Where the Magic Happens: Dog Training at the Intersection of Science and Art

“In the dog training world, behavior modification is a science, but its application in practice is an art. “ illustration: AdobeStock

Is dog training an art? A science? Both?

Given that the dog training field is virtually unregulated, it can be difficult to know which trainer to hire and what training claims to believe. Where do you get reliable information? Is education or experience more important? Do you go with the person with the most letters after their name or the one who’s been training dogs for decades? The answer to all of these questions lies somewhere in the middle - at the intersection of science and art.

Science is objective and data driven, while art is subjective. The outcomes of science and art may be different, but the processes are often similar. Both seek to create something new, while building on what already exists. Both often require looking at things from a different angle or perspective. 

In the dog training world, behavior modification is a science, but its application in practice is an art. This makes the study and application of dog behavior modification both a science and an art.

Science is the pursuit of knowledge that follows a systematic methodology based on evidence. The field of dog behavior generally uses theoretical knowledge as a foundation with practical application built atop the theoretical. But what is accepted as science-based dog training today may be discarded by the dog trainers of tomorrow as new evidence emerges. That’s why good dog trainers change their own practices as new evidence becomes available to them, and why evidenced-based dog trainers must keep up with the ever-changing world of science.

Evidence-based practice is the objective, balanced, and responsible use of current research and the best available data. For dog trainers, this involves using the best available evidence to make informed decisions when choosing effective, scientifically validated methods to meet the needs of their dog and human clients. But it’s important to note that dog trainers aren’t scientists. While most do have clinical experience, they don’t typically have formal training in data science or in how to critically appraise research.

Fortunately, in the dog world, there are professional organizations like the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). AVSAB unites veterinarians and research professionals who share an interest in both understanding animal behavior and treating behavior problems. Its members don’t typically interact with dogs as a daily part of their jobs (that’s what dog trainers do). Instead, they look at population-level information and evaluate the collected data to make generalizations or interpretations about that body of evidence. Thus, they make broad conclusions based on a comprehensive overview.

By contrast, a good dog trainer will tailor those clinical recommendations to an individual animal, which is where the art of dog training comes into play. Unfortunately, some dog trainers will try to validate their own methods by citing studies or publications that align with their own beliefs. But because the field is unregulated, people can publish anything they want. That’s why it’s important to remember that dog trainers aren’t data scientists. 

A good dog trainer should be working with the clinical recommendations available to them from credentialed organizations like AVSAB. Such organizations inform trainers about which practices are supported by the data they have analyzed. Their findings are not based on an individual trainer’s anecdotal evidence about why one method works better than another or why one tool is appropriate or not appropriate. There’s solid science behind them.

By contrast, the job of the dog behavior professional or trainer is to evaluate what is going on with the individual dog from the dog’s own perspective. This may include taking a thorough history or performing a behavior evaluation. A good quality dog behavior professional will base their treatment plan on solid evidence collected and evaluated by credentialed scientists, as opposed to solely relying on their experience. But what works for an individual dog does not necessarily apply to all dogs.  

The art comes into play as the dog behavior professional designs their treatment plan for the individual dog in front of them. Good trainers work from population-based guidelines, but the reality of behavior modification in the practical world requires both science and art, with the trainer as the artist. As trainers, we may understand that a certain protocol is recommended for a specific behavior, but we also have the human and animal team sitting directly in front of us. Perhaps the owner has a bias or the dog has already had a negative experience with something similar; or one of many other factors could be an issue. As training professionals, we can adapt the research to better fit the individuals involved.

The factors that determine behavior are often impossible to enumerate in their entirety, leaving a lot of room for nuance. The human and dog in question are also part of the equation. What are the needs of the individual human? What are the needs of the individual dog? What is their daily environment like? What is a practical goal for this team? What are the limitations of this human or this dog? What is realistic in terms of workload? What safety considerations are there? What is their history?

Effectively blending the art and science of dog behavior takes time and experience. Bringing knowledge to application requires insight, grace, and compassion for both humans and dogs. There are many ways to apply science to an individual situation and finding the appropriate application requires a trainer who not only understands the basic recipe but can create their own. The ability to do this well is a combination of technical proficiency, creativity, and experience. It’s an art. 

In fact, some of the best dog trainers I know are also working artists when we’re not training. In our off time, we may play in a band or collect junk to make sculptures or enjoy painting or writing. For many of us, it’s in our nature to create. 

As trainers, our work with dogs allows us to connect ideas from both science and art. Both act as places for new discovery. Both complement each other. In dog training as in so many other things, the intersection between science and art is where the magic lies.