Learn how to train your dog using social learning with Do As I Do: Using Social Learning to Train Dogs by Claudia Fugazza, a book-DVD combination that offers a unique approach to dog training based on recent research, suitable for a wide range of dogs including service dogs and canine athletes.
Introduction
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“Do As I Do: Using Social Learning to Train Dogs,” authored by Claudia Fugazza, introduces an innovative method of dog training that leverages the inherent social learning capabilities of dogs.
Unlike traditional training methods that rely heavily on commands and reinforcement, this approach encourages dogs to learn by watching and mimicking the actions of their human trainers or fellow canines.
The premise is simple yet powerful: dogs can learn a wide array of behaviors through observation and replication, tapping into their natural instincts to follow and emulate their social partners.
Accompanied by a 42-minute DVD, the book provides an engaging mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application. The inclusion of visual aids is particularly beneficial, allowing readers to see the training techniques in action, which can significantly enhance understanding and implementation.
This dual-format package is designed to cater to various learning preferences, ensuring that every reader can effectively grasp and apply the “Do As I Do” method to train their dogs successfully.
Product Details
“Do As I Do: Using Social Learning to Train Dogs” is a comprehensive guide aimed at revolutionizing how we approach dog training through social learning techniques. Priced at $21.95, this book is a valuable resource for dog owners and trainers alike, offering insights into a method where dogs learn by imitating.
The price mentioned in this review was current at the time of writing. Please note that prices are subject to change. We recommend checking the latest price on Amazon.com before making a purchase to ensure you are getting the best deal available.
The physical dimensions of the book are 6 x 0.25 x 8.75 inches, making it a convenient size for readers to carry around and refer to during training sessions. Weighing in at 6.4 ounces, it is lightweight yet packed with 96 pages of rich content.
Published by Direct Book Service in a Pap/DVD edition on June 30, 2014, the book comes with an ISBN-10 of 1617811483 and an ISBN-13 of 978-1617811487, ensuring its easy identification and order through various book retailers.
The content is presented in English, making it accessible to a wide audience interested in enhancing their dog training skills through innovative methods.
The inclusion of a 42-minute DVD with English subtitles provides an immersive learning experience, allowing readers to see the “Do As I Do” method in action. This multimedia approach not only complements the written content but also caters to different learning styles, making the training techniques more comprehensible and easier to implement.
By providing both theoretical knowledge and practical demonstrations, this book-DVD combination serves as a holistic tool for those looking to adopt social learning in training dogs. Whether you’re training a service dog or a family pet, the practical tips, detailed instructions, and visual aids included in this package will equip you with the necessary tools to teach and bond with your dog effectively.
Features and Benefits
“Do As I Do: Using Social Learning to Train Dogs” offers an innovative approach to dog training that centers around the concept of social learning. This method, pioneered by Claudia Fugazza, leverages the natural inclination of dogs to observe and imitate the actions of others, including their human trainers and other dogs.
By acting as role models, owners can effectively teach their pets a variety of skills and behaviors. The book meticulously outlines the steps involved in this training method, making it accessible for dog owners of all experience levels.
The inclusion of a 42-minute DVD, complete with English subtitles, provides an invaluable resource for visual learners, showcasing the “Do As I Do” method in action and offering clear, real-world examples of how it can be applied.
The benefits of employing the “Do As I Do” method extend beyond the simplicity of teaching basic commands like sit, stay, or come. This training approach is versatile enough to guide dogs through learning more complex tasks, such as ringing a bell to go outside, jumping over hurdles, or even performing coordinated movements in canine sports.
The method’s foundation in social learning not only strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners but also encourages a deeper level of understanding and communication between them.
By focusing on mimicry and the social aspect of learning, dogs trained using this method may exhibit a higher level of engagement and motivation in their training sessions.
This comprehensive guide, accompanied by visual aids, stands out as a significant contribution to the field of dog training, offering a fresh perspective on how we can harness the power of social learning to enrich our relationships with our canine companions.
Practical Applications
The practical applications of the “Do As I Do” method extend far beyond basic obedience training, showcasing its versatility in teaching a wide range of behaviors to different dog types, especially service dogs and canine athletes.
For service dogs, the ability to learn through social imitation is a game-changer. By observing their trainer perform an action, such as opening a door or retrieving specific items, these dogs can quickly learn and replicate these essential tasks, thereby providing invaluable assistance to their owners.
This method significantly reduces the training time while enhancing the dog’s ability to perform complex tasks with greater accuracy.
Canine athletes, on the other hand, benefit from the “Do As I Do” method by learning and perfecting behaviors that are crucial for competition. The method’s emphasis on social learning allows these athletic dogs to observe and imitate actions that improve their performance in agility, obedience, and other dog sports.
For instance, learning to jump over a hurdle or weave through poles becomes more intuitive when the dog can watch a demonstration and then do as shown. The book details specific examples, such as teaching a dog to ring a bell, jump over a hurdle, and spin, showcasing the effectiveness and broad applicability of this innovative training approach.
This method not only enhances the learning experience for the dog but also strengthens the bond between the dog and its trainer, making the training process more enjoyable and effective for both parties.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
The customer feedback for “Do As I Do: Using Social Learning to Train Dogs” showcases a robust approval rating of 4.6/5 based on 80 reviews, reflecting the book’s significant impact on dog owners and trainers alike.
