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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
- 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!
I am so glad I chose to go with DTE. Evan came out to do my assessment with my dog reactive pit bull spartan, and I loved the way he interacted with spartan. He was not pushy trying to get me to sign up with them which was a nice change from other assessments I have had. Ryan and Deidre worked with me and my dog so patiently and not only made him better, but made me better. After our first session, there was already a big difference in Spartans behavior. Today I finished my last one on one session and spartan is an entirely different dog in the best way possible! I could not thank the team enough!— Collin Kleese
Posted December 9th 2023
Izabel is such a wonderful trainer! My fur baby Toothless would just get overly excited and with her help she really was able to give us both some calmness and a better understanding of each other! He’s a pitbull mix and although I love breed I haven’t owned one myself so I’m thankful for her skills and education with us both! Thank you Izabel!— Emily Cooper
Posted December 9th 2023
Tonya has helped our dog so much! Being an aussiedoodle she has a lot of energy and can be stubborn. Her behavior has completely changed since working with Tonya and everyone tells us how well behaved she is now. I am so glad I chose them to work with us and Stella. Excited to keep training with them!— Olivia Price
Posted December 9th 2023
Wow, so happy with my experience here. The amount of knowledge that I learned from dog training elite was incredible. My pup and I are so grateful for the experience.— Timothy Ochoa
Posted December 9th 2023
Talk about great staff and amazing training, my Boston terrier pit mix has been quite the handful. But since her time with dog training elite she has been so easy to work. Couldn’t be happier.— Timothy Ochoa
Posted December 9th 2023
Amazing staff and care, my pit mix was the most stubborn pup and now she is the most well behaved girl.— Timothy Ochoa
Posted December 9th 2023
Dog Training Elite is a lifesaver! Not only are Parker and Eric extremely kind and patient, they are dedicated and truly know what they’re doing. I couldn’t recommend them enough!!! 10/10 experience for me and my pup, Moose.— Hannah Seegmiller
Posted December 9th 2023
Nikki is a great dog trainer with lots of experience. She will help you work through everything from behavioral issues to basic manners. Highly recommend!!— Amy Borchardt
Posted December 9th 2023
I have a 2 year old. Lab and I can’t say enought. About how her training from Vince at Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh has helped her and is! Vince is very knowledgeable about training with individual one on one class and group classes. Whatever you need help with your dog Vince can fix it! I have a well behaved dog now that only continues to get better as she gets older . He is reasonably priced and is always available for questions or new concerns. DTEP gets my outstanding review. Give Vince a call ! You will be very happy with his training for your dog!! Sincerely, Linda Z— Linda Zemanick
Posted December 8th 2023
Loved working with Parker and Dog Training Elite. Super easy to work with and truly helped both me and my pup to have a better relationship! Highly recommend!!— Camden Johnsen
Posted December 8th 2023
One of the most premier and professional dog training companies I’ve ever been affiliated with! If you live in the area and you’re looking for a good trainer in, look no further.— Ethan Seegmiller
Posted December 8th 2023
We love Izabel and the Elite team. Our daughter and pup are thriving and we document be happier.— Kami Harold
Posted December 8th 2023
Izabel Gray is a caring and knowledgable trainer, and her dog Rubie is proof that she knows what she's doing. This company's service is top notch and well worth your time. Request Izabel for sure! :)— Chris Galloway
Posted December 8th 2023
Izabel Gray really knows how to make dog owners feel confident, Her knowledge is so helpful when learning how to have a well behaved dog.— Jennie Galloway
Posted December 8th 2023
One of the most premier and professional dog training companies I’ve ever been affiliated with! If you live in the area and you’re looking for a good trainer in, look no further.— Ethan Seegmiller
Posted December 8th 2023
We have had an awesome experience with Dog Training Elite! We were ready to give up on our husky because not only was she naughty but didn’t listen either! We were so surprised at her behavior after the first appointment! With every appointment, she continued to grow more and more obedient and actually pays attention and listens and respond when given commands. We have had the pleasure of working with Eric! He has always been accommodating with our schedule and time. He is amazing and truly knows how to train and work with our pet! We have learned so much! Thank you Eric and Dog Traing Elite! Such a positive experience for our family and our husky Athena!— Berri Umrani
Posted December 8th 2023
Gray was awesome! Our minature Aussie is either a genius or Gray just knows how to train a dog. I would vote for Gray!!! We would highly recommend this company!! Steve and Jeanne Henley Ingram, Texas— Jeanne Henley
Posted December 8th 2023
I highly recommend Dog Training Elite. Ramiro is excellent with working with your dog. He's gentle but firm. He taught my husband and I how to use the commands with our dog Rollie and in 3 weeks Rollie is doing very good. I really like that Ramiro can come to our home where we all are comfortable and I think it helps training go more smoothly. We look forward to the next training to see what Rollie can learn.— Sharon Fischer
Posted December 8th 2023
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Posted December 7th 2023
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.