How Dog's Learn

By John M. Rubin

Dogs play, work, eat, sleep, and learn in such uncomplicated bliss that I was drawn to work with them from a very young age. In today's world, dog trainers and behaviorists have tried to convince us that there is more to the dog than meets the eye. They would like to convince us that the average owner or dog lover could never understand what professionals know. I am convinced, happily, that this is just not so. All-in-all though, the dog has been good to me, and so I find it only right that I remain good to the dog. 

 

Canine, Canid

The ancestor of the domesticated dog is the wolf. Science has recently discovered that domestication of canines possibly began as early as one hundred thousand years ago, when they most likely  closely resembled wolves. Fossil records indicate that approximately 14,000 years ago man, through breeding selection, started to change the conformation of canines at which time they began to look more like the modern dog.

Once only a hunting partner, the dog quickly assumed the additional roles of guard dog and working partner. Finally, within the last 500 years or so, the dog became man’s friend, companion and family pet.

The cooperative, loving nature of the canine and the similar social structures of humans and dogs form a foundation for the unique and enduring connection of two very separate species.

 

Pack animals, den animals, hierarchal social structure, opportunistic omnivores - all these terms apply to both wolf and dog. Domestication is the key difference between wolf and dog. Therefore, one we must thoroughly examine domestication, when it comes to understanding how dogs learn.  

 

Social Structure

In the litter there is mom and pups - that's it. Mom feeds the pups at regular intervals, and the pups sleep, snuggle with littermates to stay warm and eliminate with the help of mom. Once the pups are able to see and move about freely, there is non-stop play between feedings and naps. This whole process evolves very quickly - within the first 6 to 12 weeks of a pup’s life.

 

Socialization occurs every day of this period in a pup’s life. Personalities form. Dominance and submissiveness come into play. Survival of the fittest becomes the most prevalent instinct. At this stage of a pup’s life, he is more similar to a wolf pup than he will ever be again. The only difference between the wolf and the pup’s lives at this stage is the human (breeder’s or owner’s) daily interaction with the bitch and her pups. To further explain the domestication process, it is important to know what is occurring during each of the pup’s developmental stages.

 

Developmental Stages

From Teaching Dog Obedience by: Joachim Zolhard and Gail Tamases Fischer

 

Neonatal Period
(Birth to 12 Days)

The Neonatal Period, from birth to 12 days of age, is devoted to two functions: obtaining nutrition by nursing, and staying warm.

A puppy is not physically self-sufficient when he is born. He needs the warmth of his environment to control his body temperature. He needs physical stimulation to urinate and defecate. He has neither sight nor hearing, and poor senses of smell, taste and touch. He reacts to hot, cold, and to some extent, pain. He also reacts to the smell of mother.

He moves by crawling forward in a circular pattern, moving his head from side to side in an attempt to locate mother. He may vocalize while he's searching, which stimulates the mother to nuzzle him to let him know where she is.

The environment affects him only inasmuch as it touches him. While the puppy grows rapidly in size and strength during this period, his behavior patterns remain virtually the same throughout. EEG's taken during the Neonatal Period show no difference between the puppy's brain waves when he is asleep and when he is awake.  

Transition Period
(13 Days to 20 Days)

The Transition Period is from 13 to 20 days and is marked by a number of physical changes in the puppy. At the beginning of this period, at an average of 13 days, the puppy's eyes will open. While his pupils will react to light, the retinas are still undeveloped. The puppy is unable to see objects or movement until around 21 days of age.

The puppy will begin to crawl backward, as well as forward. A few days later he will begin to walk in a wobbly fashion, falling as often as he takes steps forward. Once he starts walking, the puppy no longer crawls. The first teeth erupt at around 20 days, and he begins to bite and chew. Tail wagging also begins during this period, indicating that tail wagging is not reliant upon seeing and hearing, since he cannot yet see or hear.

He begins to react to sounds at an average of 19.5 days, when he startles at a noise, but is unable to locate the source of the sound.

This critical period is one of rapid physical changes. Over a period of just a week, the puppy has changed from a Neonate, who cannot hear or walk, move his bowels without stimulation, keep himself warm or eat other than by sucking, into a puppy who can do all these things.

Awareness Period
(21 to 28 Days)

The Awareness Period is from 21 to 28 days. This is the first week during which the puppy is able to use his senses of sight and hearing. Because the change in his sensory perceptions happens so abruptly, over a 24-hour period in most puppies, he needs a stable environment. Now he has the greatest need for his mother and for a familiar environment. Weaning or moving the litter to a new location at this time in all likelihood will psychologically scar the puppies.

