How We Teach, How They Learn
Teaching a dog is a lot like teaching a child. Modern science has shown that the most effective learning happens when we allow dogs to make choices and experience the consequences of those choices. Those consequences can be good, like getting a treat, a game of tug, or a walk. They can also be less fun, like a timeout, the withholding of attention, or not earning a reward. Regardless of the outcome, this approach helps dogs learn how their actions shape their world—and builds a stronger bond between you and your pup.
But here’s the thing: teaching takes patience. I like to remind my students that while a dog might come “pre-installed” with a sit cue, no dog comes pre-installed with English. They’re learning an entirely new language! As humans, we often focus so much on getting them to understand us that we forget to learn their language. When was the last time you paused to understand what your dog was trying to communicate?
The Key to Teaching: Consistency
Imagine trying to learn English as a non-native speaker: there's "they're," "there," and "their," or "I before E except after C... and sometimes not." It’s confusing! Now apply that to your dog. If you allow them on the couch one day, but scold them the next, your inconsistency becomes a roadblock to their learning. Dogs, especially when they're still figuring out your “rules,” thrive on clear, consistent communication.
One of the best ways to stay consistent? Write down your house rules and ensure everyone in your home follows them. Dogs have the intelligence of a toddler, and like toddlers, they’re experts at picking up mixed signals. Calm leadership—backed by a clear action plan for various situations—helps build confidence for both you and your dog.
The Power of Choices
When dogs have a say in the process, the lessons stick better. Learning becomes enjoyable, and your dog feels more engaged. You can incorporate choices into their daily life.
For example:
Do you want to play fetch or tug?
Do you want chicken or beef treats?
Do you want to go for a walk or a run?
By letting them choose, you’re making training less about obedience and more about partnership.
Why It Feels Like Starting Over
Have you ever taught your dog a cue in class, only to have them "forget" it at home? That’s because dogs don’t generalize the way humans do. They’re situational learners. A cue they learned in one environment doesn’t automatically transfer to another.
So, when you teach a cue in class, you’ll need to reteach it at home, in the park, and everywhere else you want them to perform it. Thankfully, dogs learn faster with repetition in new places, so it won’t take as long as the first time. This applies to body positions, too—if you teach “sit” while seated on the couch and then ask for it while standing, your dog might need a refresher.
Rewards Are Your Dog’s Paycheck
Think of rewards as your dog’s salary. Would you scrub toilets for $1 an hour? Probably not. But offer $50 an hour, and suddenly it’s worth it. Similarly, your dog might work for kibble in a quiet living room, but out in the noisy, distraction-filled world? You’ll need to up the ante—think higher-value treats, toys, or other meaningful rewards.
Dogs, like humans, need time to develop habits. It takes 21 days for a behavior to solidify and about 30 days of consistent reinforcement to make it stick. After that, you can switch to intermittent reinforcement—rewarding occasionally to maintain the behavior. This is like shifting from daily paychecks to weekly ones; as long as the rewards are valuable enough, your dog will keep “working.”
Understanding Their World
At the end of the day, the learning process is a two-way street. While you teach your dog, take the time to listen to them, too. Their body language, vocalizations, and reactions are their way of speaking to you. By learning their “language,” you’ll create a partnership based on trust, respect, and understanding. Remember: your dog is learning every day, just like you. Stay patient, be consistent, and enjoy the journey. Because when you teach with kindness and empathy, everyone wins.
