Human Psychology vs Dog Psychology

Had an interesting discussion the other day about how human psychology and dog psychology is similar (yet certainly different).

One way in which it is similar is how we reinforce behaviors. When a human or a dog does something we like, if we give them positive reinforcement, they learn by example that doing the behavior is a positive experience. On the reverse side, if we provide consequences for a negative behavior, both species learn that the behavior results in something unpleasant. This is not to say that the way we reinforce behaviors needs to be harsh nor painful. A "good girl" or "good boy" is a positive reinforcement for a dog (and similar expressions are often used with children... "Good job!" "You did great!", etc.). For the negative, a sternly said, "NO!" or other "negative" word works (perhaps better for dogs than for children according to many parents I have met).

If we look deeper into this idea, it isn't so much the words we say (at least not to the dog), but the manner in which we say it. Can you say "Good girl/boy" without smiling or having warmth in your voice? Can you say "no" with sweetness in your voice? Not likely to both. So although a human will understand the meaning of the words, the dog who doesn't can still get the same reinforcement, positive or negative. How? By the tone of our voices, the body language we present, and the overall energy we give off...often without even thinking about it.

So what can we take away from this discussion that will benefit our dogs? Simple... if your dog is doing something you like, be sure to reward it. A pat on the head or a "good boy/girl" or just the positive energy you give to your dog will be understood by him/her. If you catch your dog doing something you dislike, disagree with the behavior with a firm "No!" or "Hey!" or whatever word or sound you use to represent that you are not pleased. Don't yell or get angry. Just say it firmly and with authority. There is a difference between an authoritative voice and an angry voice. And the results of each are different.

Want to know more? Contact me at Cheryl@PetCarebyCheryl.com or visit my web site - PetCarebyCheryl.com.