Learning begins during the Awareness Period. It is the time in the puppy's life when he learns what it is to be a dog.

Canine Socialization Period
(21 to 49 Days)

The period from 21 to 49 days, or three to seven weeks, is the Canine Socialization Period, when the puppy learns to use the species-specific behaviors that make him a dog.

To reach his genetic potential, the puppy must stay in the nest with his mother and littermates throughout this time. During this period he will practice body postures, facial expressions and vocalizations. He learns their effects on his siblings, mother and any other dogs he meets. He learns how it sounds to bark and be barked at, as well as how it feels to bite and be bitten.

He learns the various behaviors that make him a dog: chase games - imitating the chase necessary to catch and bring down game - teach him coordination and timing; greeting behavior teaches him the body postures of greeting; fight games teach him the use of his body, body postures and expressions to elicit various responses. For example, during play, when a fight might begin, the puppy learns that a submissive body posture has the effect of turning off the aggression of his littermate.

During this critical period, the puppy learns one of the most important lessons of his life - to accept discipline. He learns it from his mother, who through discipline teaches the puppies not to bite so hard, or, during the weaning process, to leave her alone.

Human Socialization Period
(7 to 12 weeks)

The best time to bring a puppy into its new home is during the Human Socialization Period, from 50 to 84 days, or seven to twelve weeks. It is also the best time to introduce him to those things that will play a role in his future life. For example, if he has not already been exposed to farm animals and it is necessary for him to interact peacefully with them, it is at this age that he should meet them in a positive, non-threatening manner. If the breeder has not already introduced him to the sounds of the vacuum cleaner, car engines and city traffic, he needs to be exposed to these now. Children, men with beards, women in floppy hats, and senior citizens while all people to us, appear different to the dog. His education and socialization should include exposure to many types of people of all ages.

At seven weeks of age, a puppy's EEG shows the brain waves are the same as those of an adult dog. His capacity for concentration is not yet adult, and his attention span is short. However, he can learn. Not only can a young puppy learn, he will learn whether we teach him or not. This is the age when the most rapid learning occurs. Everything he experiences makes a greater impression on him now than it ever will again. Learning at this age is permanent. 

It is relatively easy to teach a puppy at this age, because he has not yet learned any bad habits that will later have to be cured, and he is just a fraction of his adult size and weight.  This is the ideal time to begin obedience training in a positive, non-punitive manner, taking into account his physical limitations and short attention span.

Fear Impact Period
(8-11 Weeks)

During the Fear Impact Period, from eight to eleven weeks, any traumatic, painful, or frightening experience will have a more lasting impact on the puppy than if it had occurred at any other time. It is the puppy's perception of the experience that is important, not that of the owner.

For example, a trip to the animal hospital during this period, if unpleasant, could forever make a dog apprehensive about going to the veterinarian. By taking along a toy and some treats and making the experience pleasant and fun, the potentially negative impact is alleviated.

Seniority Classification Period
(13 to 16 Weeks)

This critical period, from thirteen to sixteen weeks, is also known as the "Age of Cutting" - cutting teeth and cutting the apron strings.

During the Seniority Classification Period, the dog attempts to clarify and resolve the question of leadership.

Flight Instinct Period
(4 to 8 Months)

The Flight Instinct Period occurs sometime between four and eight months of age. This is the time when a puppy will test his wings. He will venture off on his own and may turn a deaf ear when called.

The Flight Instinct Period lasts from a few days to several weeks. How the dog is handled during this stage will mean the difference between a dog that doesn't come when called and one who responds readily. Because most dog owners are not aware of this naturally occurring developmental stage, they react incorrectly, thereby creating a problem for themselves.

This emergence of the Flight Instinct is another reason for starting puppies in obedience class before this age.

There is a physiological change that corresponds with the Flight Instinct Period - teething. While the adult teeth come through the gums prior to six months of age, they don't set in the jaw until between six and ten months. There is a physiological need for him to exercise his mouth at this time.

Second Fear Impact Period
(6 to 14 Months)

This Fear Impact Period, also called the Fear of New Situations Period, is not as well defined as the first. The Second Fear Impact Period corresponds with growth spurts. Hence, it may occur more than once as the dog matures.

What marks the Second Fear Impact Period is a change in the behavior of the now adolescent dog. He may suddenly be reluctant to approach something new, or be frightened of something or someone familiar. When a dog is exhibiting fear or reluctance, he should not be forced into a confrontation, bullied into being brave, or reinforced in his fear through soothing tones and petting. Force can frighten the dog further, and soothing tones only serve to encourage his fear.

