Decoding Canine Language: Understanding Dog Learned Behavior

Do you ever wonder why your dog performs certain behaviors? Why does your dog roll on smelly things? Why does your dog shake his toy? Should you be worried if your dog stalks his playmate? The key to understanding lies in recognizing the interplay between inherited traits and learned experiences.

The Foundation: Phylogenetic Behaviors

Specific behaviors that are unique to our dogs are called phylogenetic behaviors. These behaviors, or behavior patterns, have developed over many generations and truly have evolutionary significance to maximize reproduction and survival. When we think of our dogs behaviors we can summarize that all their behaviors come from three simple motivations: 1. Hunting/obtaining food 2. Safety/avoidance seeking 3.

These behaviors, deeply rooted in their genetic makeup, have evolved over generations to enhance survival and reproduction. These instincts drive fundamental actions like hunting for food or seeking safety.

Can We Change Phylogenetic Behaviors?

Inherently genetic behaviors may be strong in your dog and low in my dog, as each dog has a different genetic make up. Such as rolling in feces, a yucky behavior to us humans, but many of our dogs do it! Why? The science behind this behavior is that our dogs roll in animal feces or on a dead animal so they can mask their scent to better help them sneak up on their prey. Does your dog need to stalk his prey for survival?

While these instincts are strong, individual dogs exhibit variations based on their unique genetic makeup. Take, for instance, the behavior of rolling in feces, a trait tracing back to ancestral canids masking their scent for hunting.

Read also: Roots of Animal Behavior

The Power of Learning: Shaping Canine Actions

Beyond inherited behaviors, dogs are highly adaptable learners, constantly modifying their actions through various learning processes.

Social Learning: Monkey See, Monkey Do

We know some dogs learn to play fetch just by watching another dog play fetch. This is called social learning.

Dogs are adept at observing and imitating others, a process known as social learning. This is exemplified by a dog learning to play fetch simply by watching another dog do it.

Operant Conditioning: Actions and Consequences

Other dogs perform behaviors for the reward, for example my female Scottie will frequent my neighbors back yard and scan for a squirrel to come down the bird feeder. She has been successful on two occasions and enjoyed eating them as well. Does she need to hunt for survival? Many dogs use hunting behavior patterns in play, others will use sexual motor patterns like mounting and neck biting to initiate play. The point is our dogs do many behavior patterns as a result of their genetic make up.

Operant conditioning involves learning through consequences. A dog will repeat behaviors that lead to positive outcomes (rewards) and avoid those that result in negative ones (punishments).

Read also: Making Sound Driving Choices

Reinforcement and punishment fall under the category of operant conditioning. 2. This is where an animal develops an involuntary response to a stimulus. When Sparky goes to the vet, unpleasant things happen. He gets poked and prodded, maybe even abducted by a stranger and taken into the back room. Now every time he is brought into the clinic, he panics at the door. You grab the leash off its hook when it’s time to take Sparky for a walk. Your wonderful grandmother used to bake blueberry pies when you visited her. Your HORRIBLE grandmother used to bake blueberry pies when you visited her. This is why it’s not a great idea to set your favorite song as your alarm to wake you up in the morning to go to the job you hate.

Positive Reinforcement: Adding something desirable to increase a behavior (e.g., giving a treat when a dog sits).
Negative Reinforcement: Removing something undesirable to increase a behavior (e.g., stopping pressure on a leash when a dog heels).
Positive Punishment: Adding something undesirable to decrease a behavior (e.g., scolding a dog for jumping).
Negative Punishment: Removing something desirable to decrease a behavior (e.g., ignoring a dog that begs for attention).

When you’re trying to change behaviors that are annoying to humans but innocuous to the dog, we use operant conditioning to control the consequences: make sure unwanted behavior doesn’t get accidentally rewarded, and train and reward the crap out of behavior you’d prefer. Behaviors we handle this way are stuff that is normal for dogs, but that humans consider bad manners.

Operant conditioning is particularly useful for modifying behaviors that are normal for dogs but undesirable to humans, such as excessive barking or jumping.

Classical Conditioning: Associations and Emotions

But when changing behavior that results from a dog being distressed, we have to address the emotion first. Emotions are the territory of classical conditioning. You can’t “reinforce” anxiety, fear, anger, or happiness the way you reinforce a behavior. Sure, technically, if my dog growls at children, I could smack him on the nose in punishment every time until he no longer exhibits the behavior of growling. But I’ve done nothing to address the distress that caused the behavior - and in fact, I’ve probably made it worse, because now he’s been classically conditioned to associate children with being smacked on the nose. Now I just have a miserable, silent dog who has been trained not to give warning before he bites.

Classical conditioning involves learning through association. A dog learns to associate a neutral stimulus with a significant event, triggering an involuntary response.

