Understanding how dogs learn is key to effective training. While many people rely on intuition or outdated dominance-based theories, behavioural science provides clear, research-backed methods that lead to reliable and humane training outcomes. By understanding operant conditioning and reinforcement, we can better shape behaviours, improve communication, and build a stronger bond with our dogs.

The foundations of learning: Operant conditioning and reinforcement

One of the most influential theories in dog training comes from Edward Thorndike’s Law of Effect, which states that behaviours followed by positive outcomes are more likely to be repeated. This principle laid the groundwork for B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning, which explains how behaviour is shaped by consequences.

In operant conditioning, behaviours are influenced by four types of consequences:

• Positive reinforcement: Adding something pleasant to increase behaviour (e.g., giving a treat for sitting).
• Negative reinforcement: Removing something unpleasant to increase behaviour (e.g., stopping leash pressure when a dog walks nicely).
• Positive punishment: Adding something unpleasant to decrease behaviour (e.g., using a loud noise to deter jumping).
• Negative punishment: Removing something desirable to decrease behaviour (e.g., turning away when a dog jumps for attention).

Modern, ethical trainers focus on positive reinforcement because it is scientifically proven to encourage learning without fear or stress (Burch & Bailey, 1999).

Primary vs. secondary reinforcement

Reinforcement comes in two main forms:

• Primary reinforcement: Things that are naturally rewarding to dogs, such as food, water, and play.
• Secondary reinforcement: Things that become rewarding through association, like praise, clickers, or petting.

Pairing secondary reinforcers (e.g., verbal praise) with primary reinforcers (e.g., treats) helps strengthen associations and make rewards more effective over time.

Extinction and the importance of consistency

Behaviour doesn’t just disappear, it needs to be extinguished properly.

• Extinction bursts: When a behaviour suddenly intensifies before it fades (Burch & Bailey, 1999). Example: Imagine putting money into a vending machine that usually gives you a snack. One day, it doesn’t work. Do you just walk away? Probably not. You might press the button harder, shake the machine, or try again before finally giving up. Dogs go through a similar process when a behaviour that used to work stops being reinforced.
• Spontaneous recovery: Previously reinforced behaviours can reappear even after they seem to be gone.
• Inconsistent reinforcement can unintentionally strengthen bad habits (e.g., sometimes giving in to begging makes the behaviour harder to eliminate).

Escape and avoidance learning

Aversive training often relies on escape and avoidance conditioning, where a dog learns to perform a behaviour to stop or prevent an unpleasant experience:

• Escape conditioning: The dog performs a behaviour to make something unpleasant stop (e.g., moving away from leash pressure).
• Avoidance conditioning: The dog acts preemptively to prevent an aversive event (e.g., lying down to avoid a scolding).

These methods can lead to fear-based behaviours, making modern trainers avoid them in favour of reward-based training that builds trust instead of avoidance (Burch & Bailey, 1999).

Schedules of reinforcement: What works best?

Reinforcement schedules determine how often a behaviour is rewarded:

• Continuous reinforcement: Rewarding every correct response (best for teaching new behaviours).
• Variable reinforcement: Rewarding at unpredictable intervals (best for maintaining strong behaviours, like how slot machines keep people playing).
• Jackpot rewards: Occasionally giving a large reward to boost motivation (Burch & Bailey, 1999).

Research shows that variable reinforcement builds the strongest, most reliable behaviours, which is why it is often used in advanced training.

The role of stimulus control

To be effective, a cue (command) should be consistent, reliable, and meaningful to the dog. Poor timing or inconsistent cues create confusion and frustration.

• Dogs learn best when cues are clear and predictable.
• Unintentional cues (e.g., body language) can influence behaviour more than words.
• Punishment-based training often fails because it does not teach the dog what to do instead (Burch & Bailey, 1999).

What this means for dog training

By using science-based methods, we:

• Improve learning efficiency.
• Strengthen the human-dog bond.
• Reduce stress and frustration for both the dog and the guardian.
• Encourage a positive, willing attitude toward training.

Final thoughts

Decades of research confirm that reinforcement-based training is the most effective and humane way to teach dogs. Understanding how dogs learn helps us tailor training methods to each individual dog’s needs, creating confident and well-behaved companions.

📅 Want to train using science-backed methods? Book a private session and discover how to apply these principles to real-world training!

Further reading: If you’re interested in diving deeper into the science of learning, How Dogs Learn by Mary R. Burch and Jon S. Bailey (1999) is a fantastic resource. It breaks down operant conditioning and reinforcement in an accessible way for trainers and dog guardians alike.