Here, we will review the basic differences between dog behaviour and training to help you understand them and get the right help for your dog.
Dog Behaviour Work
Dog behaviour work focuses on addressing and modifying a dog's underlying emotional and psychological issues. This often involves understanding the reasons behind specific behaviours and working to change them through behaviour modification techniques. Behaviour work is typically required for dogs exhibiting problematic or undesirable behaviours such as aggression, anxiety, fearfulness, excessive barking, and destructive chewing.
Key Aspects of Dog Behaviour work:
- Behaviour Assessment: Identifying the root causes of problematic behaviours.
- Behaviour Modification: Using techniques like desensitisation, counter-conditioning, and environmental management to alter the dog’s emotional response.
- Individualised Approach: Tailoring strategies to the specific dog and situation.
- Long-term Changes: Focusing on lasting behavioural changes rather than quick fixes.
Dog Training Work
Dog training work, on the other hand, is more about teaching dogs specific commands and skills, ensuring they respond appropriately to their owner’s cues. This type of work is essential for basic obedience, advanced training, and specialised skills like agility, search and rescue, or therapy dog work.
Key Aspects of Dog Training Work:
- Obedience Training: Teaching basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel.
- Skill Development: Training for specific tasks or activities, such as agility or therapy work.
- Positive Reinforcement: Using rewards to encourage desired behaviours.
- Consistency and Repetition: Emphasising regular practice to reinforce training.
Summary
While both dog behaviour work and dog training work aim to improve the dog-owner relationship and the dog's quality of life, they address different aspects of canine behaviour. Behaviour work deals with emotional and psychological issues, requiring a deep understanding of animal behaviour and often more specialised techniques. Training work, however, focuses on teaching specific commands and skills, emphasising obedience and structured learning.
Both areas are crucial for a well-rounded, well-behaved dog, and often, a combination of both behaviour modification and training is necessary to address all of a dog’s needs.
Book a free chat with our team to discuss your needs further.
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