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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 San Antonio, 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 San Antonio location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,695
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- 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)
- Place(go to bed)
Gold
$2,375
- Group Training Sessions 6 Months
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- 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
$3,775
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.
- Group Training ClassesOne-hour sessions Unlimited *see above description
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions + Unlimited *see above description
- 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 San Antonio 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!
We have our new 3 month golden retriever training to be our service dog with them and they have been very professional ! He is learning very fast with all there training .i would recommend them .— Sharlene Thum
Posted April 16th 2024
I have nothing but great things to say about Dog Training Elite. Professional, knowledgeable, and they offer a wide variety of training options and classes. I am very happy I found this program for my dog. Addakias is awesome and always makes classes meaningful and fun. I highly recommend this business to anyone looking for general training to service dog training.— Jordan Marie Diggs
Posted April 11th 2024
I have nothing but great things to say about Dog Training Elite. Professional, knowledgeable, and they offer a wide variety of training options and classes. I am very happy I found this program for my dog. Adakias is awesome and always makes classes meaningful and fun. I highly recommend this business to anyone looking for general training to service dog training.— Jordan Diggs
Posted April 11th 2024
The trainers at Dog Training Elite are absolutely fabulous! They are training my dog, a Serbian Rottweiler, currently, eight months, old, to be my Service Dog. They have done a fantastic job up to this point! In addition to training at their facility, they have training at my home and in public areas. They explain the training thoroughly as they are not just training the dog, they are training me. I couldn’t be more pleased, and I strongly recommend them as trainers for. Service dogs, and general training for pets. They are worth every penny.— Cestmoimoi
Posted February 28th 2024
I sent my 2-year-old female Golden Retriever, who has separation anxiety, to be trained by Dog Training Elite to become my service dog. Day 1 of obedience training I noticed a huge difference in her anxiety levels as well as her basic obedience! Could not recommend enough!!— Caitlin Fulk
Posted March 18th 2024
We have been working with the training team for 10 months. They have been training our service dog Ruger since he was 9 weeks old. He attended puppy camp with Geneva and he learned so fast. He went back for advanced obedience and his Service Dog training. We are so happy. There are a million positive things I could say but the thing I value most is they are always there for you. If you find things you need help with they always have a plan to support— Renee Marble
Posted December 31st 2023
"Reign" is my 3rd pure bred AKC German Shepherd and I "knew" how to train puppies....or at least I thought I knew. This time it didn't work. Whitley and Dog Training Elite have helped my husband and I to train our dog so we now have a well-mannered, happy, pet that I can count on to listen and behave. When you have an 80-pound German Shepherd people tend to be nervous when you approach them- with training, Reign is my guardian AND a good dog! There are a lot of programs out there....all promising to bring about remarkable changes in your pet...but Whitley has proven their methods work and kept the company's promise to us- something you don't always find in today's marketplace. Words to describe Whitley and her training: Compassion/Kindness. Quality. Attention to detail. Responsive. Effective! I have, and will continue to recommend Whitley and Dog Training Elite to my friends and colleagues, as I recognize the quality of training we paid for and will not settle for less. Dr. Laurie Singel— Laurie Singel
Posted February 9th 2018
Our baby Doberman is already improving so much in temperament thanks to the direction and guidance of the trainer and staff. Would definitely suggest anyone looking to help train their dominant breed baby to go there for sure.— Marie Hall
Posted December 12th 2023
I inquired about training my dogs specific issues, (potty training) and I received a thorough and insightful response on what is to be expected, the prices, and personal advice. I appreciate the prompt response and professionalism, I will hire them for any future dog training.— Clariza Rizalado
Posted October 26th 2023
Such a phenomenal experience that I’ve now had 3 of my pups trained with DTE. There’s truly something special about a well trained dog bonded with its owner and DTE makes this a main point in their work. Highly recommend for any basic obedience, service dog work, therapy dog, etc!— Lea Hajjar
Posted October 24th 2023
The trainers are always friendly and professional. My daughter's "Service Dog in Training" couldn't ask for a better Trainer. Terrance answers all my questions but also takes the time to show my daughter how to implement at home what the dog has learned.— Christine Drain
Posted August 25th 2023
The best place for dog training! The trainers are excellent as well as friendly and communicative to pet parents. They are available for parents ant time you need them So glad we entered our dog in their training program. Try them. You won’t be disappointed.— Kathe Dobson
Posted August 24th 2023
I brought My baby blue a (Belgian malinois” here for puppy training and soon to be service dog training. What can I say? The service and the Team are amazing. They love their job and they love dogs and care for your babies. I enjoy seeing my baby grow up and The training and guidance They provide is Amazing. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a dog training program— Israel Deluna
Posted August 13th 2023
The instructors at Dog Training Elite are not only knowledgeable and experienced but also kind, patient and fun. Our dog was driving our family crazy and we feel fortunate to have found DTE. Louie went from being a rebel to becoming a service dog in just 3 weeks. What an amazing transformation! He is a totally different dog, although mischievous at times, he now listens and follows commands. We continue training and working with DTE so that Louie can continue to improve. Thanks to all the instructors who have worked and helped train Louie :)— Gabriela Barba
Posted August 13th 2023
I have a dog that had some major anxiety issues. After training for a few weeks there was a big change in how my dog and all for the better.— Lacey Kornicki
Posted August 12th 2023
Great trainers, our puppy, a Rottweiler, been so obedient after theb1st day there. Geneva and Andrea they know what they doing , the facilities are wonderful too. We get videos and reports end of each day our puppy is there. Thank you all .— Laura Howard
Posted July 30th 2023
Dog Training Elite San Antonio helped us go from a situation where we were looking at rehoming our newly adopted dog because of resource guarding. They trained the people and the dog well and now we are a happy dog family. The bonus is that we can go out in public and we always have the best behaved pooch around! Big thank you to our trainer Atakias.— Amy
Posted June 20th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite San Antonio, 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 San Antonio work's with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.
Dog Training Elite San Antonio Partners
