Is Obedience Important?

In this episode of Balanced Training with Suburban K9, the hosts discuss the significance of obedience in dog training, exploring various perspectives on its importance and application. They delve into how obedience commands can serve as tools for managing behavior, building relationships, and addressing issues like food aggression and resource guarding. The conversation emphasizes the need for tailored approaches based on individual dog temperaments and the role of trainers in guiding clients through effective training methods. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics related to dog training, including the importance of obedience commands in addressing issues like resource guarding, the changing role of dogs in modern society, and the significance of shared language between trainers and clients. Takeaways Obedience only matters if you do it in the right manner. A well-trained dog is one that I don't have to talk to. Obedience commands are important for building a relationship. You can raise a dog with just the come command. Teaching commands isn't going to fix my problem. Obedience should be creating the behavior you want. Choose when you want to work. Obedience commands give you a common language with the dog. You can do a lot with energy and tone. Obedience commands are crucial for addressing resource guarding. Many people treat their dogs as surrogate children, leading to behavioral issues. Training should focus on building a shared language between the trainer and the dog owner. Resource guarding can be managed effectively with proper obedience training. The role of dogs in society has changed, with many being overly pampered. It's important to have control over your dog in various situations, including public spaces. Training should not just focus on tricks but on enforceable commands. Dogs need structure and boundaries to thrive in modern households. Understanding the difference between obedience commands and tricks is essential for effective training.