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Hi Taylor! I think this is a great definition for shaping, but doesn’t give a step by step how to mark and build on approximations. I love that you’re diving in with heel!!! My fav!
I use the down to start people off with this because most lay people can picture in their mind what a down looks like. A traditional heel is often more difficult for people to visualize (although I’m sure you could break it down). The down I describe by expanding upon this idea: the dog won’t go into the down so first we mark and reward dropping their head, then an elbow, then both elbows, then body, then butt. Discussing In between progressions how to mark but withhold primary reward until the dog makes an adjustment …and how we know it’s time to try that. Thanks for posting this…looking at this gets my wheels turning and helps me think about things I need to improve or get to work on!!!
