Dog behavior training is a powerful tool for unlocking your dog's full potential. By learning to communicate effectively with your dog, you can strengthen your bond and help them become a well-behaved and loyal companion.
With consistent training, dogs can learn to control their impulses and behave in a more calm and focused manner. This is especially true for high-energy breeds that can benefit from regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Proper training can also help to reduce unwanted behaviors such as barking, chewing, and digging. By teaching your dog what is expected of them, you can create a more harmonious and peaceful home environment.
By investing time and effort into dog behavior training, you can see significant improvements in your dog's behavior and overall well-being.
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Dog Behavior Training
Dog behavior training is essential for any dog owner. Positive reinforcement is a key component of successful training.
By focusing on rewards rather than punishment, you can help your dog associate good behavior with positive outcomes. This approach can lead to faster and more lasting results.
Consistency is also crucial when training your dog. Establishing a routine and sticking to it can help prevent confusion and ensure that your dog understands what is expected of them.
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Behavior
Behavior training is a type of training that focuses on modifying bad habits formed over years, or habits that need to be changed in younger dogs.
The goal of behavioral training is not to get the dog to comply with a command, but to rehabilitate or rewire the dog's responses to certain conditions or stimuli.
This type of training is particularly useful for dealing with serious issues like separation anxiety, where the dog acts out when left alone.
Behavioral training teaches the dog to respond differently when left alone, without relying on commands or direction.
The more you encourage your pup to practice learned behaviors, the stronger the connections in their brain become, reinforcing the behavior for life.
Essentially, the dog thinks they came up with the behavior on their own, which is a sign of successful behavioral training.
Hands-on
Hands-on training is a crucial part of becoming a professional dog trainer. We include an externship portion in our dog trainer program for this reason.
Working with a Mentor Trainer gives you invaluable real work experience. This is essential for becoming a professional dog trainer.
With hands-on experience, you'll learn by doing and make mistakes in a safe environment. This helps you develop the skills and confidence you need to succeed.
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What Is a Correction?
A correction in dog training is not about punishing a dog for bad behavior, but rather about changing their behavior.
The purpose of a correction is to modify a dog's behavior, not to inflict punishment. This distinction is crucial to understanding how to train dogs effectively.
Corrections can be misunderstood or abused, which is why it's essential to approach them with the right mindset.
Your motive should be to deepen your bond with your dog, not weaken it.
Training Options
Pretty nearly any dog can benefit from attending obedience training, where pups and owners forge a closer bond.
Obedience training is a great place to start, as it's enjoyable to have a dog that knows how to heel on a leash and comes when she's called.
Behavioral training may be necessary if your dog shows signs of aggression, anxiety, or other troubling habits.
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Choosing the Right Type for You
Obedience training is a great place to start for any dog, as it helps forge a closer bond between you and your pup.
It's also much more enjoyable to have a dog that knows how to heel on a leash and comes when she's called.
Behavioral training may be necessary if your dog shows signs of aggression, anxiety, or other troubling habits.
Behavioral training can have a lasting impact on your dog's behavior and revolutionize your relationship with them.
Dogs that exhibit less doubtful behavior and get into trouble less often will have extremely positive results for both you and your pup.
The principles learned in any training situation will serve you and your dog in your everyday life going forward.
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Balanced Reward-Based
Balanced reward-based training is a key component of the ABC's dog training program.
The program emphasizes using the least invasive, minimally aversive (LIMA) training techniques, which prioritize positive reinforcement.
This approach is also known as the Humane Hierarchy, which is discussed in Stage 2 of the program curriculum.
Stage 2 – Learning Theory covers scientific principles such as classical and operant conditioning and the four stages of learning.
The LIMA approach is a key aspect of balanced reward-based training, and it's used throughout the program.
By using this approach, dog trainers can create effective treatment plans that follow the Humane Hierarchy, as discussed in Stage 6 – Effective Problem-Behavior Solving.
This approach also helps dog trainers conduct safe and stress-free training sessions, as covered in Stage 7 – Dog Training Safety.
Here's a breakdown of the LIMA approach:
- Least intrusive: Using the least amount of force or pressure necessary to achieve the desired behavior.
- Minimally aversive: Using the minimum amount of discomfort or stress necessary to achieve the desired behavior.
By following the LIMA approach, dog trainers can create a positive and rewarding training experience for dogs.
Sports vs. the World
Dog sports and real-world training have different requirements. Dog sports have a set of rules that make the event predictable.
Competitors in dog sports understand their environment, dog, and reinforcement history, which allows them to use all-positive training effectively. However, the real world is unpredictable, with unknown variables and outliers.
You can't control your environment all the time, and the rules are vague outside of dog sports. This means that off-leash, on-leash, and with or without distractions, training requires education and discipline.
The author values all-positive training for dog sports but believes it's not suitable for everyday life. The goal of training should be to have your dog learn to mind you in various situations.
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Flexible Online & In-Home Classroom Experience
You can study for your dog training certification from the comfort of your own home, thanks to the flexible online and in-home classroom experience offered by the program. This is perfect for those with busy lives.
