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How Exactly Do Dogs Learn? Social Learning

Writer's picture: Rebecca PriceRebecca Price


Social learning in dogs involves learning behaviors by observing and mimicking others, particularly other dogs and humans. This type of learning is crucial for dogs, as it helps them understand social norms, behaviors, and communication cues within their environment. Here are some examples of how dogs learn through social learning:

Example 1: Learning Commands by Watching Other Dogs
Scenario: In a multi-dog household or group training class, a dog can learn commands by observing how other dogs respond to those commands.
  • Process: If one dog consistently gets praised and rewarded for sitting on command, other dogs may start to notice this and attempt to imitate the behavior. Over time, they will learn that sitting on command results in positive reinforcement (treats or praise).

Example 2: Picking Up New Tricks
Scenario: A dog can learn new tricks by watching another dog perform them and receive rewards.
  • Process: For instance, if a dog watches another dog roll over and receive a treat, the observing dog may try to perform the same action to earn a treat as well. This observational learning accelerates the process of teaching new tricks.

Example 3: Learning to Use a Doggy Door
Scenario: A dog might learn how to use a doggy door by watching another dog go through it.
  • Process: The observing dog sees the other dog push the door open and go outside. Curious, the observing dog may attempt to mimic this action, learning how to use the doggy door by following the example.

Example 4: Coping with Fear or Anxiety
Scenario: Social learning can help a dog overcome fears by observing calm behavior in other dogs.
  • Process: If a dog is afraid of the vacuum cleaner but sees another dog remain calm around it, the fearful dog may start to feel more comfortable and less anxious. The observing dog learns from the calm dog's behavior, reducing its own fear over time.

Example 5: Greeting Visitors Politely
Scenario: A dog can learn proper greeting behavior by observing how other dogs or humans greet visitors.
  • Process: When a dog sees another dog sit calmly while visitors enter, rather than jumping up, it may start to imitate the calm behavior. With consistent reinforcement, the observing dog learns to greet visitors politely.

Example 6: Playing Appropriately
Scenario: Puppies often learn how to play appropriately by observing older, well-behaved dogs.
  • Process: Through observing play interactions, a puppy learns the boundaries and rules of play, such as when to stop biting or how to initiate play. This helps the puppy develop social skills and engage in healthy play behavior.

Example 7: Learning from Humans
Scenario: Dogs can also learn behaviors by observing their human caregivers.
  • Process: For example, if a dog sees its owner use a hand signal to signal "stay" before crossing the street, the dog may learn to associate the hand signal with the command and follow it. Similarly, dogs can learn household routines by watching their owners, such as sitting quietly when the owner is on a phone call.

Social learning is a natural and effective way for dogs to acquire new behaviors and adapt to their environment. By observing and mimicking the actions of others, dogs can quickly learn what is expected of them and how to navigate various situations.
 

Be sure to check back next week to learn all about Habituation! 


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