Classical Conditioning

This infographic is incredibly helpful for explaining why we use sounds and rewards to get new behaviors from our dogs. Have you ever heard that petting reinforces fear? Yeah, I used to believe it too. Have you ever been scared, and then someone you love and trust comforted you, and you felt better? Your hypothalamus received information from your amygdala about something that was perceived as scary, which then prompted the release of hormones into your body. Chances are, you were not restricted on a leash or confined in a kennel, so you had freedom to move away from the scary thing. You also have the ability to understand complex language, so someone could explain to you that there was nothing to worry about, and you could express yourself with language to tell them exactly how you felt. Dogs do not always have such tools in their tool belts. That’s why we rely on reading dog body language, setting up happy consequences, and instilling a sense of agency so our dogs can better deal with these stressors. Comfort from a trusted loved one can help fearful dogs feel better when things feel out of control.