Dog Obedience Training vs. Behavioral Training: What’s the Difference?

Dog Obedience Training vs. Behavioral Training: What’s the Difference?

Dog obedience training and behavioral training are two different approaches to dog training that often get confused. Understanding the difference between these two methods is crucial for any pet owner who wants to effectively train their dog.

Dog obedience training primarily focuses on teaching dogs basic commands such as sit, stay, come, heel and down. The aim of this type of training is to make your dog obedient and well-behaved in various situations. Obedience training usually starts when a puppy is around eight weeks old but can also be effective with older dogs. This type of training involves repetition and reward system where a dog boarding near me learns to associate certain behaviors with rewards like treats or praise.

On the other hand, behavioral training addresses behavioral problems in dogs. These may include issues like aggression, separation anxiety, excessive barking, chewing or digging among others. Behavioral problems are often more complex than simply not knowing commands and may require the assistance of a professional trainer or behaviorist. The goal of behavioral training is not just about teaching your dog what to do but also understanding why they behave in certain ways and correcting those behaviors.

The main difference between obedience and behavioral training lies in their goals: while obedience aims at teaching dogs how to act properly by following specific commands; behavior modification seeks at identifying underlying causes for problematic behaviors in order to correct them effectively.

Moreover, the techniques used in both types of trainings vary significantly too. Obedience classes tend to use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats or praises whereas behaviorists might employ a wider range of strategies including desensitization or counter-conditioning procedures depending on the nature of the problem behavior being addressed.

It’s important for pet owners to understand that these two types of trainings are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary parts of an overall approach towards raising a well-adjusted canine companion. In fact, many trainers believe that basic obedience skills form an essential foundation for addressing more complex behavior issues since they help establish communication between the dog and its owner.

In conclusion, both obedience training and behavioral training have their own unique purposes and methods. While obedience training is about teaching your dog to follow commands, behavioral training is about understanding and correcting problematic behaviors. Both are integral parts of raising a well-behaved, balanced dog. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to understand these differences so that you can effectively address any issues that may arise with your furry friend.

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