In this 2021 study published in Animal Cognition, J. Stevens, London M. Wolff, Megan Bosworth, and J. Morstad investigated which characteristics of dogs, owners, and their relationship best predict success in completing the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (CGC) training program.
Before training began, owners completed surveys assessing both their dog’s behavior and their own cognitive abilities. Dogs also took initial behavioral tasks to measure their starting level of obedience and training readiness. After training, researchers analyzed which factors best predicted whether dogs passed the CGC test.
Key findings revealed that basic demographic factors such as dog age, sex, and neuter status did not predict training success. Instead, owner-rated levels of disobedience and impulsivity in dogs were significant predictors, suggesting that certain behavioral traits present at home may impact training outcomes more than age or breed.
Importantly, owners’ cognitive ability was found to be a strong predictor of training success. Owners who scored higher on measures of problem-solving, planning, and attention were more likely to successfully guide their dogs through the CGC training program.
Additionally, relational factors—specifically, the amount of time owners spent actively training and interacting with their dogs—emerged as critical components of success. Dogs whose owners invested more time in training had a higher likelihood of completing the program, highlighting the importance of consistency and engagement.
The study concludes that successful dog training is influenced not just by dog-specific traits, but also by owner cognitive abilities, behavioral awareness, and the strength of the dog–owner relationship. Training is therefore best understood as a shared cognitive and emotional process, shaped by both participants.
Source: Stevens, J., Wolff, L. M., Bosworth, M., & Morstad, J. (2021). Dog and owner characteristics predict training success. Animal Cognition. Published January 10, 2021.