His fear should be handled with patience and kindness. The dog is permitted to work it out for himself without being forced to deal with something he perceives as dangerous. Training during this period puts the dog in a position of success, so his self-confidence will be built up.

Maturity
(1 to 4 Years)

Many breeds, particularly the giant breeds, continue growing and physically changing beyond four years of age, so maturity refers to sexual maturity rather than full growth. For the average dog, maturity occurs sometime between one and a half and three years of age, with small dogs maturing earlier and giant dogs maturing later. This critical period is often marked by an increase in aggression and by a renewed testing for leadership.

 

End of From Teaching Dog Obedience by: Joachim Zolhard and Gail Tamases Fischer

 

Using The Developmental Stages in The Training Process
By John M. and Bonnie S. Rubin

Utilizing your dog’s inherent characteristics and natural instincts are the simplest way to teach your dog to live respectfully with you. As you can see from the different stages of your dog’s development, Mother Nature dictates his physical, mental, emotional and social growth.

 

No where will you find during development the offer of food as a reward or the withholding of food as punishment from your pups first teacher - mom. Neither does she make a clicking sound or shake a can of coins. You will find that she has clearly, gently but firmly provided correction when warranted. (See Positive Punishment)

 

How correction, affection and praise truly come into play is when we include the canine into our homes. We cannot grab our pups around the necks with our mouths nor should we want to. We are humans. Our dogs know we are not dogs. By attempting to correct our dogs in the same manner another dog would only causes anxiety and fear. This is where leash and collar training becomes such a vital part of the teaching process.

 

Alpha Dog Myth

A huge misconception in dog training today is the "alpha-dog" theory and that this somehow can be assigned to the human owner in order to gain respect from the dog. Dogs are indeed pack animals. If you have more than one dog, you will certainly see a pecking order - there will be an alpha dog, and subordinate (s). But in wild wolf or dog packs this really only applies to the breeding pair and not in terms of a "leadership" role as we humans would interpret it. And, most importantly, humans are not dogs. Dogs know we are not dogs, and that is that. We do not smell, move, sound or, even remotely, look like a dog. So there is no reason I have ever been given to believe that any dog views me the way they view an alpha dog. I am not going to poop outside, or eat what my dog has decided to dig up in the yard and present to me.

 

We humans have never compared ourselves to the alphas in other species in order to train them. For example, here are other alphas in their species social structures – stallion/horse, bull/elephant, buck/deer.  I often use the horse as an example when talking about this concept with my clients. I ask them to imagine what their stable of horses would think if they stepped into the pasture and attempted to behave like a stallion!

 

But, make no mistake about it - dogs quickly figure humans out. Dogs are scientists of human behavior. Their survival depends upon their keen perception. A canine’s keen ability to read our body language, interpret our vocal intonations, and sense our mood at any given moment - in a split-second actually - is remarkable and without dispute. They do not need to be trained to be "submissive" to us. As we provide everything for them, dogs really assume this role quite naturally. A dog’s “natural drives" may be something that should be examined, if you are experiencing difficulties with a dog’s behavior.

 

I will concede that a dog views its owner, once this is established through bonding and training, in a leadership role - a human leader. No longer needing to hunt for its own food or search for shelter, the companion dog relies upon us for survival. As the survival instinct is hard-wired into the psychology of the dog, and due to its cooperative nature, a dog willingly accepts humans as leader. Where this relationship often goes awry is when well-intentioned owners attempt to obtain leadership, or control over the dog, using fear, intimidation or by infusing human psychology or reasoning during the developmental stages when imprinting takes place.

 

I have read on more than one website, and in many books, advice on how to be "alpha" in your dogs eyes. I imagine this is why so many dogs display aggression these days. The advice given usually includes: a) pin your dog down, b) stare your dog in the eyes and growl, c) shake your dog by the neck, d) grab its muzzle, etc. I could go on and on. There is usually a disclaimer that states, "if while doing these exercises your dog or puppy snaps or growls at you, stop what you are doing and seek professional help immediately." My guess would be you will need to seek medical attention, if you choose to use these techniques on the wrong dog. You will have also, most likely, permanently limited your ability to establish confidence and trust in your dog. The relationship between humans and dogs is truly unique and without comparison.

 

Warning: To use any of the methods described above during the fear impact stage will most likely permanently, and negatively, alter your dog’s personality.

