Luring, Shaping, and Free Shaping: How Behaviors Are Built Step-by-Step

In dog training, we don’t expect the dog to simply know a behavior because we asked for it. Behaviors are built, one layer at a time, through clear communication and structured guidance. The three core methodologies we use to create behavior are Luring, Shaping, and Free Shaping.

Each method has a purpose. Each supports learning in different stages.Understanding when and how to use each one is key to developing precise, confident behavior in your dog.

1. Luring: Guiding the Dog Into Position

Luring is the starting point for most new behaviors.We use food in our hand to guide the dog through the motion of the desired behavior.

The lure:

• Shows the dog how to move

• Reduces confusion

• Builds muscle memory

• Sets the foundation for later shaping

Example: Teaching the Sit with a Lure

Your hand moves upward, guiding the dog’s nose up.As the head lifts, the hips naturally fold into a sit.

Example: Teaching the Down with a Lure

Your hand moves downward and forward, drawing the dog into a down position.

Key Points When Luring

Do	Avoid
Move slowly and smoothly	Jerky or rushed hand movements (in beginning)
Mark the moment the dog completes the behavior	Marking too early or late
Fade the lure early	Relying on food in the hand too long

Once the dog understands the movement, we shift to Shaping.

2. Shaping: Refining the Behavior

Shaping is the process of:

• Reinforcing progress

• Building precision

• Improving clarity in the behavior

During shaping:

• The food is no longer in your hand

• You may use a marker to confirm correct steps

• The dog begins responding to cues, not food movement

What Shaping Looks Like:

• Dog sits faster → mark and reward

• Dog holds the position longer → mark and reward

• Dog sits straight instead of twisted → mark and reward

Shaping turns the idea of a behavior into a reliable action.

3. Free Shaping: Building Initiative and Problem Solving

Free shaping teaches the dog to think, experiment, and offer behaviors confidently.

There is no lure.No physical guidance.The dog tries, we mark what we want.

This is where dogs develop:

• Decision-making ability

• Confidence

• Understanding of cause → effect

Free shaping builds dogs that work, not just comply.

How These Methods Work Together

Stage	Method	Handler Role	Dog’s Learning Focus
Initial Teaching	Luring	Show movement	“What do I do?”
Building Understanding	Shaping	Refine behavior	“How do I do it well?”
Developing Initiative	Free Shaping	Observe & mark	“Can I figure it out myself?”

Training progresses fastest when we move through these stages intentionally.

Summary

• Luring introduces the behavior

• Shaping polishes it

• Free Shaping empowers the dog to think and learn independently

This progression allows your dog to perform behaviors:

• Anywhere

• Under distraction

• With enthusiasm

• Without needing constant food in your hand