Because dogs are such close companions to us, it is easy to humanize them. Many dog movies and television shows including Lassie, 101 Dalmatians, Lady and the Tramp, Bolt, and others have encouraged this view.

However, dogs are not humans, and humans are not dogs.

Humanizing a dog causes miscommunication between human and canine, which can result in a variety of dog behavioral issues.

For example, many dog owners attribute their dog pooping on their favorite carpet or eating poop, when they are not home, as an act of vengeance. In actuality, it is just a symptom of stress from having an unexpected change in their routine (separation anxiety).

Dog Psychology - How Dogs Learn, How Dogs Think

Dog Psychology vs. Dog Training

Some trainers claim that dog psychology involves pack theory and acting like a dog. According to them, obedience training is not dog psychology but simply teaching a dog tricks.

In particular, a dog who has undergone obedience training may understand training commands such as Sit, Down, and Heel, but may still engage in destructive and aggressive behaviors, such as chewing our designer shoes, or digging up our prize roses.

Is this true?

• Is there a big difference between dog psychology and dog obedience training?
• What about dog behavior modification?
• How do dogs really learn?

In fact, this separation of terms is unnecessary and only creates confusion.

Dog behavior modification, dog training, and dog tricks are ALL based on operant conditioning.

Dog behavior modification, dog training, and dog tricks are ALL based on operant conditioning.

Dog Psychology vs. Dog Training

Based on these dog psychology principles, we know that dogs learn by repeating behaviors with good results, and stopping behaviors with bad results.

Operant conditioning consists of aversive methods and reward methods. Both aversive and reward methods, can be used to modify dog behavior, train a dog to follow commands, and teach a dog new tricks.

Operant conditioning forms a big part of what we understand of dog psychology and animal psychology.

Misunderstanding of Dog Psychology

Misunderstanding of Dog Psychology.

• The claim that dog obedience training, and dog tricks are somehow not based on dog psychology is false.
• The claim that food only works for obedience training and dog tricks is false.
• The claim that using food in dog training is bribery, and somehow ineffective is false.
• The claim that using food is humanizing the dog and therefore inappropriate is false.
• The claim that reward dog training is only based on food is false.
• The claim that aversive dog training, particularly physical force training is more effective at behavior modification than reward training is false.
• The claim that physical force is required to modify dog behavior is false.
• The claim that physical force is an integral part of dog psychology is false.

Both aversive and reward techniques, can be used to “train” our dog to sit on command, to sit instead of dig on command, to drop whatever he is chewing, to chew his toy instead of our shoes, and to dig in the sand pit instead of in the rose-bed.

The divide between dog psychology, dog behavior modification, and dog training simply does not exist.

Many of these supposed behavior modification techniques, including leash jerks, alpha rolls, and finger pokes, are aversive conditioning techniques.

Both aversive and reward techniques, can be used to “train” good behaviors, as well as stop bad behaviors.

Dog Psychology and Dominance/Pack Theory

Dog Psychology and Dominance/Pack Theory

Dominance theory is based on the observation that wolf packs and wild dog packs are ruled by an alpha male and an alpha female. This alpha pair controls all of the pack’s resources and sets all of the pack rules. There are also rituals that pack members must follow including letting the alpha pair have access to the best food,best sleeping area, and best resources.

The theory is that when dogs come to live with us, we become part of their pack and must assume the alpha male and alpha female positions. Part of assuming this position, is to follow similar pack rituals including eating before our followers, not letting our followers have access to beds and couches, always walking in front of our followers, and using physical force to establish and maintain our pack leadership position.

However, recent studies have shown that wolf packs and also wild dog packs are a lot more complex than this simple alpha-pair model. Leadership tends to be more dynamic in nature, and the alpha dogs rule through the control of resources rather than through physical force.

Therefore, even dominance theory cannot be used to support the false claim that physical force is a necessary, or even an effective part of dog behavior modification.

Even dominance theory cannot be used to support the false claim that physical force is a necessary, or even an effective part of dog behavior modification.

While dominance theory and dog pack dynamics are interesting areas of study, the argument of whether they apply to us and our domesticated dogs, is actually a moot point.

Just as dogs are not humans, humans are not dogs.

Contrary to common belief, dogs know that they are dogs and not human. They also know that we are human and not dogs. It is us humans who frequently get confused on these matters.

Since we are human, we are not expected by our dogs to act like dogs. We must communicate with them in a way that they can understand, but that does not mean that we should try to act like them. Not only would we be poor imitators, but however well we pretend, we would still be human, and our dogs will always know what we are.

Because our dogs live in our very complex human world, it is necessary for us to assume leadership and teach them our rules. We must provide for them not just in terms of food and shelter, but also in terms of their health and safety.

To properly manage the safety of a dog (to himself, to other dogs, and to the people around him) it is necessary to institute certain human rules, and to train him to follow those rules. Training of these rules can be achieved through aversive methods or reward methods.

