Is Using Obedience Training Effective In Dealing With Behavioral Problems?

One of the best questions that we hear from owners concerning training, is how or when will it impact a specific beavioral issue. Over the years, I think the best answer that i can give - is that general obedience training and the repitition of these commands can help create a vocabulary between owner and dog. The bigger the vocabulary - the easier it will be to discover a path to correct or redirect problembehaviors. Remember that most behavioral issues occur off leash, which can drastically reduce the handlers ability to correct - unless you have built a substantial dialogue.

Obedience - (commands like sit, down, and walking on a leash) are great repitition and allow the dog to know and have expectations to meet. Your dog will also use these commands over time to communicate in simple form. However, being great at obedience alone wont eliminate the need to apply some of this communication in other areas so that you can improve behaviors. Sitting for treats is good, sitting to open doors is better. Down after sit is good, Down from a stand is better....and before dinner is even better. The obedience has to be applied for it to impact behavior. Thats the simple answer from my history of working with behavioral issues.