
Extend the exercise with objects such as a box, a hula hoop or toys. Reward every interaction with the object, e.g. sniffing, touching or going into it.
Stay patient
Dogs that have been trained mainly on signals need time to understand the initiative involved in free shaping. Repeat the exercise regularly so that your dog becomes more and more creative.
Encourage the joy of trying things out
Stay positive and concentrate on your dog's progress. Above all, free shaping should be fun - for both of you!
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Summary
Free Shaping is an extraordinary way to encourage your dog's creativity and independence. It offers a wonderful opportunity to combine mental exercise with playful freedom, which not only improves your dog's problem-solving skills, but also develops more self-confidence.
Through the principle of trial and error, your dog learns to think independently and respond to your positive reinforcement. This exercise not only strengthens your communication, but also helps your dog to build up frustration tolerance - a skill that supports him not only in training, but also in everyday life.
Free shaping is also a great way to playfully develop new behaviours or expand existing skills. With a little creativity and patience, you can adapt this method again and again and create varied training sessions.
This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
The authors: Paulina & Lui
Paulina and Lui are the heart and soul behind Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Her journey in dog training began with the adoption of her first list dog, Vito. This experience sparked her deep interest in teaching other dog owners about dog behaviour and training. Initially this was just a hobby, but with the adoption of the American Pitbull dog Amalia, who had been relinquished several times due to severe behavioural problems, her passion developed into a true vocation. Amalia's particular behavioural challenges intensified her interest in dog training and behavioural therapy. This turning point led Paulina and Lui to leave their original career paths, undergo intensive further training and dedicate themselves fully to the subject of dog training. Their work with human-dog teams also revealed a gap in the dog market: there was a lack of safe, high-quality dog accessories specifically for medium-sized and large breeds.
From this realisation, Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store] was born, a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for quality dog accessories. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experience, extensive knowledge and passion for dogs to every product to help human-dog teams live together.