It is as simple as that. No dominance theory required.

Just as dogs are not humans, humans are not dogs.

Dog Behaviorist vs. Dog Trainer

By using operant conditioning techniques, we can shape behavior to prepare our dog for obedience trials, or agility competitions. We can also modify behavior to make our dog into a good citizen at home.

A good dog trainer or dog behaviorist is someone who –

• Understands classical and operant conditioning theories,
• Has good technique (i.e. good timing, execution, redirection);
• Can quickly and accurately read a dog’s body language; and
• Is a good and patient teacher.

There are dog trainers, like Cesar Millan, who mostly use aversive training. There are dog trainers, like Victoria Stillwell, who mostly use reward training. And there are dog trainers who use both.

Reward dog training and aversive dog training have their own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to pick a dog trainer that uses the style of training or behavior modification that you feel is most appropriate for you and your dog.

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers is a great resource for finding professional dog training help in your area.

By using operant conditioning techniques, we can modify behavior to make our dog into a good citizen at home.

Which is Better, Which is Right, and Which is Dog Psychology?

Many arguments arise in the dog behavior modification or dog training arena because many want to claim that their way is better or that their way is right.

To do this, they must first differentiate their way from all other ways. That is why there are so many terms, including dog psychology, dog behavior modification, dog training, dog tricks, and many more, describing essentially the same thing.

Moral judgements such as dog cruelty, dog bribery, evilness and goodness get thrown into the same pot and what results is a whole lot of smoke and not much else.

When we boil dog training or dog behavior modification down to its basics, we are always left with conditioning. And all of us use either aversive operant conditioning methods or reward operant conditioning methods to shape our dog’s behavior.

Both are dog psychology. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.

I cannot say that one is absolutely better than the other, or that one is absolutely right. I can only say that I personally use reward dog training because it is more effective and less risky than the aversive methods I have tried.

Which is Better, Which is Right, and Which is Dog Psychology?

This choice will affect the happiness and well-being of our dog, as well as shape our long-term relationship with our furry best friend.

Dog training is an area where emotions run hot, and we will hear many strong opinions or judgments from just about anyone and everyone.

Dog Obedience Training - Good and Bad

Reward dog training is very effective with Shiba Inu Sephy.

The key to dog obedience training is not to be overly influenced by any one source. Gather information on a variety of methods, from a variety of sources, then judge which is the best one for you and your dog.

Some people may tell us that, “Obedience method X will never work for our dog, because he is too dominant, stubborn, fearful, or aggressive“.

Simplistic statements like these are never true. It is better to research the training method ourselves, and form our own opinion.

Basically, there are two classes of dog obedience training:

1. Reward obedience training (give/remove something that our dog likes), and
2. Aversive obedience training (give/remove something that our dog dislikes).

Dog Obedience Training – Reward and Aversive.

Reward Obedience Training

With reward obedience training, we first identify what our dog likes. Then, we encourage or discourage various behaviors by granting (positive reinforcement) or taking away (negative punishment) access to these rewards.

For example, when our dog sits, he gets a dog treat. If our dog is calm, he gets to interact with other dogs. We stop our dog from chewing on shoes, by redirecting him onto a Kong toy. Which rewards work best, depends on our dog’s personality and on his breed.

My Shiba Inu, for example, is a hunting breed and he is very motivated by chasing games. He also likes to explore new environments, and interact with other dogs. I will often use these as rewards while training him.

One common misconception is that we will not be an effective pack leader if we only use reward obedience training.

This is FALSE.

Pack leadership is most effectively achieved through the control of resources. We teach our dog that he gets the things that he wants most, such as food, toys, access to locations, and access to pack members, by following our lead.

Reward Obedience Training.

Reward Obedience Training – The Good

Reward Obedience Training - The Good.

1. Reward training helps to build a strong relationship based on trust.

Reward techniques teach a dog that all good things come from us. To get what he wants, he must first do what *we* want. Since we are viewed as a source for all of his needs, our dog will naturally gravitate toward us.

In addition, a dog learns that he has to work for his own keep. This engages him in interesting activities, helps him stay sharp, and helps to build confidence.

Reward obedience training helps to build a relationship based on trust.

2. Reward training will not damage our dog either physically or mentally.

With reward training, the worst that happens is the removal of a reward. In contrast, physical aversive methods can cause damage to a dog, especially when not implemented properly.

Long term use of leash corrections may cause harm to our dog even when properly applied.

3. Reward training helps to create a dog that is happy and eager to work.

When we only use reward methods, our dog will be eager to work because work time means reward time.

Reward obedience training helps to create a dog that is happy and eager to work.

Reward Obedience Training – The Bad

Reward Obedience Training - The Bad.

1. Reward training may not always solicit a prompt response to our commands.

For some dogs, a reward may not be as strong a motivator as an aversive stimulus, such as pain or fear.

