Owners grow frustrated when their dogs struggle to learn a command or exhibit a behavior. Often times, humans mistakenly believe the word ‘stay’, along with supporting hand gestures, are sufficient enough to prevent the dog from moving. Each time the dog breaks command, the owner reprimands the dog and repeats the sit command. Had they shaped the behavior, not only would they accomplish their end result quicker (dog sits and stays until released from command), the learning process would eliminate stress and frustration for the dog and the handler.
What is shaping?
Shaping is a process used to teach dogs new commands/behaviors by breaking the command down into small, rewardable steps. When the dog learns one step, another is added, until the full behavior is understood. This method engages the dog because rewards are given throughout the learning process.
Think back to your education. If teachers assigned 20 pages of information to study and gave a unit exam two days later, most of us would likely fail miserably. Our stress level would skyrocket. That is why teachers break units of study down into smaller parts. After teaching each section, they quizz students to assess their knowledge of the material. By the time the unit is finished, students are better equipped to pass the larger exam.
Teachers use the shaping process to teach their students. Dog Trainers use the same process to teach dogs. Let’s discuss the down command.
You can teach your dog almost anything using the process of shaping. The first thing you must know is that shaping a command takes patience, time and a well-developed training plan. Before you teach any command to a dog, you must prepare your lesson ahead of time. A simple lesson can go off the rails quickly if you aren’t prepared.
How do you begin your training plan?
- You start with the final result.
What is the final goal you are looking to achieve? This goal could be teaching a dog to shake hands or teaching a puppy to sit on command. It could be getting your dog to roll over or remain on her bed during mealtime. You just need to know exactly what you want to accomplish.
2. Find your starting point.
What part of the command does the dog know? When teaching the down command, it is easiest for the dog to begin in a sit. If the dog fully understands the sit command, then that is your starting point. If not, then you need to begin by teaching sit. The starting point is equally as important as the end result.
3. Rewarding small achievements along the way.
What small achievements will you reward while teaching the command? You could begin by rewarding the dog anytime he lowers his head and keeps his butt on the ground. The second goal could be lowering his nose to the ground while keeping the butt on the floor. The third, lowering his nose to the ground (butt down) and moving one paw slightly forward. Continue to add small, rewarding goals until he lowers himself into a down.
In this step-by-step instructional video, Jessica teaches a puppy the down command using the shaping technique.
Our 18 week online program is a hands-on program where students are required to work with dogs. Skill and ability is determined through a series of videos submitted to the school. We also offer a 2-week and 4-month in-person internship. To learn more about the courses we offer, visit ISCDT.com
Katie McKnight
ISCDT - The Dog Trainer's School 
Well done.Your amazing
and inspiring tips save the world. Keep the fire ablaze as far as making the world a better place in educating our lovely friends(dogs) and their owners.Stay blessed.
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Thank you so much. You are so kind. I will miss you when you graduate.
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