Management vs Training in Dog Training: Understanding the Differences

When it comes to dog training, two key concepts often come into play: management and training. While both are essential components of a comprehensive dog training strategy, they serve different purposes and are used in different ways. Let’s delve into the differences between management and training in dog training.

What is Management in Dog Training?

Management in dog training refers to the strategies used to prevent unwanted behavior from occurring. This is often achieved by controlling the dog’s environment. For example, if a dog tends to chew on shoes, a management strategy would be to keep shoes out of the dog’s reach.

The goal of management is to prevent the dog from practicing and reinforcing unwanted behaviors. However, management does not teach the dog what to do instead of the unwanted behavior. That’s where training comes in.

What is Training in Dog Training?

Training in dog training involves teaching the dog what behaviors are desired. This is typically done through positive reinforcement, where the dog is rewarded for performing the desired behavior.

For example, if a dog tends to jump on guests, a training strategy would be to teach the dog to sit when guests arrive and reward the dog for sitting. Over time, the dog learns that sitting, rather than jumping, is the desired behavior.

The Interplay Between Management and Training

While management and training serve different purposes, they often work hand in hand in a comprehensive dog training strategy.

In the early stages of training, management is often used to prevent the dog from practicing unwanted behaviors. As the dog begins to learn the desired behaviors through training, the need for management may decrease.

However, management and training are not mutually exclusive. In some cases, management strategies may need to be used long-term. For example, if a dog has a strong prey drive, it may be necessary to always keep the dog on a leash or in a fenced area to prevent them from chasing wildlife.

In conclusion, both management and training are essential tools in dog training. By understanding the differences between them and how they can be used together, you can create a more effective training strategy for your dog.