Often times the human-dog relationship is simple, unrelated to the emotional aspect of either species. However, people often acquire a dog with little awareness that they

might have complex and revealing unknown motives for choosing the dog that they love and cultivate a relationship with.

Back in the 1940’s and the 50’s, B.F. Skinner developed his theory of Operant Conditioning, a theory that included his four quadrant-learning model. This learning model excluded the emotional side as well as the thinking process of the animal as 
having any significant role in the shaping of behavior. During the 60’s and 70’s we began to see a more subjective studyof animals with the work of scientists like Lorenz and Tinbergen. These scientists and others have attempted to empathize
 and understand the animalsthat they studied. This more subjective approach is fascinating worthy of further consideration. Understanding the animals’ emotions is helpful in the treatment of certain 
behavior problems.

Obviously two vastly different perspectives that at times find themselves diametrically opposed to one another.

Do dogs actually think? Do dogs really have emotions that affect their behavior? Does a 50-year-old learning theory have any value in establishing a meaning and loving relationship with our canine companion? These are questions that canine professionals and dog owners has debated for years. To complicate matters, we live in an increasingly fragmented and disconnected society where dogs are not treated as pets, but family members. We are becoming a society that is turning to our pets for emotional support and stability.

When one considers the value of companionship as well as the therapeutic benefits of therapy dogs, it may seem on the surface to be a positive win win situation for both man and animal. People benefiting from their dogs unconditional love for man and dogs being given the opportunity to work at what dogs do best, love. Others may argue that this shift in the human/animal attachment may not be entirely positive for man or animal.

 As a behaviorist, I see this human/animal phenomenon on a daily basis. This is because I am being called in to help resolve some kind of a behavioral problem. The resolution involves helping the pet owner to establish a relationship with their dog that cultivates a mutual respect. That sounds easy enough, but how? How does one cultivate a loving relationship with their dog? The answer to this question will vary from person to person because everyone has different goals and objectives for their dog.

The woman who has just gone through a divorce may turn to her new companion for help in rebuilding her new life. The man fighting terminal cancer may look to his dog for emotional strength. Turning to our dogs for emotional support and stability is a job that more and more dog are expected to do every day. As we bring emotional baggage into the relationship with our dog, we may be unknowingly setting our dog up for some emotional problems of his own. Consider how many dogs are surrendered to the humane society each year. The vast majority of these dogs are not being surrendered because they don’t know how to sit on command.  More often than not, these dogs are surrendered because of some unresolved behavior problem. Are some of these unresolved behavior problems a result of our own unresolved emotional problems? I don’t think that many of these same people would deny that they didn’t have a good relationship with their dog.

I do think that there is a tendency to overlook certain behavior or obedience problems out of guilt. We benefit emotionally from our relationship with our dog and we feel that if we discipline our dog for something that is unacceptable that we might compromise that relationship. So problems may go unresolved for years. I am confident that if our relationship with our dog is based completely upon an emotional attachment that behavior problems are inevitable. To base our relationship on Skinner’s theory of Operant Conditioning might result in a well-behaved, obedient dog, but perhaps a little on the dull side.

I’m not sure what the long-term ramifications of such relationships will play in the future of our society. As I read what some shelters around the country are doing to increase their adoptions; the primary relationship-building tool that is being used is a training relationship model. As a trainer I have come to appreciate this training relationship especially with dogs that have a history that is unknown. Well-behaved dogs have a better chance of staying with one family. How is your relationship with your canine companion?

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Contact Information

Tom Beitz is the owner of the Academy for Puppies and Dogs and is an authorized dealer for Pet STOP Hidden Dog Fences. Tom can be reached at (716) 628-0651 to answer your questions or he can be found on the web at www.smartdogtrainer.com . E-Mail: Tom@Smartdogtrainer.com

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