Gritsenko V.V., instructor of service dog breeding DOSAAF USSR, candidate of veterinary sciences, associate professor. During his life he worked with service dogs in the systems of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Federal Customs Service of Russia. He is the author of many books on raising and training dogs, including the textbook: “Course on the Theory of Dog Training.” In this book, the author makes an attempt at a modern analysis of such concepts as “reflex” and “instinct” and draws readers’ attention to the limitations and even inconsistency of these concepts. The book is addressed primarily to dog trainers and instructors, as well as dog handlers from law enforcement agencies and structures of the Russian Federation.