Animal Connection Training

A Holistic, Respectful, & Positive Approach to Animal Training & Wellbeing

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Primary
  • Explore
    • Start Here!
    • Basic Manners
    • Puppies!
    • Adolescents
    • Reactive Dog Program
    • Rescue Dogs
    • Intermediate & Advanced Training
    • Service or Therapy Dog Prep
  • Learn
    • How it Works
    • Articles & Tips
    • FAQ
    • Testimonials
    • Warnings About Invisible Fences and Other Shock Devices
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Training Center
    • Regional Training Services
  • Other Animals
    • Horses
    • Cats
    • Farm Animals
    • Humans, Too!
  • Wellness
    • Wellness
    • Intuitive
  • Contact

Learning By Imitation

Basic & Beginner TrainingDog ActivitiesIntermediate & Advanced Training

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 9 Lessons 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 live 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 it, 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!

 

Here is a video from the trainer Claudia Fugazza with her introduction to the imitation training (as she calls it, “Do As I Do”).

 

Next Steps!

Learn more about our lesson packages here:

Lesson Packages

We offer consultations if you’d like to see if the training can help your dog – or, if you’d like assistance solving a particular behavior issue:

Consultations

Or, contact us if you have questions or would like to get started!

Contact Us

Lesson Packages

We offer 6, 9, and 12 private or semi private lesson packages.  These can be held in-person or virtually (or a combination of both).

For general training such as Basic Manners, Puppies, and Dog Activities, we recommend starting at 6 lessons.  For Behavior Training, we recommend starting at 9 lessons or more.

We offer additional lessons at a discount after you’ve finished your initial package.

Our lesson packages include training books and gear, access to online materials on our client only learning site, and support in between lessons.

For more information about prices, travel fees, and what each package includes, visit here:

Lesson Packages

Training Hours Closed

Sunday Closed

Monday Closed

Tuesday 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Wednesday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Thursday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Saturday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

About

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Contact

Animal Connection Training
48 Saint Bernard St.
Saranac Lake, NY USA 12983

518-637-1170
animalconnectiontraining@gmail.com

Cancellation Policy:  Any lesson cancelled within 24 hours of the lesson time will count as a lesson.  If you cancel more than 24 hours before your lesson, that’s fine!

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