Our program managers are dedicated to helping you succeed in each stage of the program and are available to answer any questions you may have. They'll guide you along the way and provide the support you need to complete your training.
You can take your dog training course online at your own pace, allowing you to fit it into your busy schedule. This flexibility is one of the many benefits of the program.
Upon completing your training, you'll receive your ABC dog trainer certification, as well as the title of Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer (ABCDT).
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Career Resources
You can find many online resources to help you with dog behavior training. The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) is a great place to start.
According to the IAABC, some common signs of anxiety in dogs include panting, pacing, and yawning. These behaviors can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in your work schedule.
Positive reinforcement training is a highly effective method for addressing behavioral issues in dogs. By focusing on rewarding desired behaviors, you can encourage your dog to learn and grow.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends starting with short training sessions and gradually increasing the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable. This will help prevent frustration and keep your dog engaged.
Understanding canine body language is crucial for effective communication with your dog. The IAABC notes that a relaxed dog will typically have a loose, open posture, while a tense dog will be more rigid and alert.
Certifications and Affiliations
You can become a certified dog trainer through various programs, such as Animal Behavior College (ABC), which offers an online training course that prepares students for the Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) certification.
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Some certifications have specific requirements or designations, like the Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) certification, which is awarded by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and requires a rigorous application process.
There are also various professional affiliations that certified dog trainers can join, such as the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals (AABP), which offer resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education for professionals in the field.
Certified dog trainers can also be recognized for their expertise and achievements, such as Russ's prestigious honors from Dr. Jane Goodall and his award as a nationally recognized dog bite and aggression expert witness.
Comprehensive Certified School
The Comprehensive Certified School offers a 11-stage program that covers a wide range of topics, from basic canine studies to business building tips. This thorough approach equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance to the externship portion of the program.
Each stage builds upon the previous one, allowing students to apply their learning in a real-world setting. By the time you reach stage 10, you'll have a solid foundation in dog training and be ready to put your skills into practice.
The externship portion of the program provides invaluable real-world experience, giving you the opportunity to work with dogs and gain hands-on experience. This is a crucial part of the program, as it allows you to apply what you've learned in a practical setting.
Here's a breakdown of the stages in the Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program:
Russ's Certifications and Affiliations
Russ has a strong educational background, having earned a B.A. with honors from Binghamton University.
He's also a certified expert in Applied Behavior Analysis from Utah State University, where he studied the Science & Technology of Behavior Change.
As a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Russ is one of fewer than 200 worldwide, certified by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
This exclusive certification is a testament to Russ's expertise in dog behavior and training.
Russ is also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assisted (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
He's a certified Fear-Free Professional Trainer, a member of the force-free Pet Professional Guild (PPG), and a member of the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals (AABP).
Russ has also been recognized by Dr. Jane Goodall, who chose to work with him on homeless dog training and behavior projects.
Here are some of Russ's notable certifications and affiliations:
- Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assisted (CPDT-KA)
- Certified Fear-Free Professional Trainer
- Member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
- Member of the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals (AABP)
- Member of the Animal Behavior Society (ABS)
- Awarded Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Certified in CPR & First Aid for dogs and cats
- Accredited A+ Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California is a popular destination for dog owners, with many parks and hiking trails to explore.
The city's warm climate makes it an ideal place for dogs to get regular exercise, which is essential for their physical and mental health.
In Los Angeles, you can find plenty of dog-friendly parks, such as Runyon Canyon Park and Echo Park, where your furry friend can run around and play off-leash.
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The city's many hiking trails, like the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, offer a great way to get some exercise with your dog.
Los Angeles has a high population of dogs, with many residents owning pets, which can be beneficial for socialization and training.
However, the city's crowded streets and noise levels can be challenging for dogs, so it's essential to train them to behave well in these situations.
Dogs in Los Angeles can benefit from training to respond to basic commands, such as "sit" and "stay", which can help them navigate the city's busy streets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between obedience training and behavior training dogs?
Obedience training focuses on teaching dogs to respond to verbal commands, while behavior training teaches them to think critically and respond to situations independently
What are 5 abnormal dog behaviors?
Common abnormal dog behaviors include aggression, fear reactions, and inappropriate elimination, as well as repetitive behaviors and altered physical expressions. These behaviors can be signs of underlying issues such as pain or anxiety.
What is the difference between a dog trainer and a behaviorist?
A dog trainer teaches specific skills and commands, while a behaviorist addresses underlying causes of problematic behaviors like anxiety, fear, or aggression. Behaviorists use science-based techniques to analyze and modify dog behaviors.
What are the 5 golden rules of dog training?
To train your dog effectively, follow these 5 essential rules: Go at your dog's pace and set them up for success, while consistently rewarding good behavior and avoiding punishment.
Sources
- The Difference Between Obedience and Behavior Training (doglando.com)
- Positive Reinforcement and Aggressive Dog Training (michaelsdogs.com)
- LIMA training techniques (ccpdt.org)
- The Problem with All-Positive Dog Training (leerburg.com)
- Certified Dog Behaviorist Los Angeles, CA (funpawcare.com)
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