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What's the difference between obedience training and behavior training?
Let's talk about it!
What does dog training mean? The word "training" essentially means using a variety of methods, either actively or passively, to teach a dog- resulting in behavior change.
The 2 main types of "training" :
1) Obedience Training
2) Behavior Modification
*There are other types as well
What's the difference?
1) Obedience Training: Involves using various methods with the goal of teaching our dog to respond to various obedience cues. The goal is to pair a behavior *sit* with a word or gesture "sit". Ex: So, when we ask for a "sit" , our dogs give us a *sit*.
Commonly taught simple foundational obedience cues:
Sit
Down
Come
Leave it/Drop it
Place
Obedience cues are taught to working dogs and in canine sports also. Any word (cue) can be used to teach any behavior!
Some simple examples: Over (jump over the jump) Release (let go of the suspect)
More complex examples: Out (Go away from that target or to another target) Stay (Don't leave this location/position until you're released or given another cue) Heel (Don't engage with anything around you and stay by my side)
What obedience training alone, DOES NOT address: Complex emotional issues Aggression Anxiety Fear Reactivity *See behavior modification
What's the difference?
2) Behavior Modification: Involves assessing and thus gaining a thorough understanding of the dog's emotional, physical, and mental needs, problems, and underlying causes. Then, formulate a specific plan by implementing various methods and protocols to help change the dog's perception, reaction, and behaviors.
Obedience and life skills are usually a part of these behavior modification plans, but not the primary focus. Behaviors are driven by emotion, so we aim to assess and improve the emotions driving problematic or unsafe behaviors.
Sometimes, behavior modification can be enough to help dogs, but some dogs may require Veterinary medical or Veterinary behavioral intervention.
*Fear, stress, anxiety, aggression, and any other negative state of mind CANNOT be "trained" away using forceful obedience training methods. Their issue gets worse under the surface.
Understanding dog's emotional states, helps us understand their motivations for behaviors. We focus on helping them understand their world, giving them choices when they're having big emotions, and teaching them alternative choices that are positive. We also do our part as the human guardian to meet their needs and support their journey.
Some examples of times when behavior modification works well: Barking at the doorbell Lunging at dogs on leash Biting people Severe distress when alone or confined Afraid of people/things Resource guarding
What does my dog need? Most dogs will need a combination of behavior training and obedience training, along with many other aspects of learning that can vary for each dog and household.
Find a trainer with professional certifications and continuing education, who doesn't focus primarily on obedience and who doesn't use harsh methods and tools.
Reach out if you need help with your dog's training or behavior! www.evolutiondogtraininglv.com/contact
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