The consensus among users is one of high satisfaction, with many highlighting how the book demystifies the process of training dogs through social learning. Readers frequently commend the book for its clarity and the pragmatic approach it adopts, making complex training methodologies accessible to a broader audience.
Notably, the inclusion of a 42-minute DVD is often mentioned as a standout feature. This visual aid is celebrated for its ability to offer real-life examples and demonstrations, thereby enhancing the learning experience by showing rather than just telling.
Despite the widespread acclaim, some critiques emerge from a fraction of the audience, pointing out the book’s brevity as a limiting factor. A few readers wished for a more comprehensive exploration of social learning principles and their application across a wider array of behaviors.
This feedback underscores a desire for an expanded edition that could delve deeper into advanced techniques and offer further insights into addressing challenging behaviors.
Nonetheless, the overall positive response underscores the book’s effectiveness in conveying innovative training methods in an engaging and understandable manner.
The high customer rating further attests to the book’s success in meeting the needs of both novice and experienced dog trainers seeking to adopt social learning strategies in their training repertoire.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Innovative approach to dog training based on the latest research in social learning.
- Suitable for a diverse range of dogs, including service dogs and canine athletes.
- The inclusion of a DVD provides an interactive learning experience.
- High customer satisfaction is evident from the 4.6/5 rating.
Cons
- At 96 pages, the book may not delve as deeply into the nuances of social learning as some readers might prefer.
- More complex behaviors may require additional resources or training beyond what is provided.
Price and Availability
At a price of $21.95, “Do As I Do: Using Social Learning to Train Dogs” presents itself as an affordable yet invaluable resource for dog owners and trainers alike. This cost is particularly appealing when considering the dual components of the package: a detailed book and an instructional 42-minute DVD with English subtitles.
The price mentioned in this review was current at the time of writing. Please note that prices are subject to change.
Together, these materials offer a rich, multifaceted approach to learning and applying the social learning method in dog training scenarios. The inclusion of the DVD is especially beneficial, providing visual demonstrations that complement the written text, thus enhancing the overall learning experience.
This unique training guide is readily available for purchase on Amazon, a platform that not only facilitates easy acquisition but also serves as a repository of user experiences.
Prospective buyers can browse through a multitude of reviews and ratings on Amazon, providing them with valuable insights into the effectiveness and applicability of the “Do As I Do” method.
These firsthand accounts from other dog owners and trainers can be instrumental in making an informed decision about the purchase.
Furthermore, Amazon’s user-friendly interface and customer service add an extra layer of convenience to the buying process, ensuring that the book-DVD combo is accessible to a wide audience seeking to explore innovative dog training methodologies.
Comparison with Other Dog Training Books
The “Do As I Do” training method differentiates itself significantly from other dog training philosophies by leveraging the concept of social learning rather than solely relying on the conventional reward-based or correction-based methods commonly seen in dog training literature.
While traditional approaches often emphasize the importance of reinforcing desired behaviors with treats or correcting unwanted behaviors, Claudia Fugazza’s method capitalizes on the dog’s innate ability to learn by observing and mimicking the actions of others.
This not only provides a novel perspective on canine training but also facilitates a deeper bond between the dog and the trainer, as it involves a more interactive and engaging learning process.
Furthermore, “Do As I Do” underscores the potential for dogs to learn complex behaviors and tasks that might be challenging to teach through traditional methods.
For instance, teaching a dog to open a door by pushing a handle could be cumbersome with treat-based reinforcement, but by demonstrating the action and encouraging the dog to imitate, the learning process becomes more intuitive and effective for the dog.
This approach is particularly beneficial for training service dogs and canine athletes, where complex and precise behaviors are required.
The contrast in methodologies underscores the innovative aspect of “Do As I Do” and positions it as a unique and valuable resource for dog trainers and owners seeking alternative training methods.
Conclusion: Do As I Do by Claudia Fugazza
The methodology presented in “Do As I Do: Using Social Learning to Train Dogs” stands out in the realm of dog training techniques. Authored by Claudia Fugazza, this guide capitalizes on the power of social learning, where dogs learn by observing and mimicking the actions of others, be it their human trainers or fellow canines.
This approach not only fosters a deeper bond between dogs and trainers but also facilitates the learning process in a more natural and enjoyable manner for the dog. The inclusion of a 42-minute DVD, featuring English subtitles, provides visual and practical demonstrations of the training methods discussed, enhancing understanding and application for trainers of all levels.
While the book is concise, with 96 pages, it efficiently conveys the essence of the “Do As I Do” method, backed by positive feedback from a wide audience, including professional trainers and casual dog owners alike.
Its innovative approach, which is distinct from traditional command-based training, offers a fresh perspective that has been met with high praise, as reflected in its customer ratings.
This book-DVD combination is not just an educational tool but a stepping stone towards exploring the vast potential of social learning in dog training.
For those seeking to elevate their training practices through a scientifically-backed, empathetic approach, this resource serves as an invaluable guide.
Other Books You Might Enjoy:
Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell – by Alexandra Horowitz
An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us – by Ed Yong
