Dog Training/Obedience Explained!

Dog Training: What Is Dog Training?

The terms “dog behavior/obedience training” mean different things – this is an important fact to remember when deciding what exactly you need to do with your dog.

First, there is "behavior training”.

This kind of dog training is taught and usually includes house training, good social behavior around other people, dogs, and pets plus the little things that make living with a well behaved dog pleasurable. A well-trained dog reacts properly in social public places.

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

This includes traditional obedience exercises such as heeling. The point here is on fast and correct performances. 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.

"Instinct training" trains for specific activities – this could include hunting, herding, search and rescue. Some dogs are bred with traits engrained 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.

At times, these dog training methods can cross over somewhat.

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

Keep this in mind if you've selected a training course, however, so that it best matches the dog and meets your needs. For some pet owners, the behavior-oriented classes are the best way to learn how to understand and control your dog. However, your dog may react differently once they return home if the training is not continued.

Be aware if your dog needs behavior modification (where you may have to find out the underlying reason why your dog barks too much) or obedience training (to understand commands).

The two may be related: a dog that barks because it is bored may become less bored with obedience training and stop barking. It is important, however, to understand that the dog stopped barking because it was no longer bored not that it now knows how to heel. You will need to modify your approach, or select a trainer to help you, with behavior vs. training in mind.

Please also remember not to punish the dog whilst training.
Punishment is not a training aid. It does little to foster willingness to learn and achieve. Limit yourself to a firm “no” and to using your hands to block the dog’s negative actions. Refrain from hitting or physically abusing the dog.

Display extreme levels of patience and persistence, and never give up; if you do, you are giving away your status as the top or alpha dog. The dog is 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, only then will they know who is the boss.

Use food lure rewards and praise to reinforce. Praise should immediately be forthcoming when a dog responds to any command. The pet will associate responding to commands with praise/rewards (prizes) and will try and respond faster to get prizes. Once a command/trick has been mastered then the treats can be withdrawn. You will find that obeying a command becomes second nature to your dog.

Start lessons slowly. To begin with, the lessons should be fairly easy so the dog can complete it within two-three actions. As the level of learning increases the lessons could be more complex.

Whether you're a first timer or old pro, learning is a life-long commitment when it comes to training your dog. Every dog is unique and presents different training challenges, the sooner you equip youself to handle these training issues, the more likely success in preventing permanent and long term future behavioral problems.