Fully insured, first aid trained and DBS checked dog training and walking service based in Spaldwick Regular or ad-hoc bookings available.
24/04/2025
This week I’ve been working with Olive on a new behaviour – ‘touch’. Using a training method called shaping, I allow Olive to problem-solve and figure out what I’m asking for on her own. In the video, you’ll see me hold out my hand without giving any verbal cue. As soon as Olive touches her nose to my palm, I mark the behaviour with a clear “yes” to signal she’s got it right, followed immediately by a reward. This helps her understand exactly what earned the reinforcement. Over time, this will develop into her responding to the verbal cue ‘touch’. It’s a really useful behaviour – not only can it be built into a prolonged nose-to-hand contact to help keep a dog still during vet visits, but I also use it with Freddie when he’s feeling unsure. I’ll send him to touch an object he’s nervous about, helping him build confidence by learning that he’s safe and in control 🐾
