Being a responsible dog owner requires effort to ensure that your dog is trained the right way. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to train a new puppy or a senior dog; it’s important to learn the differences between dog obedience training and behavioral training for dogs. This helps to understand what kind of training your dog needs, as there are several key differences between the two.
In this article, we talk about everything you need to know about dog or puppy obedience training as well as dog or puppy behavior training. That way, your dog can progress throughout its development.
What is Obedience Training?
Dog obedience training is a form of training that teaches a dog how to respond to commands effectively. For instance, the common commands are sit, come, or paw. Through dog or puppy obedience training, dog owners are able to form a close relationship with their dog according to different situations. It also gives you better control of your dog in every situation or environment.
What is Behavioral Training?
Behavioral training for dogs is a form of training that solves a specific behavior trait. For example, it could be anxiety, severe aggression, constantly barking or jumping on people, and so on.
Practicing dog or puppy behavior training is crucial to get rid of bad behaviors so that dog owners are able to maintain harmony and peace.
Key Differences Between Obedience Training and Behavioral Training
To give you a clearer idea of the differences between obedience and behavioral training for dogs, you may refer to the table below on the key differences:
| Differences | Dog Obedience Training | Dog Behavioral Training |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Teaches dogs to respond to specific commands | Corrects undesirable or problematic behaviors |
| Focus | Task-based learning such as sit, come and paw) | Emotional or psychological triggers such as anxiety or severe aggression |
| Type of training | Structured routines with repetition and reinforcement | Customized to dog’s specific behavior challenges |
| Suitable for | All dogs, especially puppies and dogs needing discipline | Dogs displaying aggression, fear, or destructive habits |
When to Start Obedience Training For Puppies
Once your puppy reaches 8 weeks old, it’s time for puppy obedience training. During this age, puppies will be able to absorb new information quickly, making it the perfect time to teach new commands. It’s also a common age when they tend to form habits, so teaching them basic commands can help make it a habit.
However, don’t overcomplicate things for your puppy by teaching advanced commands. You can just start with the basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and paw.
Importance of Puppy’s Behavior Training in Early Development
It’s essential for puppies to begin puppy behavior training in early development, as it can help them grow into obedient and well-disciplined adult dogs. With proper behavior training, it can prevent bad behaviors such as aggression, fear, and unwanted habits such as always jumping or chewing furniture aggressively.
Besides, since puppy behavior training is usually performed in groups, it’s a good way for your puppy to learn how to socialize with other dogs. That way, they won’t be so aggressive towards other dogs or humans.
Basic Obedience Dog Training Commands Every Dog Should Learn
There are several basic obedience dog training commands that all dogs will benefit from, no matter if they’re a puppy or a senior dog. Here are some of the basic commands all dogs should learn:
- Sit
- Come
- Stay
- Down
- Paw or Hand
- Heel
- Leave It
- Drop It
All of these commands help your dog to maintain good behavior, especially when performed on a regular basis.
Find out The Importance of Dog Training Commands here.
Can Dogs Benefit from Both Training Types?
Yes, of course! It would be best if your dog or puppy could undergo both types of training. Combining both dog obedience training and behavior training for dogs can help to ensure that dogs will be well-behaved and be an all-around good boy or girl.
Furthermore, both types of training can help dogs and their owners maintain a good, close-knit relationship with each other. Dogs will generally be happier after being able to control their emotional responses during difficult situations. It also helps to improve overall safety between other dogs or humans.
Looking For Dog Obedience and Behavioral Training?
All in all, dog obedience training and behavioral training for dogs go hand in hand. Understanding the differences can help to choose the right training for your dog. Check out our dog boot camp and puppy boot camp programs in Minnesota for dog command and comprehensive behavior and obedience training! Fill out our Services Inquiry form to register.