Is your pup a genius, a class clown, or the dog that totally forgot what “sit” means overnight? New research suggests that personality and even sex could influence how young dogs learn and solve problems.
Mia Vargas
Writer & Anthrozoologist
If you’ve ever had a puppy, you know the struggle: One day, they master “sit” like a pro. The next, they look at you like you’ve just asked them to solve a calculus problem. So what gives? Are some dogs naturally smarter than others, or is there more to the story?
A recent study set out to explore this very question, and the findings might surprise you. It turns out that, just like people, dogs have different learning styles—and their ability to remember, problem-solve, and adapt is influenced by their personality and even whether they’re male or female. This means that if you’ve ever felt like your dog is training-resistant, they might just be wired to learn in a different way.
What Did the Study Look At?
Researchers tested young companion dogs on a series of cognitive tasks designed to measure problem-solving, memory, and impulse control. What they found is that bolder, more confident puppies tended to perform better on problem-solving tasks, while those that were more cautious or reserved took longer to figure things out. Interestingly, male and female puppies also showed differences in cognitive performance, suggesting that learning isn’t just about experience—it’s influenced by individual traits, too.
Personality and Learning: The Key Findings
So, what actually influences how a dog learns? The study found some interesting patterns. Male puppies, particularly those that were more fearful, performed better on memory tasks, remembering the location of a hidden treat more reliably. On the other hand, female puppies—especially excitable ones—had more difficulty with memory-based challenges. Another key finding was that excelling in one type of task didn’t necessarily mean a dog would do well in another. Some dogs were strong memory-driven learners, while others were natural problem-solvers. This means that if a dog struggles with training, it might not be due to intelligence at all—it could simply be about how they process and retain information.
What This Means for Dog Owners and Trainers
We often think of training as a universal process—give a command, reinforce the behavior, and the dog learns. But this study sheds light on why different training methods work better for different dogs. A dog that struggles with memory might need more repetition and reinforcement. A highly excitable dog may benefit from shorter training sessions in a low-distraction environment. A fearful dog might be more observant and quick to problem-solve but may also need extra patience to build confidence. Instead of feeling frustrated when a dog doesn’t seem to “get it,” this research reminds us that every dog has a unique way of learning, just like people do.
Is One Type of Dog “Smarter” Than Another?
Not at all! Just like humans, dogs have different kinds of intelligence. A dog who struggles with memory tasks might be a brilliant problem-solver. Likewise, a dog who takes longer to figure out an obstacle may have an incredible ability to retain training once they grasp it.
This also has big implications for working dogs. Different jobs require different skills—a search-and-rescue dog benefits from strong problem-solving, while a service dog needs a great memory for commands. Even in pet dogs, recognizing these differences can help us be more patient and flexible in training.
Work With Your Dog’s Brain, Not Against It
The next time you’re training your dog, take a step back and ask: What’s their learning style? If they seem to struggle with one aspect of training, it doesn’t mean they’re stubborn or “not smart”—they may just process information differently.
Instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all method, tailor your training to your dog’s strengths. If they’re more of a problem-solver, use puzzle games to keep them engaged. If they need extra memory reinforcement, increase repetition and consistency.
At the end of the day, training should be about communication, not frustration. Understanding how your dog learns can make training easier, strengthen your bond, and—let’s be honest—make life with your pup a whole lot more fun.
What do you think? Have you noticed different learning styles in your dogs? Let’s talk in the comments!
References
Bray, E. E., Otto, C. M., Udell, M. A., Hall, N. J., Johnston, A. M., & MacLean, E. L. (2024). A preliminary analysis of the effect of individual differences on cognitive performance in young companion dogs. Animal Cognition, 27(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/xxxx
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