What does Obedience mean?
Our take on what it means for a dog to be 'trained'.
Sit Means Sit, Down Means Down
No Ifs, Ands, or Buts. That means that the dog responds on the first command, in any situation, regardless of distraction, and performs the command quickly. It means that your dog comes even when she wants to chase a squirrel. It means that your dog stays in a down even though there is a cat across the street. And it means that your dog holds a sit even though he wants to fight with another dog, or bite a person.
In fact, most behavior problems can be managed, if not fixed, by simply teaching your dog that sit means sit, no matter what. Studies have shown that one of the most effective behavioral treatments is to teach the dog to perform commands to 'asymptote'. That means that they perform as well as possible, and there is little room for improvement. Once the dog can perform at this level, you, as the handler, have control over your dog, even if he still wants to go do something else.
We call this Impulse Control. By teaching your dog to obey commands to a high degree of proficiency or 'asymptote', you are teaching your dog to control his or her impulses. Once a dog reaches this level, it doesn't matter what the impulse is, the dog has learned to have some inner discipline. This reduces anxiety, promotes leadership and boundaries, and instills a sense of confidence in both you and the dog.
In many cases of severe mal-behavior, we cannot modify the dogs underlying root cause for the behavior we don't want. Despite the latest behavior modification protocols and medications, sometimes we cannot change the cause. But in ALL cases we can manage the problem by teaching Obedience to a high degree of proficiency. Even in cases of severe fear or aggression, teaching a dog to hold a sit or down is the most basic and most effective tool at our disposal.
Luckily, this task is not so difficult for a good trainer with a big toolbox and some patience and understanding. By reading your dog, and choosing tools and methods that will work in your particular case, a good trainer is able to help you reach this level of proficiency. Trainers that use only one method, or who discount techniques, or who adhere to only one school of thought, Trainers who do not have open minds and limited vision are not able to do this. In most cases treats do not outweigh squirrels, no matter how long you try to condition your dog otherwise. A big toolbox means we can work with the reality of the situation you are in NOW.
Even if your dog does not have a behavior problem, imagine being able to take him or her for a walk in the part without getting your arm pulled out, having to use an uncomfortable nose halter, or having to worry that your dog can't be off leash. Imagine having a dog that sits politely for petting, and does not jump on people. Imagine having a dog that lays down each time you tell him to.
That's Obedience Training the Comet Canine Way.
Did you know that you should try not to repeat commands? Learn from Comet Canine's dog training tips and advice in our online dog training articles.
