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How Dogs Learn Paperback – May 1, 1999

by Mary R. Burch (Author), Jon S. Bailey (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 629 ratings
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...this book should be on every animal trainer's bookshelf for future reference. How Dogs Learn covers the content of an undergraduate course in learning and behavior, but the examples are taken from dog training it is practical and very useful without sacrificing scientific and technical accuracy. --Jack Michael, PhD, Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University

How Dogs Learn explore the fascinating science of operant conditioning, where science and dog training meet. How Dogs Learn explains the basic principles of behavior and how they can be used to teach your dog new skills, diagnose problems and eliminate unwanted behaviors. It's for anyone who wants to better understand the learning process in dogs. Every concept is laid out clearly and precisely, and its relevance to your dog and how you train is explained.
A Howell Dog Book of Distinction
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  1. Print length
    208 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Howell Book House
  4. Publication date
    May 1, 1999
  5. Dimensions
    6.4 x 0.79 x 9.6 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1630260398
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1630260392
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Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"How Dogs Learn" explains the fascinating science of operant conditioning. The authors, recognized experts in this field, are also experienced dog trainers, and they explain each operant conditioning principle using dog training examples. For the first time, behavioral procedures that are used with humans, such as Behavioral Diagnostics and Functional Analysis, have been translated for applications with dogs. How Dogs Learn will help all dog owners solve canine behavior problems and improve their proficiency as trainers.

From the Back Cover

..".this book should be on every animal trainer's bookshelf for future reference. "How Dogs Learn" covers the content of an undergraduate course in learning and behavior, but the examples are taken from dog training?it is practical and very useful without sacrificing scientific and technical accuracy." --Jack Michael, PhD, Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University

"How Dogs Learn" explore the fascinating science of operant conditioning, where science and dog training meet. How Dogs Learn explains the basic principles of behavior and how they can be used to teach your dog new skills, diagnose problems and eliminate unwanted behaviors. It's for anyone who wants to better understand the learning process in dogs. Every concept is laid out clearly and precisely, and its relevance to your dog and how you train is explained.
A Howell Dog Book of Distinction

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Howell Book House; 1st edition (May 1, 1999)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1630260398
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1630260392
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.4 x 0.79 x 9.6 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 629 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Mary R. Burch

    Mary R. Burch

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  2. Jon S. Bailey

    Jon S. Bailey

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    Dr. Bailey received his PhD from the University of Kansas and is currently Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Florida State University where he was on the graduate faculty for 38-years and produced a record 63 PhDs. He is currently Co-Director of the FSU Panama City Masters Program in Applied Behavior Analysis, recently cited in the New York Times as one of the top applied behavior analysis programs in the country.

    He is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst; and has been an Expert Witness for the US Department of Justice and is a Fellow of the Association for Behavior Analysis: International and the American Psychological Association. He Past President of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts and is Secretary/Treasurer and Program Chair of the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis which he founded in 1980.

    Dr. Bailey has published over 100 peer-reviewed research articles, is a past-Editor of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and is co-author of four recent books: Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis, How Dogs Learn, Ethics for Behavior Analysts, How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst, and most recently 25 Essential Skills and Strategies for Professional Behavior Analysts, and Ethics for Behavior Analysts, 2nd Expanded Edition, all co-authored with Dr. Mary Burch. In 2012 he received the prestigious Fred S. Keller Behavioral Education Award from APA Division 25.

    His hobbies include photography, videography, and dog training; he has trained his Welsh Springer Spaniel "Wyn" for both Obedience and Agility competitions; Wyn was ranked #1 in the country for his breed in both performance events.

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
629 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a clear summary of learning theory, helping them understand how dogs think. Moreover, they appreciate its readability, noting it reads like a textbook, and consider it ideal for professional dog trainers.

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63 customers mention "Knowledge base"58 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the book's knowledge base, describing it as a very good summary of how dogs learn and a super clear explanation of learning theory. They find it helpful in understanding different training methods and how dogs think.

"...Clear and concise, good review of theory and nicely leads into practical examples of when and how different methods might be used...." Read more

"...I found it so helpful to have both histories and to be able to visually see how the two are now forming bridges to one another's vast databases of..." Read more

"...towards science based positive reinforcement.. it clarifies many details about many trainers that are still out there doing otherwise.." Read more

"...procedures may be used to help dog trainers and dog owners effectively change the behavior of dogs...." Read more

48 customers mention "Readability"48 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read, with one customer noting it reads like a textbook, and several mentioning it's a must-read for professional dog trainers.

