Types of Dog Training: 4 Types of General Dog Training

Dog training is a process that involves teaching dogs a new behavior, curbing a specific behavior, or helping them with socialization. There are two main pillars of dog training: basic obedience training and behavioral training. Obedience training encompasses teaching commands like “sit,” “stay,” “lie down,” and “heel,” while dog behavior training focuses on curbing behavioral problems that stem from aggression, separation anxiety, or socialization issues.

While there are many effective methods pet owners can try at home, a professional dog trainer can help if you and your dog need help with controlling excessive bad behavior.

There are many methods of dog training. Here are four general types to try:

1. 1. Clicker training: With clicker training, the dog trainer associates the sound of a clicker with a positive outcome through operant conditioning. For example, when the dog does well, you give them a treat and sound the clicker. Eventually, the dog associates the clicker as a positive reinforcement without the need for a treat.
2. 2. Dominance training: A dominance training style involves the pet owner acting like the alpha dog of the pack. Dogs with a pack mentality will feel subordinate to the alpha and obey their commands. Dog owners can use this obedience training technique by eating before their dog or going through doors first.
3. 3. E-collar training: With an e-collar, owners can utilize a gentle electric shock to correct behavioral problems through negative reinforcement. The dog owner places a shock collar on their dog and presses a button to activate the collar whenever the dog exhibits unwanted behaviors. This type of negative punishment can encourage desired behaviors, but it is an aversive method that can also make a dog frightened or frustrated.
4. 4. Positive reinforcement training: This dog training technique involves rewarding good behavior to reinforce positive traits. Dog training using positive reinforcement avoids punishments and instead uses treats or toys to encourage a dog to behave well.

Some pet owners send their dogs to training classes to develop specialized skills. A few types of specialized dog training include:

1. 1. Agility training: Dog trainers can help your pet improve their speed or cardiovascular endurance through agility training. These training sessions test your dog’s athleticism by running them through endurance courses.
2. 2. Service dog training: Animal behaviorists can train dogs as therapy dogs or guide dogs.
3. 3. Tracking training: A tracking dog learns how to hunt objects or animals using their sense of smell. This ability varies among different dog breeds, and some are better at tracking than others, such as bloodhounds or Labrador retrievers.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.