Understanding Free Shaping and Legalities of Service Dogs

Welcome to Day 5 of our service dog training series, where we’ll introduce you to a technique known as ‘Free Shaping’ using the Blanket Game. We’ll also provide you with further insights into the legalities of service dogs, ensuring that you’re prepared for both training and navigating the world with your service companion.

Free Shaping – A Reward-Based Approach

Free Shaping is a training method that allows dogs the freedom to offer behaviors without prompts or lures. This technique was termed by opportunistic researchers, with the concept originating from Skinner’s work with rats and adapted for dog training. Free Shaping uses incremental reinforcement to shape a desired behavior, encouraging the dog’s problem-solving abilities and independence.

Understanding Free Shaping

What is Free Shaping?

Free shaping is a positive reinforcement training technique that encourages dogs to learn new behaviors through a process of trial and error. Rather than directly guiding the dog to perform a specific action, the trainer rewards progressively closer approximations to the desired behavior. This approach helps dogs understand the task at hand, fostering independence and problem-solving skills.

Benefits of Free Shaping

For Dogs: Encourages cognitive development and enhances the dog’s ability to learn complex behaviors independently.
For Trainers: Builds a stronger bond between dog and trainer, making the training process more enjoyable and effective.

Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing Free Shaping

Step 1: Identify Desired Behaviors

Determine the specific tasks you want your service dog to perform, such as retrieving items, alerting to medical conditions, or providing comfort during anxiety attacks.

2: Set Up the Environment

Create a controlled environment where distractions are minimized. Have treats or rewards readily available to offer immediate reinforcement.

3: Reward Initial Approximations

Begin by rewarding any behavior that remotely resembles the desired action. For example, if teaching a dog to retrieve, reward it for showing interest in the object.

4: Gradually Increase Criteria

Once the dog consistently performs the initial behavior, start rewarding closer approximations of the final action. If the goal is to retrieve an item, reward the dog for picking it up, then for bringing it closer to you.

5: Introduce Verbal Cues

Once the behavior is consistently performed, introduce a verbal cue or command. This helps the dog associate the behavior with the specific command.

6: Practice and Generalize

Practice the behavior in different settings and gradually introduce distractions to ensure the dog can perform the task reliably in various environments.

Case Studies

Mobility Service Dog: A trainer uses free shaping to teach a mobility service dog to retrieve different items for their handler. The dog learns to differentiate between objects based on verbal cues.
Diabetic Alert Dog: Free shaping is used to train a diabetic alert dog to detect changes in the handler’s blood sugar levels by initially showing interest in the handler’s breath.
PTSD Service Dog: A PTSD service dog is trained to recognize anxiety and panic attacks using free shaping. The dog learns to respond to subtle behavioral changes in the handler and offer comfort.

Legal Aspects and Requirements for Service Dog Training and Ownership

ADA Definition of a Service Dog

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service dog is defined as a dog trained to perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability. This includes guiding individuals with visual impairments, alerting those with hearing impairments, and providing non-violent protection.

Legal Rights and Responsibilities

Service dog handlers have the right to bring their dogs into public spaces. However, handlers must ensure their dogs are well-behaved and under control at all times.

Distinction Between Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals

Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks, while emotional support animals provide comfort through their presence. Unlike service dogs, emotional support animals do not have the same level of access to public spaces.

Obtaining a Service Dog

The process involves legal documentation and extensive training. Handlers must prove their need for a service dog and ensure the dog meets the training requirements outlined by the ADA.

Penalties for Misrepresentation

Misrepresenting a pet as a service dog is illegal and subject to penalties under state laws and the ADA. This includes fines and potential criminal charges.

ADA’s 2010 Regulations

The ADA’s 2010 regulations revised the definition of service animals, specifying that only dogs (and occasionally miniature horses) qualify.

