Learning rate indicates how quickly the dog can form associations between two or more events. This, along with other factors such as the dog's obedience level, independence level, and problem solving ability, determines how trainable the dog will be. Other major factors like the owner's abilities as a trainer and diligence in enforcing rules, also influence how easily the dog will be to train. Do not assume that a fast learner is better for you needs. Think about what the dog may learn when living with you. For instance, if you consistently give a dog that learns quickly a biscuit to quiet it when it barks, the dog will soon learn that barking equals a biscuit.
Obedience level refers to the dog's eagerness to work with its owner. (Other factors such as learning rate, dominance level, and problem-solving ability all interact to determine a dog's trainability.) Also, the owner's diligence in enforcing rules will influence training. A dog with a high obedience level may be apt to follow commands, but may not be obedient if its behavioral needs are not being met, and the dog's owner and/or trainer may need to reassess their training methods. A low obedience level has nothing to do with the dog?s intelligence, but more generally a reflection of for what purposes the breed was developed. Terriers were bred to be independent thinkers, to solve and deal with problems on their own. Their obedience level is generally low, especially compared to herding dogs, developed to work in close collaboration with the leader, to quickly obey every command given.
Open source analytics
