Dog Psychology

This is an in-depth look into how dogs learn and the science behind it.

Overview

Dogs are not humans and learn differently. They rely on pattern recognition and body language rather than cognitive reasoning. To help them navigate the human world, use calm, consistent training that repeats clear patterns.

Understanding your dog’s body language is key. For example, if they show discomfort while being petted and you stop, it shows you respect their feelings. This strengthens your bond and builds their trust, teaching them that subtle cues are enough to communicate.

Sections below:

In-Depth look at Classical and Operant Conditioning, ABC’s, and Motivation.

Less In-Depth Look Into How Dog’s Learn

Three Primary Principles

Principle 1: Timing

You have about 1 second to reward or correct your dog for a behavior. If you’re too late, your dog will associate the reward or correction with what they’re doing at that moment instead. Mark or reward the behavior immediately to help them understand what earns praise or correction. For example, if your dog stops barking, reward them right away—silence isn’t feedback.

Principle 2: Motivation

Dogs do what’s rewarding. Use food, toys, praise, or pressure to motivate them. The reward must outweigh distractions (e.g., a squirrel). Adjust for each dog's perseverance—reward small steps (e.g., a quarter turn for “spin”) to keep them engaged. This process, called "shaping," builds behavior gradually.

Principle 3: Consistency

Dogs learn through predictable patterns. Be consistent with expectations—don’t allow a behavior one day and correct it the next. Use the same tone for commands and follow through every time. Consistency helps your dog understand what’s expected and reinforces learning, even if timing or motivation is imperfect.

Classical Conditioning

Classical Conditioning is happening ALL OF THE TIME whether you want it to or not. Pay attention to what your dog is learning.

Overview

Classical conditioning, also known as Pavlovian conditioning, is a type of learning where a neutral stimulus becomes meaningful by being paired with something that already has meaning.

In 1927, Ivan Pavlov demonstrated this with dogs. Before feeding them,
he rang a bell. Over time, the dogs learned the bell signaled food and
started to salivate at the sound, even before seeing or smelling the food.

Here’s how it works:

  • A Neutral Stimulus (the bell) initially has no meaning.

  • An Unconditioned Stimulus (the food) naturally causes a
    reaction (salivation).

  • When the Neutral Stimulus is repeatedly paired with the
    Unconditioned Stimulus, the dog associates them.

  • The Neutral Stimulus becomes a Conditioned Stimulus,
    and the dog responds to it (salivates) even without the
    food present.

In simple terms, the bell started as “just a sound” but
became a signal for food, making the dogs drool in anticipation!

Rule #1: Always Work Below Threshold

Threshold is the point where your dog becomes overwhelmed
by stimuli. Once crossed, stress builds, and productive training
becomes impossible. Stay just below this limit to keep your dog
engaged and learning. Over time, their threshold will improve,
but progress requires patience.

Expect to Use Lots of Treats

Classical conditioning relies on repetition and reward. You may use 300–400 treats (or verbal rewards like "good dog") in a single day. Unlike obedience training, where treats are eventually phased out, classical conditioning continues until the behavior is solid.

Internal vs. External Training

  • External Training (Operant Conditioning): Focuses on visible actions like Sit, Down, or Stay. It works on the Central Nervous System and uses reinforcement or punishment to shape behaviors.

  • Internal Training (Classical Conditioning): Focuses on emotional states and motivations, influenced by the Limbic System. You can’t directly observe emotions, but you can see their effects.

Key Points:

  1. Don’t treat internal problems as obedience problems.
    Suppressing outward behaviors doesn’t address the root emotional issue—it just masks symptoms.

  2. You can’t reinforce or punish emotions.
    Reinforcement/punishment impacts actions (CNS), not emotions (Limbic System).

  3. You’re always using both systems.
    While teaching a command through Operant Conditioning, you’re also shaping the dog’s emotional response via Classical Conditioning.

The Impact:

Training done with rewards and kindness creates positive emotional associations: “Training is awesome! I love my owner!”
Harsh methods might yield obedience but leave negative emotional fallout: “Training was stressful. I didn’t like it.”

Takeaway: Aim for positive emotional states alongside good behavior for long-term success.

The Four Quadrants of Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning is learning by an association with what happens after the behavior. The ABC’s of Behavior Modification are using this method.

See the How Dogs Learn video.

Understanding the Four Quadrants of Operant Conditioning

Dogs learn through cause and effect: their behavior influences the environment.

