What is Dog Obedience and Why is It Important

Dog obedience is a vital skill for any dog to learn. It's the foundation for a happy and healthy relationship between you and your furry friend.

By teaching your dog basic obedience commands, you can prevent unwanted behaviors and strengthen your bond. For example, a well-trained dog is less likely to get into mischief when left alone.

A dog's ability to obey commands can also improve their overall behavior, reducing anxiety and stress. In fact, studies have shown that obedience training can even help dogs with behavioral issues such as barking and chewing.

Learning dog obedience is a lifelong process, and it's never too late to start. Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or a new pet parent, taking the time to teach your dog basic obedience commands is a great investment in your relationship.

Expand your knowledge: Dog Training Basic Obedience Lesson Plan

There are two common methods of training a dog: aversive-based and reward-based. Aversive-based training uses techniques like loud noises, physical corrections, and harsh scoldings to get your dog to act the way you want, but it can create fear in your dog.

Reward-based training, on the other hand, uses rewards like treats, belly rubs, or praise to reinforce good behavior. This method helps create a positive association between you and your dog, making them more likely to follow commands.

Some trainers believe that a rewards-based method sets up an "event sequence" for your dog, where they associate you with happy feelings when they do what they're told. This approach is often used in combination with operant conditioning, which is a form of learning that modifies behavior based on its consequences.

Here are the four ways operant conditioning modifies behavior:

The Koehler method, for example, uses punishment and negative reinforcement to train dogs, but some trainers consider it outdated and inhumane due to its use of techniques like choke collars and electric shocks.

Operant conditioning is a form of learning that modifies behavior based on its consequences. This type of learning involves two complementary motivations: maximizing positive outcomes and minimizing aversive ones.

According to operant conditioning, there are four ways to modify behavior: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment. Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is strengthened by producing a desirable consequence, while negative reinforcement occurs when a behavior is strengthened by avoiding an undesirable consequence.

Positive reinforcement can satisfy a dog's physiological or psychological needs, such as food or affection. Negative reinforcement occurs when a dog learns to associate a particular response with the removal of an aversive stimulus, like a tightened choke chain.

A behavior that has previously been developed may cease if reinforcement stops, a phenomenon known as extinction. For example, a dog that paws its owner for attention will eventually stop if it no longer receives attention.

Here's a summary of the four ways to modify behavior according to operant conditioning:

Individualized training allows trainers to focus on an individual dog's abilities and needs, as well as address a specific owner's preferences and circumstance.

Individualized training is particularly helpful for addressing behaviour problems, which are best addressed by a dog behaviourist.

Class training, on the other hand, can be effective in encouraging socialization and play with a peer group.

Classes are often offered at a more affordable rate and can cover both problem behaviors and teach new skills.

Classes can range from puppy and beginner training to more advanced training and skill training.

Positive reinforcement training is a humane and effective way to train dogs, using rewards to reinforce wanted behavior and ignoring or redirecting unwanted behavior.

This method is based on Thorndike's law of effect, which states that actions that produce rewards tend to increase in frequency, while actions that don't produce rewards decrease in frequency.

Positive reinforcement training is used in many fields, including marine mammal training, where compulsion and corrections are difficult and dangerous.

In fact, all animals used for commercials, TV shows, and movies are trained with positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement is also the preferred method of many search-and-rescue dog trainers, and is now widely used for working dogs, including police dogs, military dogs, guide dogs, and drug detection dogs.

Military dogs trained with positive reinforcement have demonstrated increased confidence and overall performance, and are less likely to experience fear or distress.

This method requires time and patience, but has no side effects, unlike punishment, which can lead to fear or aggression.

Training Techniques are a crucial part of dog obedience. Aversive-based training uses loud, unpleasant noises, physical corrections, and harsh scoldings to get your dog to act the way you want.

Reward-based training, on the other hand, uses rewards like treats and belly rubs to reinforce good behavior. This method sets up an "event sequence" for your dog where they associate you with happy feelings when they do what they're told.

Using aversive-based methods can create fear in your dog, causing them to do what they're told to avoid unpleasant feelings.

To train your dog to heel, start by standing with the dog at knee level on your left side and the leash in your hand.

The key is to walk with your left foot first and give the "Heel" command, using the dog's name. This helps the dog associate the command with the action.

