dog training glossary

Dog Training Glossary

This dog training glossary provides clear, force‑free definitions of common behavior and training terms to help owners better understand their dogs. All explanations are based on modern behavior science and reflect the same certified, evidence‑based approach we use in our training and behavior consulting services. Whether you’re new to dog ownership or expanding your knowledge, this glossary is designed to support you with accurate, humane, and easy‑to‑understand information.

Dog Training and Behavior Terms

All | # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z | Submit a name
There are currently 2 names in this directory beginning with the letter V.
Vacuum Activity
When an animal is highly motivated to perform an instinctive behavior but there is no available outlet, a vacuum activity may be exhibited (flank sucking, licking, etc). These activities have no apparent useful purpose.

Submitted by: S. Sheaffer
Variable Schedule of Reinforcement
Where an unpredictable amount of time have passed before getting rewarded for a response, or a number of behaviors required before getting reinforced. This keeps a dog motivated like a human playing a slot machine.


Submit a name

Top Rated Articles

Applied Behavior Analysis – How is it applied to our pet dogs?

 Livestock Guardian Dogs: History and Training Styles 

Dominance: In The Dog Training Industry

Why positive reinforcement when training a dog is so important!

Stages of Puppyhood

One way dogs communicate is through body language.

Scroll to Top