Module Overview

In this opening module, we explore the science of conditioning - the foundation of all learning. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how dogs develop both emotional responses and behaviors through experience, and how trainers can harness this knowledge to build confidence, resilience, and trust.

We begin with an introduction to conditioning as a natural learning process, before exploring the two key types: Respondent Conditioning and Operant Conditioning. Through clear explanations, real-life examples, and practical applications, participants will discover how to change emotional responses, teach functional coping skills, and ultimately, improve the welfare and wellbeing of dogs.

The module concludes by bringing both forms of conditioning together, showing how they overlap in practice to create powerful, lasting change - helping dogs not only feel safer but also providing them with behaviors that increase agency and confidence.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

• Define conditioning and explain its role in canine learning.
• Describe respondent conditioning, how it works, and how it shapes emotional responses.
• Describe operant conditioning, how it works, and how it shapes behavior.
• Apply counterconditioning and desensitization to reduce fear and create positive emotional associations.
• Use positive reinforcement and choice-based strategies to teach dogs functional behaviors that build confidence.
• Integrate respondent and operant conditioning to design holistic, force-free training and behavior support plans.

Key Takeaway

Conditioning is always happening. By intentionally shaping both the emotions and the behaviors of dogs through force-free methods, we can foster trust, resilience, and long-lasting confidence in every canine companion.