Training is a cornerstone of a safe and healthy human–dog relationship, but little has been known about the specific characteristics that influence whether dogs succeed in structured programs. Stevens et al. (2021) investigated this question by analyzing outcomes of dogs and owners enrolled in the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) training program, a widely recognized certification that assesses obedience and social behavior.
Before beginning the training course, owners completed surveys evaluating both their own cognitive abilities and their dogs’ behavior. Dogs also completed baseline behavioral assessments to gauge their initial training levels. Following the training course, researchers analyzed which factors predicted whether dogs passed the CGC test.
The results revealed that dog age, sex, and neuter status were not significant predictors of success. Instead, owner-rated disobedience levels in dogs strongly predicted whether they would complete the program. On the human side, owners who scored higher on cognitive measures were more likely to guide their dogs to successful completion. Importantly, the interaction between dogs and owners also played a role, with time spent training together emerging as a strong predictor of positive outcomes.
These findings highlight the importance of considering both human and canine traits in dog training success. They suggest that training outcomes are not solely dependent on the dog’s inherent abilities but are strongly shaped by owner capabilities, consistency, and effort. For dog owners and trainers, the study underscores the value of tailoring training approaches to the unique characteristics of both the dog and the handler.
Source: Stevens, J., Wolff, L. M., Bosworth, M., & Morstad, J. (2021). Dog and owner characteristics predict training success. Animal Cognition, 24, 219–230. Published January 10, 2021.
