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Behavior Training vs. Obedience Training for Dogs
If you are in the market for dog training, you may run across a few terms like "behavior training" or "obedience training." But what's the difference between the two? And which one is best for your dog?
Here at Dog Training Elite Lowcountry, we have been in the dog training business for over 40 years, so we can explain the difference between behavior and obedience training for dogs. We'll also help you determine which is right for you and your four-legged best friend. If you are interested in hearing more about Dog Training Elite training programs, call us today for a free in-home consultation!
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Savannah location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Platinum
$2,650
OUR MOST POPULAR PACKAGE!
LIFETIME SUPPORT
Our platinum package offers you training sessions throughout your dog's lifetime! Follow-up sessions to be scheduled once per month as needed, after initial program is completed.
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In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized
9 Sessions + Unlimited
*see above description - Group Park Training Sessions Unlimited
- Lifetime support via text/email and in-person support sessions *scheduled at trainer's discretion (no more than once per month, after completing initial program
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Testing
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
- *Stay With You on a Job or Bike Ride (off-leash)
- *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
- *Control Aggression(dog & human)
- *Calm Extreme Anxiety(behavioral modification)
Gold
$1,975
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 6 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 12 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
Behavior Training
This type of training aims to correct or rewrite an undesirable behavior. For example, if a dog or puppy whines and cries when the owner leaves the house, the dog may be experiencing separation anxiety and acting out. To fix this behavior, you would need to train this dog to respond differently to being left alone in the house.
With behavior training, the trainer and owner look at the situation that needs addressing, figure out the trigger for the bad behavior, and train the dog to respond differently to that trigger. After consistent training and positive reinforcement, the dog will perform the learned response to the trigger or stimulus even without commands or rewards, essentially rewriting their response to that situation.
Obedience Training
Trainers use obedience training to teach a command and then have a dog obey and perform that command. This training involves teaching a puppy or dog basic commands like “sit,” “come,” “heel,” or “down.” The Dog Training Elite trainers can also use obedience training to teach other commands more unique to your life and situation.
The goal of obedience training is in the name - training a dog to obey commands reliably. Obedience training for dogs can sometimes be lengthy and requires repetition, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement to achieve lasting results.
When obedience training is employed correctly, it fosters a deep connection between dog and owner that encourages consistent compliance from the dog and positive reinforcement from the owner.
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Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
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Empowering Owners
We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. -
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. -
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
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Supportive
We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session"). -
Involved
We work with all members of the household. -
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
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Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training. -
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term. -
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing
PSYCHOLOGY
noun
A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
The Dog Training Elite Training Method
Correct responses to a command or rewriting a reaction to a trigger can be accomplished through many methods. Dog Training Elite uses positive reinforcement, or “classical conditioning,” to achieve the desired results. Years of experience have taught us that classical conditioning is the most effective way to train a dog.
What is classical conditioning?
Also known as the Pavlovian model, classical conditioning refers to a learning process that occurs when you pair two stimuli with a command. Studies have proven that classical conditioning is the preferred training method as it offers long-lasting results and teaches deep-rooted obedience. At Dog Training Elite, an electronic collar and positive reinforcement are the two stimuli we use to teach your dog good behavior. The electronic collar is not a shock collar. Like a clicker device, it gets your dog’s attention during training.
Offering rewards and positive reinforcement will yield positive results and a happy and confident dog. In contrast, using negative reinforcement and punishment will result in a dog performing out of fear and lacking trust and confidence. The trainers in Savannah want your dog to be happy and confident and have a deep and lasting connection with you as their owner. That’s why we only use positive reinforcement and classical conditioning.
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Which Training is Right For You and Your Dog?
Dog Training Elite offers behavior and obedience training for dogs, but how do you know which is right for you? Suppose your dog is exhibiting behaviors like biting, excessive barking, digging, or more. In that case, they may benefit from some behavioral training to rewrite those responses. If you have a new puppy or your dog has trouble obeying commands, obedience training is the ideal solution. In some cases, your dog may need a combination of both.
If you're still unsure what training is best for you and your dog, Dog Training Elite is ready to help! Find a trainer near you today to get started on your dog's training journey.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Jackson is an awesome trainer. My dog is doing outstanding in training.— Robert Benca
Posted September 21st 2024
Abby and I are 8 lessons in plus one group session and I am amazed at how fast this 5 month old golden retriever puppy is learning. She is about to enter “dog adolescence” and our trainer, Jackson, is a genius in getting her to focus and in correcting my training technique errors. I recommend Dog Training Elite and Jackson without reservation. Not only is their method effective, Abby and I are having a great time learning together. RamonM.— Ramon Meguiar
Posted September 17th 2024
Excellent folks! Jackson is a fabulous trainer and really takes time to work with you and your dog. He *understands* dogs, and he's great at troubleshooting, as well as a consummate professional. He got our 7-8 year old GSP learn how to be a service dog - I wasn't sure it could be done! Great communication from everyone, highly recommend.— Erin McCoy
Posted September 3rd 2024
My boy Nick was a menace! Then I called Dog Training Elite because I needed help with training. Jackson came in figured out what the problem was (Nick thought he was the boss) and created a plan. Every time Jackson came around for training Nick would go into work mode. Jackson was so helpful in teaching me how to train Nick and keep up with it. He also gives helpful advice when it comes to certain behaviors. Separation anxiety, storms, and anything else that comes up. Nick is a completely different dog from when I adopted him in March. I have already recommended Dog Training Elite to my neighbors. They are 100% worth the cost.— Trish Dillon
Posted September 1st 2024
Jackson has done very well with helping me understand how to correct and doesn’t get irritated with me when I don’t understand something.— Brooklyn Wilkins
Posted August 30th 2024
Elite training has been very patient and helpful training my 2 dogs. Jackson has provided great instruction for training both me and the dogs!— Patty Burke
Posted August 15th 2024
Jackson is so great with Winnie! I would definitely recommend him to train your fur pup!— Janice Whitsell
Posted June 8th 2024
From my initial experience meeting Steve and Valerie at a home show, to interactions with them even before I adopted my dog (to be trained as a service dog), to the training sessions with Jackson, every experience has given me confidence to handle and train my puppy with consistency. It is so great having them in my corner, coaching and training me every step of the process. They respond quickly and are always so supportive of me as well as my dog. I highly recommend them to everyone I can.— Shelley Hendrix
Posted June 8th 2024
Our sweet puppy Chief is 4 months old and we’ve been having issues with getting him to listen to commands, one visit with DTE and I’ve already seen a huge impact on his behavior, their technique is very effective and Chief is such a happy boy!! I can’t wait to see the amazing dog he becomes working with Steve at DTE!! If you’re looking for training for your dog, no matter the age, no matter the attention span, this is the dog trainer for you!! You will see a big difference in your pup!— savana thompson
Posted July 17th 2023