This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.

Training a dog often begins with so-called basic obedience, a concept that many dog owners are familiar with. But what exactly does this term mean and how does it fit into needs-orientated training? Over the course of this blog, you will learn how to build a strong, harmonious relationship through clear communication, positive reinforcement and understanding your dog's basic needs. Needs-orientated training, which is based on scientific findings, plays a central role in this.

While in the past terms such as "submission" or "obedience" were often used in a dominant context, modern dog training offers an alternative approach: needs-orientated training. In this blog, we explain what this means and how you can implement it successfully.

The term basic obedience refers to the basic commands and signals that every dog should master in order to act safely in everyday life. These include commands such as sit, down, stay, here, heel and out. These commands form the basis of safe and reliable communication between dog and owner.

Some people talk about "subordination" in this context, a term that is often associated with old training methods and dominance theories. Here, the dog's behaviour is usually influenced by pressure and coercion, which is increasingly rejected in modern training. A modern approach is obedience, which is based on positive reinforcement and addresses the needs of both the dog and the owner.

Basic obedience is the key to a stable basis for living together with your dog. These commands provide the dog with a clear structure to orientate itself by and give it security, especially in challenging or new situations. A well-trained dog is not only easier to control, but also feels safer and more relaxed thanks to clear guidance.

The concept that animals, including dogs, can learn more effectively and concentrate better when their basic needs are met is widely accepted in animal behaviour research and animal psychology. It is based on the fundamental assumption that an animal living in a healthy, safe and nurturing environment is psychologically better able to concentrate on complex tasks such as training and learning.

Needs-orientated training is based on the concept that a dog's individual needs are at the centre of training. Inspired by the well-known Maslow's pyramid of needs for humans, this model can also be applied to dogs. Dogs, like humans, have basic needs that must be met in order to ensure their well-being and create a successful learning environment.

The basis of a dog's needs pyramid includes basic physical needs such as adequate nutrition, water, exercise and sleep. These basic biological needs are essential for a dog to be able to learn at all. A dog that does not have enough rest periods or is not adequately cared for cannot concentrate on training and is more prone to behavioural problems.

Emotional and social needs take precedence over biological needs. This includes the security that the dog experiences through clear guidance and fixed framework conditions. A dog that knows what is expected of it feels more secure and trusts its owner. This strengthens the bond between dog and human and forms the basis for a harmonious relationship.

An important aspect of needs-orientated training is the individual adaptation to the respective dog. Every dog has its own preferences, talents and weaknesses, which should be taken into account during training. Whether a dog is particularly playful, needs a lot of exercise or is rather calm - the training must be flexible enough to fulfil these individual needs.

How security, love, consistency and leadership enrich your dog's life

Safety and leadership are essential elements in a dog's life. They contribute significantly to his feeling of security and his behaviour. A securely led dog has confidence in its human and is therefore less likely to feel the need to sort things out for itself. Regardless of whether it's a dog encounter or other everyday situations. 

1. Security: A safe and loving environment gives your dog a feeling of security. A home in which your dog feels protected and comfortable is essential for his emotional well-being.

2. Love: Love for your dog does not mean that he is allowed to do everything. True love also involves setting boundaries. A dog that experiences love in conjunction with clear rules feels safer and is more balanced.

3. Trust: A safely managed dog develops a deep trust in its human. This trust is crucial so that the dog does not feel compelled to handle situations itself - be it dog encounters or other everyday situations.

4. Consistency: Consistent behaviour on your part helps your dog to understand what is expected of him. This clarity and predictability gives him security and helps him to stay relaxed.

5. Leadership: Clear, loving leadership is crucial for your dog's development. It enables him to understand boundaries and feel safe within them. Leadership does not mean harshness, but guiding your dog lovingly through life.

6. Routine = security: A regular routine offers your dog structure and security. Fixed feeding times, walks and rest periods help him to feel safe and secure in his environment.

By taking these aspects into account, you create an environment in which your dog feels safe and which he needs to develop positively and concentrate on training.

Appreciation / ego needs

Fulfilling your dog's ego needs, especially in the context of basic obedience, can significantly improve learning success.

1. Celebrate successes: Every dog deserves recognition for its achievements in training. Celebrating small successes through praise and rewards strengthens your dog's self-confidence and his relationship with you. Positive reinforcement is a key element in showing your dog that he is respected and valued. So pay attention to the smallest improvements at the beginning and show your dog that he is doing it right. Every dog deserves to be praised for its achievements, training and good behaviour. Always act according to the motto: lots of praise for good behaviour and little but clear correction for undesirable behaviour.

2. Maintain motivation: The demands of training should match your dog's abilities. Tasks that are too easy can cause boredom, while tasks that are too difficult can lead to anxiety and frustration. A balanced challenge promotes motivation and the joy of learning.  

3. Freedom within boundaries: Well-trained dogs with clear rules are often happier than dogs without structure. Your dog can move freely and self-determined within defined boundaries. This promotes his sense of autonomy and contentment.

4. Respect and appropriate challenges: Respect your dog's needs and boundaries. Training should be fun and not punitive. Engage with your dog in a way that challenges and develops both their physical and mental abilities. Be fair to your dog, especially at the beginning when training is not yet effective. Use rituals and clear instructions so that you both enjoy training together.  

5. Bonding and affection: Spending time together in training and play strengthens the bond between you and your dog. These moments of affection help your dog to feel loved and valued.

By taking your dog's ego needs into account during training, you create a positive learning environment. This leads to a motivated, self-confident and well-adjusted dog that enjoys walking alongside you.

Effects on learning behaviour and obedience

Fulfilling your dog's basic needs has a direct influence on his learning behaviour and general obedience. When basic needs are met, your dog is better able to focus on training and respond positively to it. When a dog's basic needs are met, this is reflected in many ways in its behaviour and learning ability. A dog that feels satisfied and secure in its basic needs is less distracted and can concentrate much better on training. This improved concentration enables him to utilise training sessions more effectively and make faster progress.

A happy dog also shows an increased willingness to learn. It is more open to new learning and reacts more positively to training stimuli. This is particularly important in training that requires frustration tolerance, where curiosity and a willingness to try new things are crucial. A dog that feels comfortable and confident is more willing to take on new challenges and actively participate in training.

In addition, you strengthen the bond with your dog by recognising and meeting its needs. This strong bond is a key factor in successful training as it promotes trust and co-operation. A dog that has a close relationship with its owner is more willing to follow instructions and co-operate with its human.

Many behavioural problems, such as excessive barking or aggression, are often a sign that the dog's basic needs are not being met. A balanced and content dog is less likely to display such behavioural problems as it feels safe and understood in its environment.