How Dogs Learn: History and Training

Have you ever wondered how dogs learn? What makes them so good at understanding and responding to us? Dogs are known for loyalty, intelligence, and their ability to form strong bonds with us. This has all been shaped by both natural instincts and human influence.

The relationship between humans and dogs’ dates back thousands of years. Dogs were domesticated around 15,000 to 40,000 years ago, with some theories suggesting that the first dogs were wolves that evolved to live alongside us. Over time, we have selectively bred dogs for specific traits, such as herding, hunting, and guarding, which in turn, influenced how dogs think, learn, and behave.

This history of cohabitation has created a strong bond, with dogs becoming incredibly attuned to our communication. However, much of their learning still relies on instinctual behaviours that have been passed down through generations and that’s why some breeds appear to learn faster, or differently, to others.

The Science Behind Dog Learning

Dogs primarily learn through two key processes: classical conditioning and operant conditioning. These are the foundations of most dog training methods, including positive reinforcement.

Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning was first discovered by Ivan Pavlov, a Russian scientist. In his famous experiment, Pavlov found that dogs could be conditioned to associate a neutral stimulus (like a bell) with food, and eventually, they would salivate just by hearing the bell. This is known as a conditioned response. Classical conditioning is about forming associations, which is why dogs can quickly associate a certain sound or action with something that happens next (like the sound of a leash or the opening of the food cupboard). They can also associate sounds or actions with negative outcomes as well.

Examples of classical conditioning:

Your dog may associate the sound of his lead with a walk, therefore getting excited just by hearing the lead.

Your dog may have been fine at the vets, but one unpleasant experience and they have now associated the vet with stress and discomfort.

When people first start taking their puppy or dog out for a walk and they meet another dog, the new pet owner may protectively tense and hold the leash tight. Whilst understandable and even instinctual, the unintentional result is your dog mirroring your tense behaviour.

Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner, focuses on how behaviours are influenced by consequences. It is the principle behind training dogs to perform specific actions or avoid certain behaviours. This is where concepts like positive reinforcement, punishment, and shaping come into play.

  • Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding a dog for a desired behaviour, such as giving a treat when they sit on command. This encourages the dog to repeat the behaviour.
  • Negative Reinforcement: Taking away something unpleasant when a dog does something right (e.g., stopping a leash pull when the dog walks nicely).
  • Punishment: Applying an unpleasant consequence to discourage an undesirable behaviour, we do not recommend this approach to training as it can lead to fear and anxiety.
  • Shaping: Gradually reinforcing steps toward a more complex behaviour, like training a dog to roll over by rewarding small movements first.

What’s the best way to teach the dog?

While all dogs can learn through these conditioning processes, the way they learn is influenced by their individual temperament, environment, and history. For example, some dogs may be more food-driven, making them more responsive to treats, while others might be more motivated by toys or play.

It is important to remember that dogs, like humans, have their own personalities, and their learning capacity can vary. Some dogs may pick up new tricks quickly, while others might need more repetition and patience.

Positive Training Methods

Modern training focuses heavily on positive reinforcement, which is based on rewarding desired behaviours rather than punishing undesirable ones. Positive methods have been shown to create stronger bonds between dogs and their owners, reduce anxiety, and encourage quicker learning, hence why we have a positive training approach.

For instance, when training a dog to sit, using a treat as a reward for following the command is more effective than scolding a dog for not sitting immediately. This approach not only encourages the dog to repeat the behaviour but also builds their confidence, as they learn that good behaviour leads to positive outcomes.

Conclusion

Dogs are incredible learners, able to notice subtle cues and adapt to their environment. By understanding the history behind their learning and applying positive training methods, we can build a strong, trusting relationship with our canine companions. Whether you are training your dog a new trick, working through a behavioural challenge, or simply strengthening your bond, the journey of learning is as rewarding for your dog as it is for you.

Remember, patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are the keys to helping your dog learn and thrive. Happy training!