You probably had no idea before getting a dog the different training methods available. Do you know which one to choose? Before deciding on what is best for your pooch, you should know the differences between each one.
Obedience training is probably the most widely known. With obedience training you are essentially instructing your dog to carry out specific activities and commands. Some of these commands are the time-honored ones like sit, stay and heel. The importance of obedience training is placed on quick, accurate execution. While there may be quite a few general advantages to obedience training, it is usually not always the "end all" for controlling dog behavior.
Obedience trained dogs will conduct specific instructions because their master is commanding them to do it. The reason why some people think that obedience training is not "all that" is because while your dog may learn some of the obedient behaviors, that does not mean he always acts appropriately. Case in point: some dogs are predisposed to being rescue or herding dogs. You can teach them to sit and stay but at times their instincts will override those obedient behaviors. That is why you sometimes see dogs trying to "rescue" their masters when they are swimming or a dog "herding" children who are running all over the place (like sheep).
With behavior training, you are essentially becoming the "Miss Manners" for the canine set. Some of the behavior training that is included is house training, crate training and good conduct while on a leash. Many people start on potty training when they get a puppy. They start with spread newspapers like house training and graduate up to leaving by doggie door to eliminate outside. Or you might leash your dog and teach it not to pull you around. Barking is also another behavior that is often tamed in behavior training.
When it comes to activity training, it is exactly like its sounds. You are instructing your dog in a variety of specific instructions. Have you heard of the K-9 units with the police department? What about Search and Rescue dogs? Hunters often train their dogs to be companions and help them point out wildlife during a hunt. Ranchers may use dogs to herd cattle. These are all common examples of activity training. More realistic activity training for the everyday dog owner may include fetching a ball and bringing it back in a game of toss. A game of Frisbee is another example. Even obstacle courses and similar activities you might find in competition qualify as activity training.
Be advised that there is no one way to train your dog. In fact, many people combine the different types of training to accomplish their goals with their dog. You might even say that certain behaviors a dog exhibits could be solved with a combined training effort. If you plan to be a do-it-yourself trainer, review each aspect of training and pick and choose what you want to concentrate on. Or, work with a trainer and outline your goals that you want your dog to achieve.
