Learning By Imitation

Learning By Imitation

A New Approach to Training!

  • Training Level:  Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

  • Prerequisites: Solid stay behavior so handler can walk away approximately 15 feet (with back turned)

  • Suggested Lesson Package:  6 Lessons or more if dog needs help with the stay behavior

Why Train With Imitation?

We are used to training our dogs step by step – through shaping and other positive techniques. But dogs can learn quickly and just as efficiently by imitating us or other dogs, too!

In this lesson series, you’ll learn the basics of teaching your dog to imitate certain behaviors you can perform yourself. These behaviors can involve anything from picking something up and carrying it, to spinning in a circle, to going and touching an object. We will follow Italian trainer and behaviorist Claudia Fugazza’s program. She has been teaching imitation training, called “Do As I Do,” for multiple years. We consider her the worldwide expert as she also has written research reports on dogs’ ability to learn socially (by observing other animals).

Does It Really Work?  It Seems So Simple!

See below for a video showing one of our clients who has trained her dog to imitate her behavior after 6 lessons in our program!

In the video below, handler Stephanie trained her dog Kimba that the words “copy that” meant to imitate what Stephanie just did. It took her around 4 lessons and practice at home before Kimba started to truly understand the concept. 

To test, Stephanie decided to try a behavior with the circus tent. Kimba had NEVER entered the circus tent before. So, when we saw Kimba imitate exactly what Stephanie did – to the point where she circled in the same direction as Stephanie – we knew she truly understood the concept of imitation!

As you can see, dogs can learn multi step behaviors quite fast with an imitation cue.  Imagine how much work it would be otherwise to teach the dog to enter the circus tent, circle to her right, then exit!

  • Dogs learn in a more natural way so research is showing the dogs retain new behaviors better than with shaping.

  • Once your dog learns the cue to imitate you (ie: “copy me” “do it!” etc.), you can teach your dog behaviors that you can demonstrate and your dog can physically do! Then, once your dog understands the new behavior, you can give it a name so your dog can now perform it without you needing to demonstrate it anymore.

  • Dogs are able to show their intelligence when we ask them to copy what we just did. You’ll see it come out as time move along. Your dog will imitate from his/her own personal perspective - and as a result, you’ll get an extra window of understanding into how your dog views the world around them!