Behavior versus Obedience Training

What kind of training does your dog need? Obedience training includes basic commands for your dog, such as sit, stay, lie down, shake, jump, and many others. Behavior training, on the other hand, focuses on specific issues like potty training, aggression, reactivity, and separation anxiety, to name a few.

Are you seeking training for your dog because certain behaviors are problematic? If so, you likely need behavior training. Are you looking to teach your dog basic commands? That falls into the obedience training category.

Most dogs need a little of both types of training. For example, your puppy will need potty training as well as learning basic obedience commands.

Dogs that exhibit behaviors like biting or being scared of everything will benefit from behavioral training.

The Importance of Obedience Training

Obedience training is fundamental for establishing a strong foundation for your dog's behavior. It not only teaches your dog how to respond to commands but also helps in building a strong bond between you and your pet. Through obedience training, dogs learn to understand what is expected of them, making them more well-behaved and easier to manage.

For instance, teaching your dog to sit or stay can prevent unwanted behaviors such as jumping on guests or running out the door. Obedience training is also crucial for safety reasons. Commands like "come" or "stay" can prevent your dog from running into dangerous situations. Obedience training is the foundation of dog training, the cornerstones on which all training begins.  Perfect Pup can show you where to start.

The Role of Behavior Training

Behavior training addresses more complex issues that go beyond basic commands. This type of training is essential for dogs that exhibit problematic behaviors. For example, a dog that is aggressive towards other dogs or people needs behavior training to learn how to react appropriately in different situations. Similarly, a dog with separation anxiety will benefit from behavior training that teaches them how to cope with being alone.

Behavior training often requires a more personalized approach, as it deals with the underlying causes of a dog's behavior. It can involve desensitization, counter-conditioning, and other techniques aimed at modifying the dog's response to certain stimuli. This is where private in-home dog training can be a real benefit.  Perfect Pup specializes in this type of training. 

Combining Both Training Methods

In many cases, a combination of both obedience and behavior training is the most effective approach. For example, a dog that is aggressive towards other dogs might benefit from learning basic commands to improve general behavior, alongside specific behavior training to address the aggression.

Puppies are a good example of this need for combined training. While they need to learn where to potty (behavior training), they also need to learn basic commands like sit, stay, and come (obedience training). By addressing both areas, you can ensure that your puppy grows into a well-rounded and well-behaved adult dog.

Find a dog trainer in your Area

If you're unsure about where to start or how to address your dog's training needs, seeking professional help can be beneficial. Professional trainers can assess your dog's behavior and recommend the best course of action. They can provide tailored training programs that address both obedience and behavior issues.

Perfect Pup in Fort Wayne Indiana is here to help.  We work on all kinds of issues for your dog.  If you are struggling reach out to us about issues with your dog, we want to help!