The Importance of Professional Service Dog Training

Professional training ensures that both handlers and dogs are well-prepared to meet the demands of their roles. Certified trainers have the expertise to address specific needs and challenges, making the training process more effective.

Resources and Support Available

Organizations

Numerous organizations offer resources and support for those seeking to train or own a service dog, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Assistance Dogs International (ADI).

Training Programs

Many programs provide comprehensive training for service dogs and handlers, such as Canine Companions and Paws With a Cause.

Community Support

Online forums and local support groups offer valuable advice and camaraderie for individuals navigating service dog training and ownership.

Personal Experiences

Disability Community

Many individuals from the disability community have shared their positive experiences with service dogs trained through free shaping. These dogs have significantly improved their quality of life.

Veterans

Veterans with service dogs often highlight the profound impact these dogs have had on their mental and physical well-being. Stories of service dogs providing comfort during PTSD episodes or assisting with mobility issues are common.

The Blanket Game – A Practical Exercise

The assignment today involves working towards having your dog lie on a blanket. However, since we’re employing Free Shaping, it’s essential to focus on the process rather than the result. Patience is key, and the enjoyment of the game will facilitate learning.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Introduction: Prepare a rug or blanketing material unfamiliar to your dog.
Set Up: Securely place the blanket in an area free from distractions.
Engagement: Entice your dog with the Clicker Game, involving treats and a clicker, to the blanket.
Reward the Slightest Interest: Begin with rewarding your dog for acknowledging the blanket – whether it’s a look, sniff, or a step towards it.
Raising the Criteria: Gradually increase expectations before issuing rewards. For instance, once consistent eye contact with the blanket is established, wait until your dog touches it, and then until he steps on it or lies down on it.
Continuous Reinforcement: Reinforce each progressive action with clicks and treats, patiently building up to the dog fully lying on the blanket on command.

This simple exercise is crucial. Not only does it enhance cognitive skills, but it is also foundational for more service-specific tasks your dog will need to perform in the future.

Application of Free Shaping in Service Dog Training

Here are examples that showcase how Free Shaping can be applied to practical service dog training scenarios:

Example 1: Service Dog Learning to Open Doors

Building Interest: Initiate by rewarding your dog for simply looking at the doorknob.
Progress: Introduce rewards for any physical engagement with the door, such as nosing or pawing.
Achieving the Final Behavior: Gradually requires more robust interaction, eventually leading to the dog opening the door entirely for the full reward.

2: Service Dog Retrieving Items

Initial Acknowledgment: Reward your dog for noticing specific items on command.
Encouraging Interaction: Increase the criteria to where the dog must touch, and then pick up the item.
Completion: Shape until the dog reliably retrieves the item and brings it to you.

3: Service Dog Alerting for Medical Conditions

Engaging the Senses: Begin by rewarding any interest in the person’s limb.
Raising Awareness: Increase expectations to touching, and later nudging, the limb.
Final Task: Progress until the dog performs a gentle nip or other designated signal as an alert.

Understanding the Legalities of Service Dogs

Knowing the laws surrounding service dogs is as important as the training itself. Service dogs have specific rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring public access and non-discrimination. Handlers need to be informed about these laws to advocate for themselves and their service animals effectively.

For instance, public establishments are typically required to allow service dogs to accompany their handler wherever the public is allowed to go. Furthermore, service dogs are not considered pets, and thus they are exempt from pet fees and restrictions in housing under the Fair Housing Act.

However, understanding local laws is also crucial, as they can vary from one region to the next. It is beneficial to consult with legal resources or support groups for service dog handlers to stay up-to-date with current regulations.

Finally…

Through Free Shaping and games like the Blanket Game, we train not just the dog’s body, but also its mind. This foundational technique ensures our service dogs are ready to approach any challenge and perform essential tasks. Coupled with a thorough understanding of legal rights, service dogs can be empowered to support their handlers fully. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s session, where we’ll continue enhancing the training and bond between you and your service dog.