Read also: Mastering Application

Going back to our example from the introduction, let’s say I’m out walking my shy puppy. We encounter a nice stranger who makes delighted “ooooh puppyyy!” noises and wants to meet her. But the puppy is spooked. She growls and runs to hide behind me. The growling and hiding are symptoms of the fear she’s feeling. To make the growling and hiding stop, I need to make the fear stop first. So I let her hide, and give her a reassuring pat. Voilà, she’s gained the comfort she sought, and is feeling less fear! After a moment, she might feel brave enough to come out of hiding and approach the stranger. (This isn’t a hypothetical scenario, BTW. The shy puppy in question is my Belgian malinois, River, and this is how we got her over her puppyhood fears.

When Sparky goes to the vet, unpleasant things happen. He gets poked and prodded, maybe even abducted by a stranger and taken into the back room. Now every time he is brought into the clinic, he panics at the door.
You grab the leash off its hook when it’s time to take Sparky for a walk.

Classical conditioning plays a crucial role in shaping a dog's emotional responses and can be used to address anxiety and fear-related behaviors.

When training your dog to come when called, to make the behavior as rock solid as possible, you want to develop a strong classically conditioned emotional response of “YAAAAY!” when the dog hears the recall cue. (See: Training Your Dog to Reliably Come When Called is Hard.

Cognitive Learning: Problem-Solving and Understanding

The toddler who touches the hot burner is operantly conditioned not to touch hot burners.

Cognitive learning theories explore how dogs process, store, and retrieve information to shape their behaviors. Applying cognitive learning theories in dog training involves recognizing each dog’s unique cognitive strengths and weaknesses when designing training programs. Dogs control their behavior and can be significantly influenced by their owners. Positive reinforcement schools have shown that dogs perform better at tasks than aversive training schools. Understanding the science of dog training is vital for successful dog behavior modification. Dogs learn through association, making learning theory essential for pet parents. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Yes!

Dogs are capable of problem-solving and understanding cause-and-effect relationships. Cognitive learning involves understanding how dogs process information and use it to make decisions.

Canine Communication: Body Language and Vocalizations

Dogs speak to us in some surprising ways. Learning what they’re saying is a key ingredient for keeping your dog happy and safe. Because dogs don't speak human language, the only way to truly comprehend and communicate with them is for us to learn what they're telling us through their body and vocal language. Dogs communicate using a complex language of body signals that reflect what they're thinking and feeling. They use these signals to communicate intent, as an attempt to increase or decrease distance from something or someone, and as a way of showing their comfort or discomfort. Learning what dogs are saying with their signals and actions helps them adjust better to living with humans, and is important for safety. Often, actions that we assume mean one thing are actually the dog telling us the exact opposite - determining what that wagging tail or lifted paw really means could be the difference between a pleasant interaction and a bite. If you want to learn more about canine body language continue reading or take the How To Speak Dog course.

Just like people, dogs communicate using body language. Dog body language involves a dog’s entire body, not just their vocalizations or tail, for example. In fact, it’s important to look at all aspects of their body because just one component of a dog’s body language can mean different things. For instance, tail wagging can mean a dog is nervous, happy, and more. Plus, because each dog is an individual and will express how they are feeling differently, it’s important to spend time observing your dog and their postures and reactions.

Dogs communicate using a complex system of body language, vocalizations, and scent signals. Understanding these signals is crucial for effective communication and building a strong bond with your canine companion.

Deciphering Dog Body Language

So what does a dog’s body language tell you? Here are some examples of body language for dogs and an explanation of what they might mean.

Tail Wagging: More Than Just Happiness

Dog tail waggingWhy do dogs wag their tail? Contrary to popular belief that a wagging tail means happiness, dog tail wagging - and the position of the tail - can mean many things:A tucked or low, fast-wagging tail can mean: “I am scared or unsure.”A high, stiff wag can mean: “I am agitated or aroused.” If the dog’s body is stiff with their body positioned forward, and their ears are up or forward, proceed with caution. You might need to help diffuse a situation if you see this canine body language, and that might mean removing yourself or another dog. A loose wag - not really high or really low - can mean: “I am comfortable and friendly.” But you should keep watching the dog’s entire body. Some dogs need a lot of personal space. They will tell you if you get too close.

Contrary to popular belief, a wagging tail doesn't always indicate happiness. The position and speed of the wag, along with other body cues, provide a more accurate picture of the dog's emotional state.

A tucked or low, fast-wagging tail can mean: “I am scared or unsure.”
A high, stiff wag can mean: “I am agitated or aroused.” If the dog’s body is stiff with their body positioned forward, and their ears are up or forward, proceed with caution. You might need to help diffuse a situation if you see this canine body language, and that might mean removing yourself or another dog.
A loose wag - not really high or really low - can mean: “I am comfortable and friendly.” But you should keep watching the dog’s entire body. Some dogs need a lot of personal space. They will tell you if you get too close.