As you walk, dispense treats and positive reinforcement when the dog walks correctly by your side. This encourages good behavior and rewards the dog for following the command.

If the dog doesn't get the hang of it right away, give the leash a gentle tug to bring him back into place and start again. This helps the dog understand what is expected of him.

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To start training your dog to sit, simply hold a treat toward the back of his head as you say his name and "sit." Most dogs will automatically sit.

Lightly touching his butt as you issue the command can help if your dog doesn't sit immediately.

Then, treat and praise your dog to reinforce the behavior.

Training with your dog requires the right tools to help you communicate effectively and build a strong bond. A head halter or head collar is a great option, as it allows for more control over your dog's direction and the intensity of pulling on a leash.

The head halter works by applying gentle pressure on the dog's nose and head, guiding them towards the handler. However, some people may find it controversial, so it's essential to use it responsibly. A no-pull dog harness is another alternative that makes it harder for the dog to pull, but it doesn't teach them not to pull, only makes it more physically difficult.

Training treats are a crucial tool in positive reinforcement training, as they provide a clear reward for desired behavior. Clicker training is a type of positive reinforcement training that uses a clicker to mark the exact moment the dog performs the desired action. This precise timing helps the dog associate the sound with the reward.

A table of common training tools includes:

By using these tools effectively, you can build a strong foundation for dog obedience training and develop a deeper understanding of your dog's behavior and needs.

Clicker training is a type of positive reinforcement training that uses a clicker device as a marker and bridge to let your dog know they performed the desired behavior correctly and a reward is coming.

The clicker is a small metal cricket adapted from a child's toy that the trainer uses to precisely mark the desired behavior. This allows for extremely precise training, making it possible to "shape" behavior.

Clicker training is based on operant conditioning and uses secondary reinforcers, such as toys or praise, in conjunction with primary reinforcers, like food, to reinforce desired behaviors.

A key benefit of clicker training is its ability to avoid inadvertently reinforcing unwanted behaviors that may occur after the desired behavior. This is achieved by using a variable ratio of reinforcement, which produces extremely resilient behavior.

Clicker training can be used to teach a wide range of behaviors, from simple obedience commands to more complex skills like calm focus.

Shock collars, also known as electronic collars, are a type of training tool that uses a remote-controlled device to deliver a static correction to a dog's neck.

They work by emitting a high-frequency electrical signal that can be adjusted in intensity, allowing owners to customize the correction to their dog's individual needs.

Shock collars can be set to deliver corrections at specific intervals, such as when a dog pulls on the leash or approaches a stimulus they should avoid.

Research suggests that shock collars can be effective in stopping undesirable behaviors, such as barking or jumping up, but they should be used with caution and under the guidance of a professional trainer.

Proper use of a shock collar requires understanding the device's settings and how to adjust them to achieve the desired effect.

Some shock collars come with additional features, such as vibration or tone settings, which can be used as alternatives to the static correction.

It's essential to choose a shock collar that fits your dog's neck size and is comfortable for them to wear.

The intensity of the correction should be adjusted gradually, starting with the lowest setting and increasing as needed.

Shock collars are not suitable for all dogs, especially those with medical conditions or sensitive temperaments.

If you're new to dog training, you might be wondering what tools you'll need to get started. Let's take a look at some of the most common tools used in dog training.

A head halter or head collar is a great tool for giving you more control over your dog's direction and the intensity of pulling on a leash. This type of collar fastens around the back of the dog's neck and over the top of the muzzle, making it harder for the dog to pull.

The no-pull harness is another popular tool that's worn on the body of the animal. Unlike a standard harness, the no-pull harness makes it harder for the dog to pull, which can be a big help when walking your dog.

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Some trainers use dog bite tug toys to teach a directed bite, which is an important skill for police, military, and Schutzhund dog training. These toys are usually made of fleece, fur, and rubber, and are often used as motivators in dog sports like agility and flyball.

Training treats are a must-have for any dog trainer. They're used as rewards for completing the desired behavior, and are often more effective than petting or praise.

A dog clicker is a small instrument that makes a "click" noise when depressed. It's often used in positive reinforcement-based training to indicate to the dog when it's completed the desired behavior.

Aversive collars, on the other hand, apply pain during training and are often considered inhumane. They're illegal in some countries, and it's best to avoid using them altogether.

Here are some of the tools we've discussed, listed out for easy reference: