The Science Behind the Shake: A Behaviorist Explains How Dogs Really Learn

When you think of the science behind dog training, you likely think of Pavlov. 

Not familiar? Here’s the quick version. While studying dogs’ digestive systems in the late 19th century, Pavlov noticed that the dogs salivated not just when food appeared, but when they merely saw the person delivering it. He began to ask: could he train the dogs to react to any associated stimulus? To find out, he repeatedly rang a bell before feeding them. Eventually, he discovered that the dogs would salivate at the sound of the bell alone, even if no food was present. 

He called it classical conditioning — a process where a natural reflex becomes associated with a new, “neutral” cue. In Piper Loop’s case, that cue is the unmistakable shake of the On-the-Go Training Tin. One shake, and they come running. Small, portable, and just noticeable enough to grab your dog’s attention — without straining your voice. 

To go deeper, I spoke with Dr. AnaMarie Johnson. She holds a doctorate in Behavioral Neuroscience and is a certified applied animal behaviorist. She consults with dog owners on behavior  — and knows the science behind classical conditioning.

I started by asking her to break down classical conditioning in plain terms.

“Basically, it's a form of passive association,” Dr. Johnson said. “Like, when I turn off the TV, my dogs immediately go to their bowls, because they know that when the TV gets turned off at night, it’s time for dinner.” 

That's exactly what happens with the Training Tin. Your dog learns that sound means something good is coming — and responds accordingly. 

“The tin is a very interesting idea,” Dr. Johnson said. “It gives owners an external tool they can attach recall to. What the tin is doing is saving a human's voice and producing a louder, consistent sound, creating an association. It also makes it a lot harder to poison your cue, which tends to happen when we overuse a command. The beauty of the Tin is that you really can’t overshake it.” 

Not all treats are created equal — and that turns out to matter scientifically.

“Novelty is important in training dogs,” Johnson said. “High-value treats — things like meat or dairy that are soft — increase your dog's motivation. Things like kibble, that are more crunchy, tend to motivate dogs less.” 

I closed by asking Dr. Johnson what she would tell dog owners who feel training is too time-consuming and complicated. 

“Operate at the basics, balance your goals,” Dr. Johnson said. You don’t need to be going to training classes three times a week, as long as you’re providing mental enrichment for your dogs every day. It can be as simple as sitting on the couch and shaking your tin, or putting their kibble into a box or toy.” 

One shake. They come running.   One shake. They come running.  Find Piper Loop Pets On-the-Go Training Tins on Amazon or at Piperlooppets.com.

— Evan Wetherell is an intern at Piper Loop Pets