Other Body Language Cues

Tail between the legs: A dog’s tail tucked between their legs can mean the dog is afraid or uncomfortable. Look for whether the dog’s ears are pressed back against their head, which is also a sign of discomfort.
Rolling on back with belly up: A dog rolling on their back with their belly up can have multiple meanings. Rolling over generally means: “I am not a threat.” If the dog’s tail is gently wagging and their mouth is slightly open, the dog is probably comfortable. However, do not assume the dog is asking for a belly rub. You can start petting from their back toward their stomach, watching their body language and making sure they remain comfortable as you reach their stomach. If the dog’s tail is tucked and their lips are stiff while they’re lying on their back, the dog might be scared. Some dogs will solicit attention by rolling over but then become fearful or defensive, feeling that this position is not safe. The dog might even panic and start snapping. See how your community is doingWe've seen tremendous momentum and success so far, and we are so close to achieving no-kill around the entire country. Again, observe the whole dog, looking for comfortable, loose canine body language. To be safe around a dog, don’t hover over or crowd them when they’re lying on their back. Just like us, dogs need the ability to move away when they aren’t comfortable.
Dog play bow: Dog play bowing is when the rear end of the dog is up while the front end is down. The play bow often means: “I want to play.”
Ears perked up: When a dog’s ears are forward, the dog is alert and interested in something.
Frozen posture: A dog freezes if they're scared or guarding something, such as food or a toy, or if they feel cornered. This is a low-level warning sign on the ladder of dog aggression. Not respecting this warning can lead to escalation of growling, snapping, and potentially biting.

Stress, Fear, and Appeasement Signals

Stress, discomfort, nervousness When dogs are stressed and nervous they exhibit many different kinds of behavior that either help relieve the stress they're feeling or appease a perceived threat. Yawning, for example, can be a sign that a dog is tired, but can also signal that she is stressed in a particular situation.Lip licking or tongue flicking - the dog is hungry or has just eaten, but she could also be telling you that she's nervous.Brief body freezing - the dog is still for one or two seconds before reacting or moving.Body freezing - the dog freezes until the threat goes away or he decides to defend himself or run away."Whale Eye" - the dog turns her head away but keeps looking at the perceived threat, showing the whites of her eyes.Head turn - the dog turns his head away from something or someone as a gesture of appeasement.Ears back or flattened - the ears are held back or flattened against the dog’s head.Furrowed brow, curved eyebrows - wrinkles on the forehead, caused by facial tension; some dogs have this naturally.Lowered body or cowering body - the dog gets low to the ground and might have a rounded back and spine.Tense jaw - the mouth is closed.Hugging - the dog is gaining comfort by holding onto his guardian.Low tail carriage - tail is low, hugged to the dog’s body, or is tucked under the dog; indicates discomfort and uncertainty.Tail is low and wagging in short strokes or just at the tip - a sign of nervousness; a wagging tail does not mean a dog is necessarily happy. Front paw lifted - the dog is likely anticipating what will happen and may be unsure; can be seen without stress as well.Curved, or spatula-shaped, tongue - when the dog pants, her tongue is wide at the bottom and curves up at the end or edges.Raspy, dry-sounding panting - nervousness reduces saliva production.Twitching whiskers - caused by facial tension.Shaking - dog shakes off when he’s not wet, waking up, or rolling in dirt; releases tension.Drooling - excessive drooling, in an unusual amount for the dog, when food isn’t involved.Lack of focus - can’t focus on his guardian or a task, especially for behaviors he knows; can be distractions or a sign of anxiety.Sweaty paws - sweat on the dog’s foot pads, usually noticeable from her pawprints; excessive sweat may be due to stress.Piloerection or "raised hackles" - the hair on a dog’s neck and spine stands on end (like human goosebumps), making the dog appear bigger and releasing odor from the glands contained in the dog’s hair follicles.

It's essential to recognize signs of stress, fear, and appeasement in dogs to prevent escalation and ensure their well-being.

Signs of stress: Yawning, panting when it’s not hot, lip licking, lifting a front paw, looking away, shaking off, stretching, and lying down.
Signs of fear: Drooling, pacing, tucking their tail, whining, sweating through their feet, putting up their hackles, growling, and showing their teeth.
Appeasement signals: Head bobbing or lowering, head turning, averting eyes, lip licking, licking the animal or person, ears held back, low tail carriage, curved and lowered body, and submissive grin.
Defensive and offensive language: Body leaning forward, closed mouth, ears forward, corners of the mouth pushed forward, growling, barking, lunging or charging forward, body stiffness or freezing, high tail carriage, air snapping, piloerection, snapping with skin contact, fast nip, deeper bite, bite and hold, and bite, hold, and shake.

