Capturing: a simple-yet-effective training technique
Capturing is a training technique that refers to marking and rewarding a behaviour that your dog offers naturally, without being prompted. Think of capturing like taking a photo of the behavior you want, but instead of a camera you are using a clicker (or verbal marker) and a treat or other reward. Examples of behaviors you might capture include: lying down at your feet when you sit on the couch; checking in with you on a walk; bringing you a toy to play with; keeping four paws on the floor while you’re prepping food in the kitchen; going into their crate by themselves; etc. Capturing is a time-saver because you don’t need to set aside additional time to train: you are simply watching for your dog to perform a desirable behavior on their own.
There are several benefits to capturing:
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- No need to shape complex behaviors: capturing takes advantage of behaviors the dog offers naturally, which allows us to build desirable behaviors quickly and easily
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- Helps us hone our observation skills, making us better trainers in the process
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- Focuses on positive reinforcement: instead of waiting for our dogs to make a mistake, we are proactively reinforcing our dogs for behaviors we like
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- A great relationship-building exercise: capturing focuses on clear, concise, positive-reinforcement based communication with our dogs
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- A great way to integrate a new dog or puppy into the household: no need to put added pressure onto your new dog by asking them to perform behaviors they may not be able to do yet
Kathy Sdao’s SMART x 50 Protocol is a structured training protocol that uses capturing to build desirable behaviors quickly and easily. SMART stands for See, Mark, and Reward Training, and the “50” refers to 50 times a day: the protocol asks us to observe our dogs throughout the day and look for 50 rewardable moments each day. You can portion out 50 pieces of kibble or treats that you plan to “capture” behaviours with each day; set up some reward stations around the house (kitchen counter, near the front door, etc.) and mark/reward your dog for any behaviors you like!
“People should learn how to be a skilled, generous, creative “feeder.” That is, they should understand and embrace the fact that their main role, if they want to be a great trainer, is to reinforce repeatedly any dog behaviors they want to see more of.” – Kathy Sdao
Easy, Valuable, and Versatile Behaviors to Teach Your Dog
Hand-Target
Other uses:
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- loading in and out of the car
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- passing by distractions
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- greetings! (keeping 4 on the floor) (INCLUDE LINK)
Additional time-saving tips
hire a professional (link to day school and private training)
train on walks or during play (e.g. fetch)
keep sessions short