 

To my amazement a well-known "dog whisperer" appeared on television the other day demonstrating a technique associated with alpha-dominance theory - often referred to as the "alpha roll". The famous "dog whisperer" demonstrated how to deal with an aggressive dog by picking it up by the scruff and pinning it down. I was blown away.  Shouldn't a “dog whisperer” know better? Many of my clients were in disbelief, as I received numerous phone calls. Not only do I know that this type of training/behavior management is counterproductive, what really concerned me was a call from a new client whose husband decided to give it a try. He almost had his face mangled when the dog, obviously frightened, tried to bite him.

 

Behaviorists and so-called experts use the alpha dominance aspect of the canine social structure to try to convince us that this is how we can best bond with our dog. To refute this notion, I would use the example of how dogs evolved from wild wolves to domesticated pets. They did this by being able to adapt to our social structure and not the other way around. While still remaining dogs, they have fit into our human environment beautifully.

 

While the roles are not equal, the relationship is mutually beneficial. You receive unconditional love and companionship from your dog, and your dog receives care, nourishment and shelter - and yes, love.

 

Communication

The leash and collar attaches but separates us from our dogs. It allows for clear communication without creating fear or uncertainty. At the same time it allows us to teach and correct, without getting mean, mad, yelling or hitting. You don’t need to chase your dog down and grab him in order to tower over him with a stern look. On a leash, your dog is a captive student and will respond positively to your neutral corrections combined with generous verbal and physical praise.

 

Quite simply put, your dog can stand near you or roam the distance of the leash. The leash will provide you the ability to take the time to teach, before asking your dog to do something he has not yet learned. There is also a leash law for dogs. That being said, once a dog is truly trained on-leash, progression to off-leash work could commence.

 

Off-leash dog parks or beaches are wonderful areas for dogs to play and socially interact with one another. But I caution: Allowing an ill-mannered dog to bully the other visitors is unfair and unkind. Using these facilities is a huge responsibility for an owner, and one should be mindful of this when attempting to take an aggressive or overly dominant dog into an off-leash area. Seek the services of a trainer or behaviorist first.

 

Willingness to Please

Dogs learn when the advantages and the disadvantage of their actions are spelled out in black and white. When we do not clearly communicate to our dog where their advantage lies, stress and confusion sets in and learning does not take place. If a dog is allowed to make its own choice, with no guidance from us, the possibility is 50/50 that he will make a correct one. For example, if we allow our dogs to decide where they want to go potty - they will usually choose inside our houses. Setting up your dog to succeed builds confidence, and a confident dog is a stable companion.

 

It is the trainer’s or handler’s responsibility to provide, during the training/teaching process, a stimulus that is sufficient and clear enough so that the dog understands where the advantage lies. But first we must always take the time to teach. I cannot stress this enough. Because dogs have an inherent willingness to please, the process of teaching is easily accomplished without the use of food as a bribe, or pain to induce or eliminate a response. Patience and consistency are far better tools than the gimmicks and tricks being pushed by today's dog trainers and manufacturers of training aids. 

 

A quickly-trained dog is not necessarily a well-trained dog. Nor should it be considered a well-bonded companion. The teaching/training process presents to us the unique and special opportunity to develop a very deep, mutually respectful relationship with our canine companion.

 

All Dogs Have A Purpose

From the largest to the smallest, all dogs have a purpose. All dogs need a purpose. For some it might simply be to sit by your side or on your lap as you type away at your computer. Others feel it necessary to keep watch over your children as they play in your yard. And then there is the true working dog that really shows its personality once it has run the agility course, killed the rat in your garage or brought you the morning paper. This sense of purpose is a natural instinct rarely used by today's trainers. In fact, it is often ignored and perhaps even purposefully trained out of the dog. Sad but true.

 

So many owners desire a "mellow" dog, but choose a breed that has a strong working or herding drive. Then they wonder why the dog tears up their condo while they are at work. The owner seeks the services of a trainer who simply provides methods or techniques that suppress the dog’s inherent talents and skills. I cannot tell you how many vets are prescribing sedatives and anti-depressants for dogs that are exhibiting these anxieties.

 

While it is too late to choose another dog, other options do exist including day care, dog walkers, obedience classes, flyball, agility and other terrific activities. These classes teach, as well as allow dogs to expend pent up energy.

 

Operant Conditioning Explained

Since dog trainers and behaviorists will attempt to explain the correctness of their training methods by using the terms “operant conditioning,” especially when they oppose the methods used by others, I have included this information. Operant conditioning is rooted in human psychology and was named by psychologist B.F. Skinner.