Relaxed and Playful Signals

RelaxedThere is nothing better than being with a happy dog. The body is fluid and relaxed, the mouth is slightly open with the tongue hanging to the side and all the signals a dog gives off communicate joy, confidence, and a desire to invite play and attention. Other signals include:Mouth slightly open, tongue relaxed, possibly lolling to one side.Turning over, inviting belly rub - showing trust and enjoying social contact.Relaxed facial expression, with ears neutral or back just a little.Squinty or blinking eyes.Curved or open, outstretched body when moving or relaxing.Tail is held in line with the body wagging fast, either side to side or in a round motion like a helicopter.Wiggling backside.Short body freezes during play - are still considered relaxed if the rest of the body shows relaxed signals.Play bow - this signal invites play and tells others that whatever action comes next is still just play.

Recognizing signs of relaxation and playfulness allows for positive interactions and strengthens the bond between dog and owner.

Relaxed signals: Mouth slightly open, tongue relaxed, relaxed facial expression, squinty or blinking eyes, curved or open body, and tail wagging loosely.
Playful signals: Play bow, wiggling backside, and short body freezes during play.

The Importance of Context

Context of canine body languageOne thing to keep in mind is that dog body signals should be read in the context of whatever other body or vocal language the dog is communicating. Similar signals have different meanings in different situations, so the position of the body and other vocal signals will help you understand a dog’s intent and emotional state. For example, if someone holds a treat right in front of a dog, that dog’s ears might perk forward, his mouth might close, and his body could become still because he's focusing on the treat.

It's crucial to interpret body language within the context of the situation and in conjunction with other cues. Similar signals can have different meanings depending on the environment and the dog's overall demeanor.

Applying Learning Principles: Training and Behavior Modification

At Very Important Paws, we know that grasping the nuances of canine behavior and learning are the keys to a happy puppy. They thrive on operant conditioning - think clicker training or tasty food or treats for a job well done - reinforcing their good behaviors. Our approach taps into these science-backed methods to mold desired behaviors in dogs while steering them away from those pesky, unwanted ones. Dogs learn through association, operant conditioning, and context-based learning, essential concepts for understanding canine behavior and training dogs.

Understanding how dogs learn is essential for effective training and behavior modification.

Association Learning

At Very Important Paws, we see firsthand how our furry guests learn new skills through association learning. For example, if a pup hears a treat jar rattle every time they sit on command, they’ll associate sitting with getting a tasty reward. We use associative learning in all our training programs to encourage desired behaviors and gently discourage undesirable ones without causing fear or distress for many dogs. Watching them make these connections and grow during their stay with us is remarkable!

Dogs learn through association, linking stimuli and events together. This principle is used in training to create positive associations with desired behaviors.

Operant Conditioning in Practice

Operant conditioning is a powerful tool to shape our canine companions’ behavior. For example, if your dog sits when asked and gets a treat for it, they’re more likely to sit the next time you ask. We also understand that negative reinforcement might sometimes be necessary while teaching dogs new tricks or manners. At Very Important Paws, we use these training techniques wisely to guide our guests toward becoming well-mannered pets without causing other dogs any fear or stress.

Operant conditioning is a cornerstone of dog training, using rewards and consequences to shape behavior.

Context-Based Learning

Building on the foundation of operant conditioning, we move into the dynamic world of context-based learning. We use real-life scenarios that your puppy may encounter every day or while they’re enjoying their time with us to teach them desirable behaviors in those settings. After understanding context-based learning and the basics of learning theory for dogs, it’s essential to delve into obedience training. Using positive reinforcement and specialized training methods, such as treats or praise, can help pet parents effectively teach their dogs obedience commands. Dogs learn best when they associate specific actions with rewards or consequences, making obedience training for many owners an essential aspect of canine education.

Context-based learning involves teaching dogs to apply learned behaviors in different situations and environments.

Cognitive Learning and Training Methods

Understanding cognitive learning theories and developing effective training methods can help dog owners understand their canine companions better. Cognitive learning theories explore how dogs process, store, and retrieve information to shape their behaviors. Applying cognitive learning theories in dog training involves recognizing each dog’s unique cognitive strengths and weaknesses when designing training programs. Dogs control their behavior and can be significantly influenced by their owners. Positive reinforcement schools have shown that dogs perform better at tasks than aversive training schools. Understanding the science of dog training is vital for successful dog behavior modification. Dogs learn through association, making learning theory essential for pet parents. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Yes!

By understanding how dogs think and learn, owners can develop more effective and humane training methods.

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