The study of social-cognitive learning theory (SCT) in animals is not new science. The research on SCT dates back to the 1950s. The 1990s also contributed to the advancement of SCT learning in animals such as dogs and more recently horses.

Thirteen years ago, the Dogue Shop innovated and incorporated SCT to its teaching programs, classes, and other animal learning events. Science is changing the way we interact and train animals; consequently, we now offer our innovative series of workshops to other animal professionals.

The workshops are presented in Montreal and focus on dog social cognitive learning theory: dog attachment, dog cognition, and dog imitation. Gaby designed the series for intermediate to advanced trainers who wish to further their knowledge and add new skills to their toolbox. 

As with all our seminars and workshops, we include notes and supplies in the prices. We give the classes on Wednesday nights. Each class is three hours long. Should you wish to receive the schedule when it comes out, please subscribe to our newsletter. We promise we won't inundate your e-mail box.  

Workshops are designed independently from one another. Thus, you can take the workshops individually. Should you wish to take all three workshops, we suggest you take them in order: attachment, cognition, imitation. The workshop will focus on the dog as our partner; therefore, dogs are welcome in this series of workshops after they are approved. The following key points are the knowledge you can expect to learn from our social learning workshop series.

- Attachment styles
- Attachment exercises
- Cognitive processing
- Cognitive abilities
- Cognitive memory
- Cognitive exercises
- Verbal cues&  behaviours
- Imitation rule/s
- Train complex behaviours

Dog Social Attachment
The first workshop in the series is called Social Attachment.  The workshop is a derivative of Bandura's social cognitive learning theory. The focus of the workshop is to understand the different attachment styles, how to modify attachment via tangible exercises, and how to maintain a positive attachment despite life's busy environment. 

Human-dog relationships, or lack thereof,  will be observed, discussed, and experimented. Participants are welcome to bring their dog or an unfamiliar dog. In any case, participants in this workshop will work with familiar and unfamiliar dogs to grasp new concepts and training protocols. We will conduct strange situation evaluations and conduct assessments of attachment styles to identify social cues better. 

There's a high possibility we will add a "part two" series with horses to this workshop. We will keep participants informed via our newsletter. You can subscribe here for future information. 

Dog Social Cognition, AKA Brain Games
The second workshop in the series is called Cognitive Brain Games. The workshop is based on social-cognitive learning theory. The workshop is a hands-on class designed to teach you how to develop your dog's problem-solving skills and deepen your bond. We will explore science-based tests to identify how you and your dog are bonded, mutually trusting, and so forth. 

These activities will also tire dogs in a fraction of the time it would typically take with physical activity. Fifteen minutes of cognitive stimulation via problem-solving is equivalent to approximately one hour of physical activity. Yes, you read that right !!! 

During these workshops, participants will learn why dogs should play brain games, and how to create DIY puzzles, games, and toys designed to stimulate your pet mentally. From commercial toys to the recycling box, we will teach you how to enrich your dog's life. Participants are encouraged to bring challenging, nonaggressive, dogs to this workshop.

Dog Social Imitation
The last workshop in our social learning series is called Social Imitation and is based on Do As I Do research from Hayes & Hayes (1952). Furthermore, our workshop incorporates Claudia Fugazza's social learning rule (Fugazza & Miklósi, 2014). For those who follow us, you will remember Claudia Fugazza from our summer 2016 seminar.

During the workshop, you will learn the Do As I Do protocol and start to teach your dog to imitate your actions. Before you can participate in the workshop you will be required to train specific behaviours. It is highly recommended you communicate with us beforehand should you wish to participate actively.

We offer an observation discount should you decide your dog cannot partake in the exercises. This workshop is a dog event. Thus, you will need to reserve your spot should you wish to come with your beloved canine partner.

For more information contact Gaby or visit the Dogue’s Events page for future dates. This workshop is free to ABA-2 students or professionals who have taken Claudia Fugazza’s seminar in the past. Please note, we have limited space, as such, we will require a receipt from your participation to a past event.

Hope to see you at one of our events.

Cheers!