Yap Session: Questions from Clients
- Red Dog Run Training
- Apr 11
- 1 min read
Q: Why are we working on basic obedience cues when I want to change my dog’s reaction to other dogs on leash?
Basic obedience is foundational and crucial for successful behavior modification in dogs for several key reasons:
1. Provides Communication and Structure: Clear communication with your dog is key, and obedience commands provide a common language for you and your dog to understand each other. This shared language allows you to effectively communicate your expectations and guide your dog's behavior in different situations.
2. Offers Alternative Behaviors: Behavior modification often involves teaching your dog what to do instead of the problem behavior. Obedience cues provide these alternative, desirable actions.
3. Builds Focus and Self-Control: Practicing obedience exercises helps your dog learn to focus on you and exert self-control, even in the face of distractions.This improved focus and impulse control are vital when addressing behaviors like reactivity, excessive barking, or jumping.
4. Increases Your Influence and Leadership: When we practice our dog listening to us in calm situations, they are more likely to listen to your cues when they have a history of understanding and responding to them.
5. Manages the Environment and Safety: Basic obedience cues can be critical for managing your dog's environment and ensuring their safety. These cues are essential tools during behavior modification to prevent the problem behavior from escalating.