"A nice summary of the underlying principles of dog training methods. Clear and concise, good review of theory and nicely leads into practical..." Read more

"...I also note that the author is very fair in her assesment of those "training forefathers", who though we as positive trainers might..." Read more

"...it is in my opinion a very good book . I studied applied behavior analysis but never worked with dogs and I am now looking to learn to do that...." Read more

"The authors are reasonably effective in making sense of operant conditioning and how knowledge of the related theory and procedures may be used to..." Read more

5 customers mention "Trainer"5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book as ideal for professional dog trainers, with one customer noting its impressive work by Burch and Bailey.

"...What makes a good dog trainer read this book and find out. Excellent book. Book from Amazon.com" Read more

"...I use this as a baseline for all my trainers. The work of both Burch & Bailey is impressive and I highly recommend this book to any and ALL..." Read more

"...It may be ideal for a professional dog trainer, but for the average dog owner I believe it is too technical." Read more

"This book is for seasoned or veteran dog trainers. Very effective if applied by somebody knows what he/she is doing...." Read more

Me and my dog LOVE this book
5 out of 5 stars
Me and my dog LOVE this book
This book is scientific but easy to read. The authors explain the principals of learning and how you can apply ABA to understanding your dogs behavior and teach them too!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Ralph Bonkowski
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A nice summary of the underlying principles of dog training methods. Clear and concise, good review of theory and nicely leads into practical examples of when and how different methods might be used. The emphasis is on the use of positive reinforcement to help a dog live healthy and happy lives! Highly recommended
    2 people found this helpful
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  • NJHeart2Heart
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rereading the good stuff- this is one of the best...
    Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2004
    Verified Purchase
    Coming back into the world of dog training after a few years, I grabbed several of my previously owned books to review and redigest. I have only started to read "How Dogs Learn", and found the first chapter fascinating. It outlines, with just enough information without "too much" detail, the history of behavior and training from the scientists' and the trainers' perspective. I found it so helpful to have both histories and to be able to visually see how the two are now forming bridges to one another's vast databases of knowledge.
    I also note that the author is very fair in her assesment of those "training forefathers", who though we as positive trainers might disagree with, truly made great investments in the dog training industry, and who deserve to be recognized for their contributions.
    I recognized so many of the people involved, as well as the books, which are also mentioned (which is great- If I want to get into more detail, I know what to look for).
    I still have much to read, but I am very excited about reviewing the principles of operant conditioning, and seeing more illustrations of how two worlds have begun to forge a united base of knowledge, which is sure to clarify and enlighten all of us trainers in the end.
    Dawn D.
    "NJHeart2Heart"
    15 people found this helpful
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  • Catalina Cincotta
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good buy
    Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This book takes you through the history of the main technique used in dog training. Then it explains how learning happens basically through operant conditioning, positive reinforcement based training, etc. it is in my opinion a very good book . I studied applied behavior analysis but never worked with dogs and I am now looking to learn to do that. This book was very helpful. As a trainer I particularly liked learning how dog training evolved towards science based positive reinforcement.. it clarifies many details about many trainers that are still out there doing otherwise..
    4 people found this helpful
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  • David E. Miller
    4.0 out of 5 stars Worth the time to read.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The authors are reasonably effective in making sense of operant conditioning and how knowledge of the related theory and procedures may be used to help dog trainers and dog owners effectively change the behavior of dogs. I was familiar enough with the subject matter that the book served to clarify many of the concepts and applications through the descriptions and examples used. I also learned enough that was new to justify the time and money devoted to reading the book.

    However, I point out several issues of which readers should be aware. First, I was surprised how often these authors, that otherwise were so precise and careful in their use of “positive” and “negative” as technical terms, slipped into the common trap of also using those words to connote “good” and “bad” respectively. This phenomena is not unique of course to these authors. In fact it is more common than not, and it is responsible to a significant degree to the consequential confusion and disagreements that characterize much of the public discourse and debate on the subject.

    Second, I was dismayed that these authors are so ignorant of the proper use of modern electronic and prong collar as training tools that when properly used with negative reinforcement training are effective and may be the least aversive correctors a trainer can choose to use. They chose to use the pejorative terms “shock” and “pinch” it seems intentionally to disparage these tools, thus taking sides and becoming active participants in popularizing the misinformation and outright lies associated with these tools.

