See how I use free shaping to work with Dougal on creating a new behavior (we’re not even sure what the final goal is yet). The benefits of teaching a dog through shaping are enormous! It allows them to make mistakes without getting in trouble, it improves their problem solving skills, and thus their confidence, and helps them learn to cope when things don’t go their way. These are all vital skills when living with dogs, especially anxious/timid dogs.