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Behavior Training vs. Obedience Training for Dogs
If you are in the market for dog training, you may run across a few terms like "behavior training" or "obedience training." But what's the difference between the two? And which one is best for your dog?
Here at Dog Training Elite New Mexico, we have been in the dog training business for over 40 years, so we can explain the difference between behavior and obedience training for dogs. We'll also help you determine which is right for you and your four-legged best friend. If you are interested in hearing more about Dog Training Elite training programs, call us today for a free in-home consultation!
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite New Mexico location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,495
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 In-Home Sessions*
- Come
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture, if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
Gold
$1,995
Training Equipment Included: E collar, Training Clicker, Biothane 4' Flat Leash, Place Cot, Bag
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 In-Home Sessions*
- Group Training Sessions 6 Months Unlimited*
- Come
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Get into Car or Kennel
- STOP Running Away
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Puppy Biting
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing
- STOP Digging
Platinum
$2,795
OUR MOST POPULAR PACKAGE!
Our platinum package offers you training sessions throughout your dog's lifetime!
Follow-up sessions to be scheduled once per month as needed, after initial program is completed.
Training Equipment Included: E collar, Training Clicker, Biothane 4' Flat Leash, Flexi Leash, Place Cot, Bag
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 In-Home Sessions*
- Group Training ClassesOne-hour sessions Lifetime Unlimited *
- Lifetime Follow Up & Group Support
- Come
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Get into Car or Kennel
- STOP Running Away
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Puppy Biting
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing
- STOP Digging
- Control Aggression(dog & human)
- Therapy dog training See Details
Behavior Training
This type of training aims to correct or rewrite an undesirable behavior. For example, if a dog or puppy whines and cries when the owner leaves the house, the dog may be experiencing separation anxiety and acting out. To fix this behavior, you would need to train this dog to respond differently to being left alone in the house.
With behavior training, the trainer and owner look at the situation that needs addressing, figure out the trigger for the bad behavior, and train the dog to respond differently to that trigger. After consistent training and positive reinforcement, the dog will perform the learned response to the trigger or stimulus even without commands or rewards, essentially rewriting their response to that situation.
Obedience Training
Trainers use obedience training to teach a command and then have a dog obey and perform that command. This training involves teaching a puppy or dog basic commands like “sit,” “come,” “heel,” or “down.” The Dog Training Elite trainers can also use obedience training to teach other commands more unique to your life and situation.
The goal of obedience training is in the name - training a dog to obey commands reliably. Obedience training for dogs can sometimes be lengthy and requires repetition, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement to achieve lasting results.
When obedience training is employed correctly, it fosters a deep connection between dog and owner that encourages consistent compliance from the dog and positive reinforcement from the owner.
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Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
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Empowering Owners
We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. -
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. -
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
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Supportive
We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session"). -
Involved
We work with all members of the household. -
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
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Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training. -
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term. -
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun
A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
The Dog Training Elite Training Method
Correct responses to a command or rewriting a reaction to a trigger can be accomplished through many methods. Dog Training Elite uses positive reinforcement, or “classical conditioning,” to achieve the desired results. Years of experience have taught us that classical conditioning is the most effective way to train a dog.
What is classical conditioning?
Also known as the Pavlovian model, classical conditioning refers to a learning process that occurs when you pair two stimuli with a command. Studies have proven that classical conditioning is the preferred training method as it offers long-lasting results and teaches deep-rooted obedience. At Dog Training Elite, an electronic collar and positive reinforcement are the two stimuli we use to teach your dog good behavior. The electronic collar is not a shock collar. Like a clicker device, it gets your dog’s attention during training.
Offering rewards and positive reinforcement will yield positive results and a happy and confident dog. In contrast, using negative reinforcement and punishment will result in a dog performing out of fear and lacking trust and confidence. The trainers in Albuquerque / Santa Fe want your dog to be happy and confident and have a deep and lasting connection with you as their owner. That’s why we only use positive reinforcement and classical conditioning.
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Which Training is Right For You and Your Dog?
Dog Training Elite offers behavior and obedience training for dogs, but how do you know which is right for you? Suppose your dog is exhibiting behaviors like biting, excessive barking, digging, or more. In that case, they may benefit from some behavioral training to rewrite those responses. If you have a new puppy or your dog has trouble obeying commands, obedience training is the ideal solution. In some cases, your dog may need a combination of both.
If you're still unsure what training is best for you and your dog, Dog Training Elite is ready to help! Find a trainer near you today to get started on your dog's training journey.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
I wish I could share Dog Training Elite with every dog owner in New Mexico! They have been my saving grace! My current service dog is getting older, and training a new puppy while working full time can be a task to juggle on the best day! Dog Training Elite has been able to work around my schedule, come to my home and work in 'real world' scenarios to prepare my new puppy to enable my current service dog to retire and play in the back yard in her golden years. John, our trainer, has been so patient and has come up with amazing ways to teach this seasoned dog owner a new thing or two! If you are on the fence about a trainer, DONT WAIT! Dog Training Elite is worth your time and will help you train your dog for life! I feel so much more secure that my Gungi will be a focused, predictable and contributing team mate for me when I am in public and a well behaved pet during his off time. Thank you Dog Training Elite New Mexico and John! Here is a photo of Gungi during his first restaurant outing last week, his is doing 'under' , placement under a chair to make himself tiny and out of the way of everyone in an eating area.— Stacey G
Posted April 8th 2024
I am very impressed with John’s Knowledge and expertise. Our first session together with my dog was spectacular. In fact, using the techniques that John suggested, it was almost Like having a remote control for my dog. We are very pleased with the results so far And are very excited to see where this training will lead us.— Brent Poindexter
Posted April 5th 2024
We just signed our dog up for the therapy training program. After one week of training under John's guidance, we feel like we have a different dog! You think you have a well-trained dog until you actually see the difference that professional help can make. John is patient, kind, and incredibly knowledgable. We have followed his advice and tips and will continue to do so because it is working. We can't wait to see the final results!— Dina Knouse
Posted April 5th 2024
my experience with the Dog Training Elite team has been amazing. With my current service dog getting up in age, and needing to retire I needed a training program that could tailor around my work schedule for my new puppy. I cannot tell you what a savior Dog Training Elite has been. I'm very impressed with their methods and could not have asked for a more patient and empowering trainer than John!— Stacey Gunthorpe
Posted March 31st 2024
We absolutely recommend dog training elite! The personal approach was just what our rescue dog needed and the instructions gave us, the dog parents many tools for our tool box. We are well on our way to having a well behaved pooch!!!— Deb Dorn
Posted December 29th 2023
Susan was great. We gained the tools and confidence to keep our dog safe, and safe for others. She told us what to expect every step of the way, and just like she said would be the case, we learned as much as our dog did. Worth every penny, as we know this is just a foundation on which we can now continue to build.— Cristian Gabriel Cruz
Posted December 5th 2023
This team is awesome, everyone is super friendly and welcoming. Susan was our trainer and she was very knowledgeable and really easy to work. 10 out of 10 would recommend.— Raymond Caldwell
Posted November 3rd 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite New Mexico, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite New Mexico works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.