    For those reading this book, presumably to find the understanding that will be of value in helping them with the art and science of dog training, this sort of mischaracterization of these tools when used properly and as intended, should be aware that it seems these authors have a prejudice against the use of these tools that cannot be supported by facts. For those seeking the truth in any matter, unsupported claims that are false from those claiming to speak with authority are less than of no help. You might expect this sort of activism from the chauvinists of the positive reinforcement only mass movement, but not from those to which people turn to get unbiased information of value.

    This may be due to the fact that since this book was written, there has been much water over the dam so to speak with regard to how to properly uses these tools. Electronic collars in particular are not properly used in training to shock dogs. No one with which I am familiar involved in professional dog training is advocating that dogs be shocked. It only requires a minimal amount of diligent research and personal experience to conclude that electronic collars can be used effectively without causing a dog any pain or involving anything resembling an electrical shock.

    The same is true for the proper and intended use of prong collars. In spite of the mindless attacks on these collars and those using them, the fact is that these collars when use properly and as intended can be much less aversive than other types of collars and less likely to cause pain and injury to a dog.

    It is true that in the untrained hands of ignorant people a prong collar can be used to cause pain. The same is true for an electronic collar. These can be used to cause a significantly uncomfortable stimulation when used improperly by people that should not either own or be training a dog.

    You can inflict pain on a dog using a Martingale collar if you know how and are determined to do so. This is the position the authors should have taken in these matters.

    “It is a poor workman that blames his tools.”
    19 people found this helpful
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  • Mary Ann Meier
    5.0 out of 5 stars So Informative and Also Funny
    Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I'm in a study program to train dogs and this book is a great reinforcer for what I'm learning. I love the author's tongue in cheek human.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • NYC Girl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Super clear book on Learning Theory
    Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I have been reading many books on dog training, in particular learning theory. This one far exceeds the others in clarity, tightness, and scientific grounding. They do not shy away from describing all techniques, positive and aversive - but done so scientifically and making it VERY CLEAR that aversive tactics that are abusive are not endorsed; but must be understood in the scientific sense - particularly since there is so much misunderstanding regarding punishment and aversive techniques.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • JB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Me and my dog LOVE this book
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book is scientific but easy to read. The authors explain the principals of learning and how you can apply ABA to understanding your dogs behavior and teach them too!
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    JB
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Me and my dog LOVE this book

    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2022
    This book is scientific but easy to read. The authors explain the principals of learning and how you can apply ABA to understanding your dogs behavior and teach them too!
    Images in this review
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    6 people found this helpful
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  • Theresa A Teske
    5.0 out of 5 stars How Dogs Learn
    Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    I have trained many dogs using only one method. This book showed me all dogs are different. If you carefully watch your dog you will discover what kind of rewards will work for him using operant conditioning. I finally understood the methods some trainers use such as the clicker which previously to reading this book drove me nuts! Also, the history of dog training with short biography on the persons who developed dog training from the beginning. Scientific evidence for types of training and different methods of operant conditioning. What makes a good dog trainer read this book and find out. Excellent book. Book from Amazon.com
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Serena
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ottimo libro
    Reviewed in Italy on January 2, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Interessantissimo manuale fortemente raccomandato per comprendere i reali meccanismi di apprendimento dei cani. Necessaria buona conoscenza lingua inglese per non faticare troppo.
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  • CoCo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Super geschrieben!
    Reviewed in Germany on July 28, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Liest sich sehr gut! Wie Hunde lernen - kurz und knapp, ohne Abschweifungen, mit tollen Beispielen aus der Praxis! Sollte zum Standardwerk für alle Hunde-Trainer, -Freunde und -Halter werden!
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  • RWard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Good read for someone new to the scientific principles of how dogs learn. Well written with helpful illustrative examples throughout.
    Report
  • りおん
    5.0 out of 5 stars excellnt
    Reviewed in Japan on June 15, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    プロのトレーナーも参考にしています。
    世界的に読まれています。
    Report
  • Sandy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book
    Reviewed in Canada on August 14, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This book was a great companion to my dog trainer course and was actually recommended by the school. Every aspiring trainer should read it.
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    Sandy
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Wonderful book

    Reviewed in Canada on August 14, 2019
    This book was a great companion to my dog trainer course and was actually recommended by the school. Every aspiring trainer should read it.
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