A basic knowledge of animal behavior change is fundamental before engaging into the molding of the behavior of the dog.  It involves forcing the dog in a regularly repeated manner or using props until the dog can manage the activity without reminded by the trainer. While a dog owner may need a professional trainer for further advice on the molding technique, this guide presents a basic understanding of the molding method.

Advantages

  • The molding technique is simple as anyone with little dog training exposure can perform the training.
  • The process is easy to understand for the dogs to pick the techniques and apply for the desired change of their behavior.
  • Achieving the results is usually quick as the tasks are repeated process and usually not difficult to follow. Te time spent to induce the desired behavior is a psychological process that takes a little time to influence into the dogs physical and psychological system.

Disadvantages

  • The practice if limited to advance behavior that requires the application of thinking ability by the dog.
  • The technique is over-reliant on the presence of the trainer to induce the actual molding of the dog behavior. There is a need for high attendance from the trainer until the dog behavior changes completely to the desired psychological induction and correct responses.
  • The molding technique as a form of conditioning the behavior of a dog does not instill valuable thinking skills to the dog but a mere repetition of a regular task until the dog can recall by instinct. The dog may lack the creativity to device more customized ways to respond to similar situations.
  • Like people, the dogs have opposing instinctive responses that resist a push, pull, or any pressure forces them to go against their will. When forced down on their hips to sit, most dogs resist by applying an opposing pressure in the upward direction and by drawing the leash upward, the dog pulls it downward to resist the condition.
  • Constant application of pressure to force the dog to sit in the desired position may result in injury on of the hip or some joints.

Conclusion

The molding approach to attain change of dog behavior is diversely dependent on the aim of the technique. Molding behavior in dogs has better results if performed in the first six months of the puppy’s age. The approach for a dog that needs a change in the sitting behavior requires a different approach from a dog that needs to understand the way to handle a ball with its mouth or how to chase hunt birds in the field.

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