Do As I Do: Using Social Learning to Train Dogs

by Claudia Fugazza

Train dogs based on social learning ? Yes! Recent research suggests that dogs can engage in social learning which includes the ability to observe the actions of other dogs and imitate them to learn new behaviors. The big news for dog trainers is that author Claudia Fugazza and her colleagues in Europe have discovered that dogs can also imitate people. This natural skill can be used to teach dogs new behaviors using the Do As I Do protocol presented in this book-DVD combination. The "Do As I Do" method is particularly useful in working with service dogs and canine athletes who must masters skills such as ringing a bell, jumping over a hurdle, spinning and dozens more. The 42 minute DVD that accompanies the book has English subtitles.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction

81 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2014

Reviews

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this interesting dog training book in two sessions in one day. I have not watched the 42-minute DVD that comes with the book, but I will later in the fall when I try teaching my two dogs the Do As I Do training protocol.

The instructions on how to implement this training method are clear to me.

Fugazzo walks you through how to teach your dog how to copy your behavior using behaviors your dog already knows. Once your dog understands the concept of copying your behavior and the "Do it" cue that implies "Copy me", she walks you through the steps of how to generalize this new behavior. This second step is still using behaviors your dog already knows. Then she explains how to train new behaviors with the Do As I Do method.

She gives great reminders about allowing dogs to take rest breaks, discontinuing a session if you or your dog starts getting frustrated, and other tips that most dog trainers will know, but average dog parents may forget inadvertently.

There's a section on troubleshooting anticipated behaviors like how to handle the dog who anticipates the desired behavior and performs before the cue is actually given, moving into new environments, and paying attention to distractions.

Two big take-aways for me as a professional therapy dog mom:

1. "...this protocol, which revolved around an entertaining game, was not only useful to teach new behaviors. It also opened the door to an improved relationship between dogs and humans. The reason could be that this type of learning is based on social cognitive skills, allowing both dogs and humans to achieve a deep and reciprocal level of understanding."

That's a huge win in my book! I love training my two dogs because training allows me to constantly learn new information about them as living creatures.

2. ""According to the research we have been carrying out, Do As I Do is particularly useful to teach behaviors involving interactions with objects."

While many dog parents may jump to agility or service dog training, I'm thinking about tricks training with props. Later in the fall, I'll be choosing expert level tricks to work on with my two. Several of these tricks require dogs to perform behavior chains. I anticipate trying this social learning Do As I Do protocol to see if that helps me better communicate how to perform these tricks to my dogs.

One con to this book: the slick paper it's printed on. I highlight, underline, and write notes in almost all of my dog training books. I'm not sure why anyone would choose a glossy finish for a book that people probably will want to annotate, but I'm not a publisher. If you like taking notes in books, just be prepared to let ink and highlighters dry.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting introduction to the idea of using social learning / social mimicry to train dogs, commonly branded and marketed as the "Do As I Do" method.

Although the information is presented well formatted in steps with color photographs, the actual directions can be difficult to interpret and many things seem to be over simplified despite the pages and pages of explanation in the book. This may be the kind of thing that is better presented at a workshop or seminar than in book format despite the author's best intentions.

I do appreciate that the author discusses the limitations of this training methodology and includes a troubleshooting section.

[Sheltie · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting take on dog training, by a very excited scientist dedicated to her study, even when it's nowhere near complete. it's always refreshing to read kynology literature that cites sources to the claims presented.

the book includes step-by-step manual to teach your dog to repeat behaviour after you, it was very fun to try. i'm definitely going to include this technique to my repertoire as a dog trainer.

there is also a dvd that goes along with the book, but i haven't watched it yet.

[ThDogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great step by step book for anyone seeking to teach mimicry and concept training to their dogs. Can be taught to both puppies and adult dogs. Once the exercise is understood, watching how your dog interprets human movements into dog movements is fascinating. Deceptively complex sequences can be taught in a quick an easy fashion once the mimicry procedure has been taught.

[Sassafras Patterdale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad I read this book - interesting look at a new training approach that seems like it will be fun to explore.

[Hikari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nekem ez ebben a formában túl rövid, túl felszínes, és azt se tudom, hogyan induljak el, ha itthon szeretném gyakorolni az alapokat. Kár érte.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick & easy read. Interesting & useful dog training concept. The applied part is well structured and easy to use. Also nice photos.