Obedience or Behavior Training?

Dog obedience versus behavior training information.

Let's start with "behavior training"�.

This type of dog training is taught and usually involves housebreaking, social behavior, aggression where people, dogs, and other pets are concerned amongst other small things that make life tolerable for all parties involved.

Next, "obedience training" teaches the dog how to perform specific activities.

Obedience exercises typically are TRAINING FOR SIT, STAY, COME, WAIT, HEEL, FOLLOW plus CONTROLLING PULLING, CHASING, AND JUMPING UP. These are commands. While there can be many overall benefits to this kind of dog training, the training is not necessarily used in order to improve the dog's behavior.

Then there's "Instinct training" for specific activities  this could include hunting, herding, and search and rescue. Some dogs are bred with traits engraved deeply in their brains and should be allowed to tap into their instincts. If not properly exercised using these instincts, problems can arise often in aggressive behaviors.

Sometimes, these dog training methods cross over somewhat.

A certain amount of obedience training will help with behaviors, for example. A dog that is heeling properly will likely not pull on the leash.

The behavioral-issues are certainly the most desirable to learn first!

A dog that barks excessively might just be bored and once obedience training begins stop barking due to the training. It is important to note that your dog now knows how to heel he amy still bark. You will need to modify your technique, with behavior vs. obedience training in mind. We have an excellent section on stopping dogs that bark to much since it can be very ignoring, especially to apartment neighbors or god forbid wakes up the baby!

Please also remember NOT to punish the dog whilst training...

Punishment is not a training aid. It does absolutely nothing to help in teaching, or can erase all your efforts plus create even more bad habits. Limit yourself to a firm “no� then use your hands to block the dogs negative actions. Refrain from hitting or physically abusing the dog.

The greater the levels of patience, consistency and persistence, will pay off in gaining a life long companion; Never give up; if you do, you are giving away your status as alpha dog. Dogs are bound by nature and genetics to test how far he can push you or get away with disobeying you. You must display a calm yet assertive attitude and do not pat, praise, or reward the dog if he does not pay attention or refuses to do as you have asked. Only yield once your commands are followed. You're either the follower or the leader of the pack.

Try small doggie snacks as rewards and praise to reinforce. Praise immediately when a dog responds to any command. This loving attention is usually worth more than the snack;) Dogs naturally want to please you as the leader, so lots of love/rewards (prizes) results in speedy leaps forward during training. Once a command/trick has been mastered then the treats can be withdrawn.

Every dog is unique and presents different training challenges, the sooner you equip yourself to handle these training issues, the more likely success in preventing permanent and long term future behavioral problems.

The #1 reason dogs are abandoned or placed in shelters is their owners simply didn't have enough time to teach even some basic lessons and sadly many are put down. Please pass this article along to friends with unruly dogs or if they are considering getting a dog.

Author: Dave Howard Dog Obedience/Behavioral Trainer