The process of getting a behavior established that is not learned or performed by an individual at present is referred to as Shaping. Shaping can also be defined as the measures taken that involves reinforcing behaviors that are closer to the target behavior, also known as successive approximations. The concept was first developed and used by B.F Skinner, who is known for his theories that involve learning behaviors through reinforcement. If the circus trainer wants the cat to pull the rope he or she has to reinforce the behavior of the cat.
Shaping refers to achieving a target behaviour by rewarding other similar behaviours. This is called successive approximations.
In this example, the trainer should reward the cat for similar actions to the desired response, such as standing near the rope. Then, the trainer should reward the cat when another slightly different behaviour is achieved (e.g. touching the rope). This way, the cat will likely reach the point of pulling the rope.
