Do dogs learn from their past behavior?

Jana and I were out for a walk one morning and she was sniffing the ground and the air. Quite by accident, she happened to touch the electrified wire fence that we were walking past. I am sure the hot wire on her wet nose was very painful. She yelped and ran away. For days afterward, she gave the fence a very wide berth and cast wary looks at it as she walked by. She still, several weeks later, crosses to the other side of the road when we are near the fence.

[image-1]In both of these stories, the consequences to the dogs were unpleasant and painful. But learning can be built on memories of positive experiences as well. The key is that the consequences of the dog's action must be dramatic enough to make an impression. The concept of "jackpotting" for example, is a positive application of learning from consequences.

Jackpotting is, essentially, making an experience memorable for a dog by giving the dog a shower of praise and treats, far more than the usual reward. This is done when the dog correctly performs a new or difficult task or behavior. The idea is that the dog will correlate the happy consequence (the jackpot) with whatever she has just done, and therefore she will be inclined to do it again and again.

Learning can happen by accident. Our dogs know when we’re driving to the dog beach or dog park, and they realize what our destination is several miles before we get there. I am guessing that they have connected some landmarks or scents along the way with the very pleasant consequence of getting to play at the beach or park. A neighbor who runs a dog sitting business once gave Jana and Oriel treats when we passed by on a walk. For weeks thereafter, one or both of them steered me toward her house on our walks. I never intended to teach these associations to the dogs, but the pleasant experiences were enough to form lasting impressions.

When you are trying to shape your dog’s behavior, remember that he or she will remember strongly positive and strongly negative experiences. Try to be aware of painful or frightening experiences that might inadvertently teach your dog to fear or dislike a place, an activity, or even a person. Work on creating positive memories, filled with encouragement, fun, praise, and treats to advance your dog’s learning and give him or her confidence.