I think it’s important, being a teacher, to be open to all different methods of training and working with students. Here we are shaping a sustained head in bucket performance (for no specific reason other than its cute and it entertains me). We are using shaping and initially started with luring to the extent of tossing some kibble into the bucket. We are using a clicker.
I typically don’t use shaping or clickers for simple obedience, unless a dog really needs help on a positional cue. Shaping can be stressful for the dog if they’ve never done it before and stressful for the human if you lack patience.
However, shaping (with possibly some luring) is an unparalleled way to teach complex behaviours, some of which you see in service dog training or trick training.
Learning how to shape and capture behaviours with a clicker or marker can be game changing when you want to work on more complex tasks or tricks with your dog, or if you just want to challenge their minds.
Behaviours like you see in this video are not taught with force. You can’t force a dog to put their head in a metal bucket, especially if you want your dog to enjoy the training. You have to be creative, you have to make them think part of it was their idea. You have to be open to different methods to achieve these things.
Being open to other methods and ideas expands your tool box with your dog, which allows you to be creative and thoughtful in your training and can expand your dogs learning beyond your wildest imagination.
Happy training!
Smart Dogs Canine Training Milton 