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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 Elizabethtown, 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 Kentuckiana location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Gold
$2,195
Training Equipment and E-Collar Included
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 - 60 minute Sessions
- Group Training Classes 12 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)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP bolting through doors
Platinum
$3,195
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.
Training Equipment and E-Collar Included
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 - 60 minute Sessions
- Group Training Classes Unlimited
- Lifetime 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
- 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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Or Choose One Tailored Skill Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities.
- Control Anxiety or Aggression
- Ride on a Golf Cart 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.
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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 Elizabethtown 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!
Marlene and Joe have been amazing to work with. They reinforced what I knew and gave me confidence in training my girls. I definitely learned some needed skills and how to read their language and behaviors. My girls had lived together for over a year and after one of them sustaining an injury and surgery the aggression and fighting began. I didn’t know how to acclimate them. After working with Marlene and Joe I picked up on some behaviors that had likely started before then but I didn’t know I should have corrected them at the time. Not all stories may end up like mine, each dog is different. But I wanted someone to come to my house and work with me and the girls in their own environment. I didn’t want to go elsewhere. I would highly recommend them if you are in need of training. Be prepared to put in the work though because it won’t work if you don’t . But well worth the time spent with them!!! Here’s a pic of the girls back to being BFF again— Jennifer Comings
Posted October 14th 2024
When we rescued our dog Pancho (Cane Corso/Boxer mix) we knew he’d need training. While we don’t know his past, his scars tell us that he wasn’t treated kindly and is very reactive to other dogs. Marlene and Joe have done an incredible job both teaching us and working with him to show how smart and sweet he can be. Group training has been immensely helpful in reducing his reactivity. Marlene and Joe are compassionate, patient, professional and kind. Highly recommend them.— Graci Arias
Posted October 13th 2024
mar and joe have been amazing with my dog. they’re not only great with my dog but with me as well. they are respectful and patient, and always put my dog as a priority. i couldn’t have wished a better trainer in my life. couldn’t recommend them more ❤️— Adalyn Atilano
Posted September 3rd 2024
I cannot say enough positive things about Marlene and Joe. Our Boy is 4 and a half months old any strangers often are SHOCKED that he is so young because of his behavior. Bodin has been working with them since he was 12 weeks old and i can’t wait to see who he is after all his trading is completed. I will recommend Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana to anyone and everyone! Thank you for all that you have taught baby boy Bodin and us!— The Andersons
Posted September 2nd 2024
Marble is a completely changed GSD from the first day we started. Marlene and Joe were so amazing! Everything I wanted to have them train Marble on, they did that and so much more! I think the best thing about everything is the in-home experience and the ability to observe what's going on where most places have people drop their pets off and never really experience the process. Marlene and Joe were very helpful and for me, it speaks volumes when Marlene would request updates on the homework she gave us during the week. This was an investment that was WELL WORTH IT! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!— LaVar Quarles
Posted September 2nd 2024
My dog and I had such a great experience with Marlene and Joe. After only four weeks of training with them I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my dog. We both learned so much, I could not recommend Dog Training Elite and Marlene and Joe enough.— Sandra Lopez
Posted June 21st 2024