The Difference Between Dog Behavior Modification & Dog Obedience Training

Before committing to any dog training program, it is important to first understand the fundamental difference between Dog Behavior Modification and Dog Obedience Training. You will find many dog trainers across the country offering reward based training options, usually in group classes or at residential training centers. These training systems can be great for teaching general obedience to very biddable "middle of the pack" dogs. In other words, those dogs whose natural personalities are moderately confident with minimal status aspiration. But, there is a fundamental flaw with dog training systems based purely on reward or treats, especially when applied to dogs of either high confidence "high pack personalities" or dogs who are timid, fearful, nervous or shy "low pack personalities".

How Dogs Learn

The 100% rewards based "positive reinforcement" systems are un-balanced, because they fail to acknowledge the natural way which dogs themselves communicate and learn. In the natural world, dogs will learn from each other, by establishing a functional leadership hierarchy. The natural born leaders with the strongest skills will educate the pack by correcting the mistakes of subordinates and junior members. Boundaries and limits are established as they learn social etiquette, respect for each other, and ultimately how to survive. The Bark Busters dog training system embraces exactly this model by guiding behavioral outcomes through the establishment of simple structures and boundaries by combining a perfect balance of intuitive vocal corrections with lots of positive reinforcement by way of praise.

The Human & Dog Relationship

In a domestic mixed pack where human and canine species are combined, it has to be the human's responsibility for giving their dog its education. But humans have an incredible tendency to humanize (anthropomorphize) their dogs, thinking they are showing great love. With many dogs, this can be the start of the slippery slope when their beloved dog starts misinterpreting all of these well meaning intentions, and before long is running the household and training the humans.

A Balanced Approach

The success of the Bark Busters canine training system lies in the fact that we teach owners how to communicate with their dog's in a balanced way which is immediately intuitive and understood by their dogs. Our system embraces 20 years of worldwide expertise and research in dog psychology making us the leading experts in both dog behavior modification and dog obedience training.

Testament to our experience is our incredible success rate with more than 500,000 happy dogs and owners successfully trained worldwide. This amazing achievement has been accomplished chiefly because of the unique Bark Busters system which encompasses a natural balance between positive reinforcement and kind intuitive vocal corrections carefully put in place to curb any issues and model your dog's behavior to the desired result. 

Deed Not Breed!

At Bark Busters, we believe that dogs are never born naughty. Sadly however, many dogs are condemned as 'bad' and needlessly surrendered, re-homed or even euthanized, due to their owners' frustration with failed attempts at understanding and communicating with them in a way that they understand. Our job is to bridge this gap between human and dog: to bring about a meeting of minds. Any behavioral issues, regardless of your dog's age, can be modified and successfully cured using our kind, humane approach.

Resolving Behavioral Problems

Behavior Modification is the process of addressing and resolving specific dog behavioral issues ranging broadly from aggression problems, nuisance barking, separation anxiety, inappropriate toileting and housebreaking, destructive behaviors and self harming and other obsessive compulsive behaviors.

Learned Behaviors

Most behavioral issues are a learned response to the experiences and environment in which the dog finds itself. This is why conducting dog training in your home is infinitely more important and more effective. Dogs learn by association of events, by interpreting information through their senses in a canine way. Most dogs aren't born leaders, which is why they need us humans to provide good leadership for them. 

Common Behavioral Problems

Here is a list of the most common behavioral problems Bark Busters Lincoln, Omaha, Bellevue is often called to deal with.

• Barking
• Jumping Up
• Pulling On lead
• Aggression
• Separation Anxiety
• Destructive Behavior
• Housebreaking & Toileting Problems
• Poor Recall & Escaping
• Attentiveness & Distance Control 
• Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors

For further information about how you can find help for your Lincoln, Omaha, Bellevue dog