Why Pavlov’s Dogs Still Matter

Pavlov’s conditioning experiments with dogs are often discussed in Psychology and remain influential. 

Pavlov’s hidden legacy — the lived experience of his dogs

Pavlov’s conditioning experiments are still talked about today partly because of their foundational role in shaping our understanding of learning and behaviour. His work introduced the concept of classical conditioning’, and underpinned models about the physiological basis of psychological processes and the nature of learning that remain influential today in fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and behavioural therapy

Beyond academia, the societal implications of these and later conditioning experiments have long been recognised, contributing to fields like marketing, advertising and social influence.

Others have focused on the legacy of Pavlov’s work, but a primary aim for us in creating our exhibition was to spotlight a lesser-known element – the experiences of Pavlov’s dogs. 

We have used arts-based methods to do so, creating scale models to explore their living conditions, relationships, and the nature of their involvement in experiments, including moments of resistance, whilst locating them within specific historical and geographical contexts.

Why such an emphasis on experimental animals?

Another claim regarding Pavlov’s ongoing influence is that his experiments also sparked discussions on ethical considerations in animal research that have continued to this day. 

The usual story here is that Pavlov was a pioneer in taking seriously the welfare of his animals, but also that ethical concerns raised during his time have been key to subsequent progress – not least the development of ethical guidelines for animal experimentation that shape research practices today. 

However, our exhibition seeks to challenge conventional perceptions of animal experimentation, the nature of scientific work, and the history of Psychology. In doing so Pavlov & the Kingdom of Dogs is intended as a kind of history from below’.

Image by Shaun Slifer. As a genre history from below originated in the 1970s with E.P. Thompson’s history of the working classes. 
History from below seeks to take as its subjects ordinary people, and concentrate on their experiences and perspectives, contrasting itself with the stereotype of traditional political history and its focus on the actions of great men’.
Institute of Historical Research

Building on the idea of a history from below’ we take as our subject ordinary animals and human co-workers. By emphasising the experiences and agency of experimental animals, and the relationships they were involved in with human handlers and researchers, we hope to follow a history from below’ tradition of challenging dominant historical narratives and taken-for-granted assumptions. 

In this case our focus is not only neglected human players, but the experiences and agency of the animals involved in experiments.

The past matters in the present

Ethical issues in research involving animals have not disappeared as a result of the development of ethical governance and guidelines. As we learn more about the intelligence and complexity of non-human animals, what counts as suitable practice shifts, informing a growing cultural conversation about the depth of non-human animal awareness and abilities, the intricate interdependence between humans and other species, and the need to develop sensibilities rooted in awareness and respect for all forms of life.

In psychology and behavioural science, this is reflected in calls to update ethical review practices and research design to incorporate the naming of animals, understanding of an individual animal’s experience of an experiment, and information about how animals are recruited, housed, handled and fed; what was required of them during experiments; their life expectancy; and other aspects of their lives outside of experiments.

Contemporary issues in animal rights and welfare

Psychologists also increasingly work with animals outside of the traditional lab environment, designing, delivering and/​or evaluating note the increasing range of animal-assisted interventions and therapies – support and companion animals, cat cafes, equestrian-assisted therapy, cow cuddling, and care farms to name but a few. All of these interventions raise ethical and welfare issues for psychologists and other interested parties to address.

More generally, we still live in a world in which animal lives, and human-animal relationships and encounters, are not just central but highly organised and structured, from industrial animal agriculture to the sport, leisure and entertainment industries. Just as with contemporary research involving animals, in all these areas problematic practices continue to be highlighted, and changes demanded, ranging from reform to abolition. 

Considering these issues as contemporary and ongoing, we hope then that our exhibition can contribute to discussion about the role of animals in society and culture today. It has never been more important for us to pay close attention to the experiences, rights and welfare of the animals involved.