 

Operant conditioning is the modification of behavior brought about over time by the consequences of said behavior. Distinguished from Pavlovian conditioning, operant conditioning focuses on voluntary behavior explained by its consequences, while Pavlovian conditioning focuses on involuntary behavior triggered by antecedents (something that happens or exists before something else.)

 

According to Skinner "The innate behavior studied by ethologists is shaped and maintained by its contribution to the survival of the individual and species.  Operant behavior is shaped and maintained by its consequences for the individual."

There are four situations of operant conditioning. Here the terms "positive" and "negative" are not used in their popular sense.  Rather, "positive" refers to addition (+) and "negative" refers to subtraction (-). Also, reinforcers always strengthen behavior; that is what "reinforced" means. Punishment is used to suppress behavior.

 

1. Positive Reinforcement takes place when a behavior (response) is followed by an appetitive (pleasant) response. Most dog trainers/behaviorist takes this literally to mean only food. I have supplied the definition of appetitive below.

ap·pe·tite  (plural ap·pe·tites)noun Definitions:1. desire for food: a natural desire for food 2. strong desire: a strong desire or craving for something[14th century. Via French < Latin appetitus "desire" < appetere "seek after" < petere "seek" (see petition)]ap·pe·ti·tive adj

 

As you can see it can mean anything that is strongly desired; a toy, love and affection, a trip to the Bahamas - name your desire.

2. Negative Reinforcement takes place when a behavior is followed by the removal of an adverse (unpleasant) stimulus thereby increasing that behavior - a negative "reinforcer" reinforces when it is withdrawn.  Negative reinforcement is not punishment. An example would be the Skinner box experiment where a loud noise continued inside the rats cage until a lever was pressed which caused the noise to cease.

 

3. Positive Punishment takes place when a behavior (response) is followed by an adverse (unpleasant) stimulus such as a shock or loud noise which results in a decrease in that behavior.

 

4. Negative Punishment takes place when a behavior (response) is followed by the removal of a appetitive stimulus, such as taking away a toy, which results in a decrease in that behavior.

Skinners experiments did not involve reflexive, impulsive or instinctive behaviors, as he believed these behaviors existed outside the parameters of operant conditioning.

 

Classical Conditioning Explained

Food training for dogs really came about because of research being done in the early part of the 20th century involving digestion which ended up becoming a study by Ivan Pavlov regarding Classical Conditioning. I am sure you have heard the saying "bell rings, dog salivates". Pavlov's experiment proved that all animals could be trained or conditioned to expect a consequence on the results of previous experience.

 

Pavlov began pairing the sound of a bell with giving dogs meat powder. He found that even when the meat powder was not presented, the dog would eventually salivate after hearing the bell. Since the meat powder naturally results in salivation, these two variables are called the unconditioned stimulus and the conditioned stimulus. The bell and the salivation are not naturally occurring (the dog was conditioned to respond to the bell.) Therefore, the bell is considered the conditioned stimulus and the salivation in response to the bell is the conditioned response.

 

The Natural Dog

My Natural Training Method couples positive reinforcement with positive punishment for teaching obedience.  For example, in order to correct inappropriate behaviors like jumping, nipping, and lunging, I use the leash and collar. (positive punishment.) In addition, I use praise, petting, toys, etc. to reinforce good behavior (positive reinforcement.) However, in my experience, these are not the only training methods that get results. Situationally, I use a variety of other methods and techniques geared toward the individual dog and its owner. I never use food as a bribe, although I often use it as a lure and occasional reward. Never have I used pain-compliance or alpha-dominance. In my opinion, it is only used by trainers who think it will result in a quick response. Quick responses are not an indication that the dog understands.

 

As I see it, because of the strong instinctual "drive" present in dogs, there are limitations to applying only Operant Conditioning theories or only Classical Conditioning theories with regard to dog training.

A drive is an internal mechanism that pushes the dog into taking action. All dogs have certain basic drives. The only real difference among dogs is a matter of degree.  The basic drives are: Prey, Rank/Pack, Defense (Fight)/ Defense (Flight) All are deeply situated in the natural survival instincts of the canine. There are other very strong drives that can be detected and developed for service dog work.

 

According to the laws of operant conditioning, "any behavior that is consistently rewarded every single time will be produced only intermittently and will therefore not be reliable." Using a dog’s "drive" along with operant conditioning can produce much more consistent results.

 

Allowing for these instincts enhances the learning process and using them can strengthen the bond between owner and dog. Give your dog a job, activity or purpose every day. Make time for play, rest and work and your dog will thrive.