What is Shaping?

Shaping is the primary method of developing behavior through positive reinforcement.
Shaping is taking place all around us whether we are aware of it or not. It is the process
by which we can get otherwise not offered or natural occurring behavior by beginning
with something the learner offers. Often as simple as a look in the direction of the
desired object or in the case of a body movement just a twitch of a muscle toward the
end goal.

Shaping is a method of developing behavior using differential reinforcement (reinforcing
appropriate responses) of successive approximations of the goal behavior. It was introduced by
B. F. Skinner with pigeons and extended to dogs, dolphins, humans and other species.