Reward obedience training may not always solicit a prompt response to our commands.

2. . Reward training may sometimes require us to think outside the box.

With reward techniques, we may need to get creative and come up with our own strategies for motivating our dog. This is especially true when we are trying to stop bad behaviors because our dog may derive more enjoyment from the bad act.

Reward obedience training may sometimes require creativity to out-think our dog.

3. Reward training may require that we bring along some treats or toys when on walks and outings.

This can be an inconvenience. However, we can also use the environment, and the objects around us as incentives. All it takes is a bit more imagination, and a bit more understanding of our dog.

4. Reward training may cause our dog to gain weight.

Obesity can sometimes become a problem if we give our dog too many treats. I easily avoid this by using my dog’s regular food rations as part of his training rewards.

Reward obedience training may cause our dog to gain weight.

Aversive Obedience Training

I divide aversive obedience training into three classes:

1. Pain based (e.g. leash correction, muzzle slaps, ear pinch, shock collar);
2. Dominance based (e.g. alpha rolls); and
3. Other – which includes making loud noises (e.g. shaking or dropping a can of pennies, loud horn, clashing pots), using unpleasant smells (e.g. spraying bitter apple on furniture, spraying citronella on muzzle), using unpleasant sensations (spraying water on muzzle, dumping water on body) or anything else that our dog dislikes.

Different aversive methods may place more or less stress on our dog. In general, pain and dominance based methods are the most stressful.

With aversive obedience training, we encourage or discourage behaviors by applying (positive punishment) or stopping (negative reinforcement) an unpleasant stimulus.

For example, if our dog breaks from his stay before we release him, we give him a leash jerk. If our dog starts biting on the leash, we give him a leash jerk, or spray water on his muzzle until he stops. If he jumps, we give him a leash jerk or knee him.

Cesar Millan, one of the most popular dog trainers on television, uses mostly aversive obedience training. Millan has a lot of confidence, as well as a natural talent for reading dogs. This is very important when applying aversive techniques because if they are not implemented properly, they may cause physical and mental harm.

There are a variety of other trainers that use a combination of both reward and aversive techniques, such as The Monks of New Skete.

If aversive training methods are not implemented properly, they may cause physical and mental harm.

Aversive Obedience Training – The Good

Aversive Obedience Training - The Good.

1. Aversive training may get more consistent and prompt responses to commands.

Many dogs will perform a Sit, Down, or Stay, consistently and quickly because they do not wish to face the stress of an aversive stimulus. Once we get consistent and prompt responses from our dog, we can give him more freedom and let him participate in a wider range of activities.

2. Aversive training may show results in a shorter time-span.

As described above, dogs can be very motivated to avoid pain and threats. We will probably start to see results in a shorter period of time compared to reward training.

3. Do not need to carry around rewards such as treats or toys.

We always have what we need.

A leash and a secure backyard are probably more effective than aversive obedience training for keeping a dog from running into traffic.

Aversive Obedience Training – The Bad

Aversive Obedience Training - The Bad.

1. Aversive training may cause loss of trust.

One of the most dangerous aspects of aversive techniques is losing our dog’s trust. If we over-correct our dog, he may start to associate us with the painful aversive stimulus, and lose trust in us.

Shiba Inu Sephy was a lot less trusting when we applied aversive obedience training.

2. Aversive training may encourage aggression and other unwanted side effects.

If we do not implement an aversive method with the proper timing, force, and redirection, our dog may develop aggression toward us and other people. A recent University of Pennsylvania study shows that if we are aggressive to our dogs, they will be more likely to develop aggression issues.

Follow up an aversive correction with praise and rewards.

3. Aversive training may injure our dog if not implemented correctly.

Incorrect implementation of some of these techniques may cause physical harm to our dog. It may also cause physical harm to us and others, when the dog responds to the aversive stimulus with aggression.

4. Aversive training may become ineffective once our dog gets habituated to the stimulus.

If we overuse an aversive method, it is very probable that our dog will become habituated to it (e.g. he becomes used to the pain). Once this occurs, the dog will be less motivated to respond to our commands because the pain or aversive stimulus is no longer a strong enough deterrent.

Aversive obedience training may encourage aggression and other unwanted side effects.

Dog Obedience Training

Carefully consider which techniques are most suited for you and your dog. Be flexible and do not be afraid to change approaches if the current methods are ineffective, or start to cause aggressive dog behavior.

There are four dog obedience training choices:

1. Mostly aversive training with little praise and few treats (Cesar Millan).
2. Only reward training (Suzanne Clothier, Patricia McConnell, Ian Dunbar, Victoria Stillwell).
3. Mixture of aversive and reward training (Monks of New Skete);
4. Only no-pain and no-dominance aversive methods, combined with reward training.

I use reward obedience training with my dogs and it works out great.