Overview of Basic Approaches to Problem-Solving

There are several general approaches to addressing problem (unwanted) behavior. One or a combination of these approaches can be used.

Selecting which one(s), and defining the specifics of how to use them is most effectively accomplished in conjunction with a qualified, experienced professional. (Be sure to verify any claimed credentials.)

No one answer will fit all dogs, owners, or behaviors. Good work is both humane and effective. Poor work can be "humane but ineffective", or "inhumane and ineffective". There is the occasional anecdote about some approach that is "inhumane but effective", but this is extremely rare and generally accidental.

Desensitizing, abbreviated DS
Desensitizing is a process that turns an existing cue (or "trigger") into a neutral stimulus. In other words, it takes away any meaning. The cue formerly predicted something, and now it does not effectively predict anything.

Counter-conditioning, abbreviated CC
Counter-conditioning is a process that makes a cue predict something different. The cue formerly predicted one thing, but now it predicts another.

Behavior Modification, sometimes called B-Mod
Although this term is now being used for all manner of approaches, applying behavior modification protocols is about changing beliefs, using rewards and punishers (not necessarily pain). One way B-Mod can be distinguished from "training" is by the absence of commands, hand signals, or leash cues. B-Mod focuses primarily on the dog's behavior. This approach can include the use of veterinarian-prescribed medications.

Training
Training is teaching one extremely specific behavior as a correct (desired, rewarded) response to a cue deliberately presented via rewards and punishers (not necessarily pain). Training focuses primarily on changing the owner's behavior to elicit the dog's response. Different approaches incorporate different amounts of reward and pain and compulsion (force), from 0% to 100% of the approach.

Dog Whispering
Dog whispering is showing, not telling. This approach focuses on the effectiveness with which dogs interact with each other, and attempts to mimic as many relevant elements as possible. The success of this approach depends entirely on the human's ability to correctly interpret the dog's body language, and extreme self-awareness of body language when responding. The use of touch and distance as rewards/punishers is common.