Connecting Scientific Studies on Dog Cognition and Methods Applied to Address Common Dog Behavior Problems.

Billie uses 4 scientific studies on dog cognition to explain why we need a method grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy to address a common unwanted behavior in dogs over 6 months.

In this episode we explore four cognitive abilities by introducing the studies which prove dogs have these abilities. I discuss how these abilities, although considered positive, can cause common unwanted behaviors and why suppressing these skills can increase the unwanted behavior.

Memory,  Emotions, Object Permanence, Object Differentiation, Dexterity, and the ability to understand that an action has a result are some of the recent trends in scientific studies.  If dogs can think cognitively, and their behaviors, whether considered "good" or "bad" (wanted or unwanted) are a result of these skills, we need to harness these skills to understand these behaviors. By remaining under the Operant Conditioning umbrella (positive reinforcement and balanced training), we simply cannot harness their cognitive abilities, which explains why addressing these behaviors is often challenging or impossible.

NOTE: You do not need to be a scientist or a certified dog trainer to understand the info in  this episode. If you have questions, please contact Billie at [email protected]

Links to Billie Groom and UPWARD Dogology:
 https://www.upwarddogology.com/   
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Season 6 dissects dog behavior using various scientific studies and methods to help us better understand adolescent and rescued dogs.  Season 5 is a "Dogology" of tips, Q and A's, interviews, discussions and a deeper look UPWARD Dogology all with the goal of making the world a better place! Season 4 is interviews with people and organizations. Be part of the solution by listening, sharing, and reviewing.  Season 3 dives deep into trending methods. Are they right for you and your dog? Season 2 shares the learning journey of my clients with dogs; always interesting and a great way to feel a connections with others who have similar experiences.  Season 1 outlines my  learning journey and dives into the limitations of positive reinforcement training and introduces cognitive behavioral therapy.

Thanks to Open Strum and the Jeff Mertick Band for the music!

Open Strum (facebook.com)