The four quadrants are:

  1. Positive Reinforcement

  2. Negative Reinforcement

  3. Positive Punishment

  4. Negative Punishment

Key Terms:

  • Positive: Adding something to influence behavior (doesn’t mean “good”).

  • Negative: Removing something to influence behavior (doesn’t mean “bad”).

  • Reinforcement: Encourages a behavior to be repeated.

  • Punishment: Discourages a behavior from being repeated.

By understanding these, you can better shape your dog’s behavior!

Classical conditioning forms an association between two stimuli.

Operant conditioning forms an association between a behavior and a consequence.

Positive Reinforcement

This is the most common training method. You add something (like a treat, praise, or toy) to encourage the behavior to happen again.

Example: Your dog sits, so you give them a treat. The treat reinforces the behavior, making them more likely to sit in the future.

Human Example: Your child washes the dishes, and you reward them with a cookie, money, or extra screen time.

Negative Reinforcement

This involves applying pressure (leash, spatial, verbal) that is removed once the dog performs the desired behavior. The pressure starts when the behavior is not performed and stops the moment they comply.

Example: You ask your dog to sit, and they don’t respond. You gently pull up on the leash. As soon as they sit, you stop pulling. The dog learns that sitting removes the pressure.

The pressure isn’t harmful, just mildly annoying.

Human Example: Think of the dinging sound in your car when you don’t wear a seatbelt. It stops as soon as you buckle up.

Positive Punishment

This involves adding something the dog doesn’t like to discourage a behavior from being repeated. Unlike negative reinforcement, it’s more aversive and applied briefly.

Example: If your dog chases squirrels, which is rewarding for them, you might use a quick leash pop to discourage the behavior. Afterward, guide them toward the behavior you do want, using reinforcement, so they learn an alternative.

Human Example: Getting a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt. The ticket (added consequence) discourages you from repeating the behavior.

Negative Punishment

This involves removing something the dog likes to discourage a behavior. It’s a commonly used method, often without realizing it.

  • Example 1: If your dog jumps on you while being petted, you stop petting them to discourage the jumping.

  • Example 2: If your dog doesn’t sit or offers the wrong behavior (like lying down), they don’t receive the treat.

  • Example 3: If your dog tries to leave the crate without being released, you close the door, removing the reward of freedom.

Human Example: If you lose your driver’s license for getting too many tickets, the privilege of driving is taken away to discourage unsafe driving behavior.

Phases of Learning

There are four phases of learning. Each phase should progress slowly. You should refrain from moving to the next phase until the dog fully understands what is expected of them. 

Phase One – Acquisition

(Learning and Luring)

In this stage, the dog learns a behavior for the first time, using treats to guide them.

  • Luring (or hand signals) helps prevent confusion.

  • Repetition connects the verbal command to the action.

Phase Two – Automatic

(Motivation)

In this stage, the dog responds to commands without needing a hand signal. The handler waits to give or show the treat until after the dog follows the command.

Phase Three – Generalization

(Distractions)

In this stage, your dog should follow commands regardless of the person or location. Dogs need extra practice to generalize behaviors, so ensure you train in various situations with different distractions.

Phase Four – Maintenance

Once your dog reliably follows commands, even with distractions, they’re considered trained. However, training is a lifelong process, and you may need to revisit basics throughout your dog’s life.

Tips for Phase 3 Generalization

FIRST: Practice a new command/behavior at home, with little distraction, until your dog fully understands the command and responds in that space appropriately. 

SECOND: Generalize the behavior by practicing: 

1. In other rooms in the house
2. On different surfaces (rugs, tile, wood)
3. Different times of day
4. With different family members and friends commanding the dog
5. During different weather conditions
6. While wearing a harness (without a harness too), while wearing a leash, holding the leash and while it drags on the floor
7. With the radio, TV or computer playing in the background
8. On the deck or patio in your backyard
9. On the driveway and sidewalk in your front yard
10. On the grass
11. On a walk
12. Waiting for the school bus
13. While your neighbor cuts the lawn
14. Around other dogs, people, squirrels and rabbits
15. Around children playing
16. Inside and outside of a store
17. Different distances from your dog and in different positions (sitting, standing, kneeling)
18. Inside and outside stores
19. Around groups of people
20. In a heavy traffic areas 

Tip: The more engaged and invested you are in working with your dog, the easier it will be for them to respond in different situations. Use high-quality treats, maintain a positive attitude, and if your dog struggles, return to a location where they were successful. Practice the skill a few more times there before progressing.