Why You Can't Obedience Your Way Out Of Behavior Problems

Sit, Stay... Anxious? Why Obedience Training Isn't Always the Answer

Does your dog bark incessantly at strangers? Cower in fear at loud noises? Or maybe they tear up the house every time you leave? Obedience training might seem like the magic bullet to solve these problems, but hold on! While teaching your dog basic commands like "sit" and "stay" is valuable, it often falls short when dealing with deeper behavioral issues.

Think of it this way: imagine a deep puncture wound. You can slap a bandaid on it, sure, and it might look better on the surface. But that bandaid isn't addressing the real problem – the potential for infection and serious injury. Obedience training can be that band-aid for behavioral issues. It might suppress the outward behavior, but it doesn't address the underlying cause.

A good behavior plan will implement some obedience cues as a way to help teach our pets how to handle situations, but a b-mod plan that only uses obedience will fall short.

Here's why obedience training alone might not be the answer for your pup's anxieties and phobias:

• Masking the Problem: A dog who barks at strangers might learn to "quiet" on command, but the fear that triggers the barking is still there. They might just become quieter about their anxiety, making it harder to identify and address.
• Not Addressing Triggers: Obedience training doesn't teach your dog how to cope with the things that scare them.They might still react poorly when faced with their triggers, like thunderstorms or meeting new people.
• Frustration and Miscommunication: For a dog struggling with anxiety or fear, the pressure to perform commands can be overwhelming. This can lead to frustration and further miscommunication between you and your furry friend.

So, what should you do instead?

• Seek Professional Help: A certified animal professional can help you identify the root cause of your dog's anxieties and phobias. They can then develop a personalized training plan that addresses those underlying issues. A good professional will also insist your pet has a thorough medical work up. Many behavior problems are actually caused by an underlying medical issue. 
• Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement techniques, like rewarding calm behavior, can help build your dog's confidence and create positive associations with things that used to scare them.
• Desensitization and Counterconditioning: Gradually exposing your dog to their triggers in a safe and controlled environment can help them learn to tolerate them better. This needs to be done carefully and with a professional’s over sight.
• Relationship Building: Learning to understand what your dog is telling you and being able to show them you can help provides them with the safety and security they need to feel better.
• Medication: Medication should no longer be considered a last resort. Studies show that early intervention with medication in combination with appropriate behavior treatment can provide faster and longer lasting positive outcomes than training alone.

Remember, a well-behaved dog isn't always a happy dog. True happiness comes from addressing the root of their anxieties and fears, not just masking them. With the right approach, you can help your dog overcome their challenges and live a more fulfilling life together.