In fact, it's a mistake to think of animal behaviour in human terms. Dogs and cats have a very simple thought process which is based mainly on instinct and subsequent learning experience. To satisfactorily address behavioural problems it helps to have some understanding of why dogs and cats behave as they do. Dogs and cats don't have a sense of right or wrong. If you reprimand the animal and it cringes, it is simply anticipating the punishment signalled by your words and body language.
Proper training requires a structured program.
You can train a dog or cat to change its behaviour patterns, but to do this successfully you should have a well thought out training program which is logical, consistent and ongoing. There are many good reference books available on the subject and numerous websites on the Internet offering advice and guidance. Remember, firstly, that you must punish or reward within a few seconds of the event, otherwise the animal will not be able to associate effect with cause. And secondly, training dogs and cats is all about repetition and reinforcement, so persistence is definitely the key to success. Dogs and cats have a sense of smell which is 100's of times stronger than that of a human.