Shaping dog training definition

If frustration creeps in for either of you, take a break. However, later on, you could use a more “natural” reward, such as getting to go outside and play or getting to go on a walk. Later, you might incorporate this trick into a larger sequence of tricks, with one big reward at the end.

PART 4: When shaping “fails” to work

Shaping is a very powerful training tool.

However, the reverse is usually true. (Note: This video was edited to show the steps involved. In this example of shaping, the dog is learning how to crawl under an object.

These problem-solving skills transfer to other areas, creating a more adaptable, intelligent companion.

📉 Troubleshooting Common Shaping in Dog Training Mistakes

If your dog shows signs of stress or frustration during shaping sessions, consider whether separation anxiety or other behavioral concerns might be affecting their ability to focus.

Keep rewards smaller than your pinky nail—you’ll be giving many throughout each session. All the while, she is gradually adding more water. Puppies between 8-16 weeks are especially receptive, as their brains are primed for learning. The beauty of shaping a dog is that you’re rewarding incremental progress toward the completed behavior, which helps keep dogs engaged when working on challenging or multi-step procedures.

Because you’ll be capturing small steps towards the finished behavior, which often happen quickly, it helps to use a dog clicker or marker word so that your dog understands exactly why he’s being rewarded.

Notice how Emily makes the behavior easy at first for Tug by using a tall object that he can go under easily.

Shaping example 8: Teaching a visual match to sample

With shaping, anything is possible! Once he is doing this reliably, your next step might be for him to go all the way onto the bed and then lie down.

It keeps training sessions interesting and mentally stimulating, which can help prevent boredom and behavioral issues. A trainer would say that the dog has been “shaped” to get into the crate.

Often with simple behaviors such as sit, the trainer expects the animal to do the whole movement from the beginning. Since you have his favorite treats and you start by standing right next to the bed, he figures this out fairly quickly.

You will want to consider how you will progress toward the final behavior, the different steps you will use, and how you will decide when to move on at each step.

While it’s important to have a solid plan, it’s also important to remember that you can change your plan! It’s like teaching your dog in baby steps—one success at a time—until they master something amazing.

Instead of waiting for a dog to magically perform the full command, shaping in dog training builds it piece by piece.

Here are four more shaping examples with some other types of critters.