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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, 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 location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
Pricing Coming Soon!
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 4 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
Pricing Coming Soon!
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 6 Months
- 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)
- 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
- Go home(go into kennel or dog house)
- Wait
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP bolting through doors
Platinum
Pricing Coming Soon!
Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 8 Months
- Community Training SessionsOne-on-one with you & trainer 2 Sessions
- 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
- Build Confidence
- Get into Car or Kennel
- STOP Running Away
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Puppy Biting
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing
- STOP Digging
- Go home(go into kennel or dog house)
- Wait
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP bolting through doors
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Choose to Address Advanced Concerns:
- Calm Anxiety
- Control Aggression (dog & human) -
Or Choose One Tailored Skill Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities.
- Therapy dog training
See Details
- Emotional Support Dog Training
- Ride on a Golf Cart, Skateboard, or Wagon
- Stay with You on Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
- Other Custom Command Approved by Trainer
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.
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 at Dog Training Elite 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.
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!
Great so far, lots of progress with my German Shepherd. Excited to see how this develops going forward.— Todd Morey
Posted April 23rd 2024
Dog Training Elite helped us with our 3 year old basset who had severe separation anxiety. She knew basic commands, and Alex was still able to take us to new levels and met us where we were at with our specific issues and needs. Highly recommend!— Cory Reynolds
Posted April 22nd 2024
I love Fort Wayne DogTraining Elite! Clint is very thorough and clear when it comes to communication! He gives excellent examples to learn from! We also had Nathan and Janella work with our dog and did an excellent job! I love learning from each of them and happy to be on the team! 😊— Zandra Kemp
Posted April 22nd 2024
Josh our trainer saved our dog's life. Our dog's reactive behavior was out of control. We were provide techniques through behavior modifications, consistency and patience to help our dog overcome his reactivness and become well behaved. Their guidance and professionalism is phenomenal. We could not have done this without Dog Training Elite's stupendous trainer and expertise.— Zxj Jb
Posted April 22nd 2024
Dog Training Elite has been life changing! Our lab is now the most obedient dog. If you’re looking for dog training, look no further!— Lindsay Robison
Posted April 21st 2024
I love Dog Training Elite and how far my dog has come with her aggression towards other dogs. It has given us so much freedom with her now! I am so thankful!— Andie Haslam
Posted April 21st 2024
Working with Parker has been so helpful! I learned so much and my dog has made so much progress. Can’t say enough good things about Dog Training Elite!— Hannah Mason
Posted April 21st 2024
We had a great experience with our 17 week old pup KoKo. KoKo and I have learned so much and she is just starting the group trainings. Each trainer is professional and works with you to get the most out of your sessions— Kyle Daniel
Posted April 21st 2024
I have had an awesome experience with the entire DTE team starting with the initial in-home assessment and continuing through the individualized Service Dog training and group classes. Riley and I both adapted to the lessons and teaching style quickly and found that the pace of instruction was tailored to both of us, ensuring that we were challenged, but not overwhelmed with the process. It was amazing to see the transformation in Riley each week as she learned new skills and became more attentive and focused on tasks. I appreciated that the DTE team was approachable and that I was able to ask questions and receive feedback along the way. Group lessons were probably one of the most intimidating aspects of the program, but after the first one they became one of our favorite activities and we met a lot of great dogs and owners during these learning sessions. Knowing what we know now, we would 100% choose DTE again! Highly recommend Dog Training Elite of SW Florida and their entire team.— Allison Conley
Posted April 21st 2024
Absolutely great. I am closer to my dog and she is close to me. We're not all the way through yet. I'm waiting to do the group lessons.— Paulette Scarry
Posted April 21st 2024
Shawn is great with the doggos. He did amazing with my pup. You can tell he takes his job serious and loves these animals.— Alex Fotias
Posted April 20th 2024
Shawn is amazing with our dog. The connection they share is as if they have been together for the past 8 years. Highly recommend.— John Buie
Posted April 20th 2024
Phenomenal training. Aaron has been great with my dog. The group classes are an excellent addition to the training program. Don’t hesitate… Sign your dog up today!— Jacob Irwin
Posted April 20th 2024
BEST TRAINERS EVER!!!! Thank you to Hope and Clint making her an ELITE dog through your program!!— Janella Benitez
Posted April 20th 2024
Clint helped to train our two dogs and wow… they have never behaved so well! We will be going to dog training elite for every dog we own!! More than worth it!— Chase Twibell
Posted April 20th 2024
Thank you Chris (Dog Training Elite Reno) for the above and beyond work with Leo (the Hippo Face). Although I had some experience with pitts in the past, this guy was especially reactive due to his traumatic past. (rescue). Chris worked so well with him, he really connected with Leo and helped me be a responsible pet owner.— Erica Cardona
Posted April 20th 2024
We were seeking support with our sassy pup, Murphy, who picks and chooses when she likes other dogs! Nicole and David have been incredible in helping us gain confidence in how to best support Murph and how to handle situations where she becomes aggressive/avoid them altogether! They have been super easy to communicate and schedule with, have been available if we had a quick question outside of training, and the group classes have been SO helpful in desensitizing our pup with other dogs! We have loved their calm and steady approach to training!! Highly highly recommend!!!— Emily Reader
Posted April 20th 2024
We are super satisfied and definitely met our expectations. If you are looking to train your dog as a service dog or even to correct behavior, I’d highly recommend Dog Training Elite of New Haven. Jason and his team are very professional and knowledgeable in this field.— YR
Posted April 20th 2024
Dog training elite is a great company with exceptional service. We can contact them at any time and they always get back to us within a reasonable timeframe. Jason is an amazing trainer that is sensitive to the needs of his clients. We truly enjoy working with them on our journey through obedience and service training.— Kyle Buchanan
Posted April 20th 2024
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite, 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 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.