Which of the following accurately defines learning?

Learning is often defined in the context of behavioral change resulting from experiences, which aligns closely with the concept of conditioning. Conditioning refers to the process by which an animal (or person) learns to associate a particular stimulus with a specific response, typically through repetitive exposure and reinforcement. This reflects the fundamental principle of learning whereby an organism adapts its behavior based on past experiences to respond effectively to its environment.

In terms of behavioral training, conditioning can manifest in both classical and operant forms—both necessary for understanding how dogs learn. Consequently, recognizing learning as a process of conditioning allows trainers to apply structured approaches to reinforce desired behaviors, track progress effectively, and understand the mechanisms of habit formation.

The other options, while related to learning in broader contexts, do not encapsulate its definition as precisely as conditioning. For instance, response refers to the action taken in reaction to a stimulus, but does not inherently convey the learning aspect. Similarly, behavior describes actions or reactions of an organism but lacks the context of the learning process itself. Finally, theory encompasses the broader principles and frameworks in understanding learning, but does not define the act of learning itself. Thus, the choice that most accurately encapsulates the essence of learning is condition, as it emphasizes the process through which learning