Obedience Training Won’t Fix a Welfare Problem
Every week, I hear it in some form:
“We just need better obedience.”
“If he’d just listen, we wouldn’t have this problem.”
“We’re going back to basics with sit, stay, heel.”
And while structure and communication matter, I need to say something that might ruffle some feathers: obedience training won’t fix a welfare problem.
In fact, when obedience is used as a first-line solution, especially for behavior struggles, it can mask the real issue instead of solving it.
Let’s say a dog is growling when touched, refusing to come when called, or barking nonstop at dogs on walks. The common response is, “Let’s teach him to stop.” But what if that growl is coming from pain? What if the barking is rooted in fear? What if the refusal is because the dog is overwhelmed, not stubborn?
No amount of sits or downs will resolve pain, trauma, or unmet needs.
First, Check the Dog’s Foundation
Here’s what I assess before I even think about cues:
L.E.G.S. Model: Are we looking at the dog’s learning history, environment, genetics, and self? Are we honoring their individual needs, or just trying to train over them?
Enrichment and Choice: Does this dog have meaningful outlets for their brain and body? Do they have safe opportunities to say “no”?
Decompression Time: Are they constantly overstimulated, or are they getting true rest and recovery?
Pain and Medical Factors: Has a vet ruled out underlying discomfort, gastrointestinal issues, pain, or sensory sensitivities?
Relationship Health: Does the dog feel safe with their person, or are they performing out of pressure and uncertainty?
If any of those areas are out of balance, behavior struggles are likely. And no amount of “watch me” or “leave it” will resolve that imbalance.
Obedience as the Last Layer, Not the First
Obedience absolutely has its place. It can offer dogs structure, predictability, and a shared language with their humans. I use it to help guide my dogs through everyday life in a way that’s clear and consistent.
But it only works well when it comes after the foundational needs are addressed.
Once a dog’s welfare needs are being met, training becomes smoother, more effective, and more ethical. Loose leash walking becomes joyful when the dog feels safe. Recall becomes reliable when the dog trusts you and has a good reason to come back. “Leave it” becomes useful when the dog has the ability to self-regulate because their needs are already being met.
The Takeaway
If your dog is struggling, don’t rush to label it as a training problem. Instead, pause and ask yourself:
Is this really a training issue, or is it a welfare issue?
Am I asking for compliance when what my dog really needs is compassion?
I’ve seen incredible behavior change, not from drilling cues, but from listening more closely and giving dogs what they were missing all along.
If you’re not sure where to start, that’s exactly what Freedom Found is here for. We begin with the dog, not the behavior chart. We prioritize trust, not pressure. And we aim for a better life, not just a better sit.