How Dogs Learn in Pictures: The Hidden Key to Reliable Behaviour

Why does your dog listen perfectly at home… but suddenly forget everything the moment you step outside? Why does reactivity dissolve in one environment and explode in another? And why does training sometimes feel like you’re starting from scratch every time you change location? In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the real reason behind inconsistent behaviour: your dog’s incredible ability to contextualise. You’ll learn how dogs form multi-sensory ‘pictures' when learning, why their brains don’t automatically generalise skills, and how emotional state and environment shape every behaviour they can (or can’t) access. This isn’t just fascinating neuroscience… it’s transformational for real-life training. Once you understand how your dog’s brain maps the world, everything becomes easier: recall, loose-lead walking, reactivity, engagement, calmness, settling, focus… all of it! Whether you’re raising an adolescent whirlwind, supporting a reactive dog, or simply wanting a more connected partnership, this episode will completely change how you understand & train your dog. In this episode, you’ll learn: How your dog’s brain uses environmental and emotional cues to encode behaviour Why dogs don’t generalise skills automatically - and how to teach them to The real neuroscience behind inconsistency and why it’s not disobedience What state-dependent learning is (and how it shapes your dog’s reliability) How to build skills that actually transfer from home to the real world Practical, real-life examples of contextual training in action How understanding context can transform reactivity, engagement and focus The step-by-step mindset shift that makes training feel calmer, clearer, and easier 💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses! 📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @‌listendogtraining 🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover. It helps the podcast grow and supports more people to train with confidence, clarity, and joy!