Some Basic Shaping Techniques For Use in Animal Training
Some Basic Shaping Techniques For Use in Animal Training
Shaping is a dynamic conditioning paradigm employed primarily in the behavioral analysis of human behavior.shaping pants manufacturers The technique used is repeated differential reinforcement of successive approximation to a desired state.shaping pants manufacturers It was first introduced by B. F. Skinner to dogs and extended to people, chimpanzees, rabbits and even other animals. It can be taught in one or two sessions over a period of time, which can range from weeks to months. During these sessions, positive reinforcements are given to correct undesirable behaviors such as jumping, chewing, barking, biting and so on.
The principle behind shaping is simple and can be illustrated using an example at the simplest level.shaping pants manufacturers shaping pants manufacturers (These illustrations should not be construed as being relevant to any therapeutic use for children or vulnerable adults.shaping pants manufacturers ) Whenever a dog jumps onto the sofa in response to a command, it is immediately rewarded with a pat in the head and a treat. However, if the dog continues to jump - i.e., to reach again, regardless of the commands given - a barrage of slaps, punches and sometimes even kicks are dispensed in quick succession in order to prevent the dog from jumping back onto the sofa. By engaging the dog in a prolonged activity designed to shape its behavior, the reinforcement of the desirable behavior is sustained for longer periods of time than is the case when a quick reinforcement is used. In this way, shaping helps make the desired behavior stronger and more likely to occur.
The principle behind shaping is well understood in operant conditioning, the study of animals' responses to positive stimuli, such as food, in certain situations.shaping pants manufacturers shaping pants manufacturers Operant conditioning is widely considered to be one of the most widely used and extensively tested methods for shaping behaviors.shaping pants manufacturers In operant conditioning, positive reinforcers (rewards) are given immediately after performing a desirable behavior. Positive reinforcing behaviors, or behaviors that are expected to occur, are then reinforced over again in order to reinforce that behavior.
The principle of operant conditioning was first described by him and his colleague, B.shaping pants manufacturers shaping pants manufacturers F.shaping pants manufacturers Skinner, in the 1960s. They discovered that when a dog performs an act that is unacceptable, such as jumping up on people, a strong negative reaction is produced and the animal soon stops jumping. The subsequent aim of shaping behavior was to reverse this negative conditioning, and therefore increase the dog's enjoyment of being in their environment. Although Skinner argued that the process of shaping is entirely logical and natural, other psychologists argue that in real life, circumstances do not lend themselves to a perfectly logical or natural consequence and shaping behavior is only reasonable when an understanding of how humans react is also present.
Over the years, various types of reinforcement have been used to support shaping behaviors.shaping pants manufacturers shaping pants manufacturers For example, one of the most widely used techniques in shaping behavior is the use of treats. Using food as a reinforcer has been shown to be highly effective in shaping behaviors, as food can be easily and quickly given to dogs when they perform the desirable behavior. However, food reinforcement should not be applied when a negative response is experienced, as under these circumstances food reinforcement may actually be counter-productive.
Another well-known shaping technique is positive reinforcement, which involves giving a dog a treat when it completes an acceptable behavior or performs an action that has been asked for.shaping pants manufacturers shaping pants manufacturers In the example 2 example, if the dog had performed the act of jumping on the human, then the treat would have been useful, because then the dog would have had something to eat. Reinforcement in all its forms, whether used in person teaching, or in animal training, is highly useful in shaping behaviors. When properly applied, it can be highly effective in changing the way that animals behave in all kinds of situations.