Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Austin, TX

Research shows that focusing on positive reinforcement when a desired behavior occurs and not worrying about correcting bad behavior in dogs is more effective and has longer-lasting results than training that incorporates punishment for bad behavior.

Positive reinforcement dog training in Austin, TX works because dogs are inherently eager to please. Rewarding your dog for good behavior helps create a deep, loving relationship with your dog built on trust, as opposed to one built on fear of punishment. The difference between a dog who has been trained to obey out of fear of being punished vs. a dog who learns to obey through a positive, loving bond with their owner is huge.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro trainers use treats as an initial reward for puppies and dogs learning commands. When the trainer is absent, or you’re in between obedience classes, you can continue to use treats as a reward for your dog when they exhibit a desired behavior. Dogs tend to be highly food-motivated, so this is an extremely useful tool. You can also reward your dog with a play session, take them to the dog park or anything else you know your dog enjoys. After all, you know your dog best!

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Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro

Your Questions Answered

Positive reinforcement training is a widely used and highly effective method for teaching dogs new behaviors while strengthening the bond between you and your pet. Below, we've answered some common questions about how this training approach works and why it's beneficial for all dog breeds.

Positive reinforcement training rewards dogs for good behavior with treats, praise, or play, encouraging them to repeat those behaviors. It focuses on creating a positive association with desired actions, making training enjoyable and effective for your dog.
Positive reinforcement builds trust and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. By rewarding desired behavior, your dog is more motivated to learn and respond willingly, whereas punishment can create fear and anxiety, hindering learning and damaging the relationship.
Yes, positive reinforcement training is effective for all dog breeds. Since it relies on rewarding good behavior, dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments can respond well, making it a flexible and universally beneficial training method.
A white poodle smiling at one of our Austin positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Austin Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro

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As for not worrying about bad behavior – it may feel strange to act like everything is fine when your dog chews on your shoes, or goes to the bathroom inside your home. But focusing on rewarding good behavior and forgoing punishment for bad behavior is more successful in the long run.

Relying on punishment for errors and “low value” rewards, such as praise or petting are long held “traditional” methods for dog training. Punishments like flicking a dog’s nose, shocking them with a shock collar, or anything else that may cause a dog pain are unfortunately still in use today by many dog trainers.

Not only is it inhumane, but using punishment as a tool can actually backfire. For example: punishing a dog for going to the bathroom inside a house won’t teach them to go outside instead. Often, the dog only understands that the mess makes their owner mad. Instead of going outside, the dog is likely to continue to make messes indoors — where the owner can’t find them.

Punishment training also damages the relationship between dog and owner. Dogs do not understand right and wrong. Instead of associating punishment with a specific behavior they learn to avoid, as with the bathroom example, they instead learn to live in constant fear of punishment. This prevents owners from bonding with their dogs in a meaningful way.

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FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Austin.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.
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The Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro Difference


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Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro uses modern training methods focused on positive dog training using reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Our trainers in Austin, TX never resort to punishment to help dogs unlearn behaviors. Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. The electronic collar is not a shock collar and never used to punish bad behavior. Instead, it produces a sensation like the gentle tug of a leash, and is used to help recapture the attention of a dog who gets distracted.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature. The method is the same regardless of the situation, whether training a puppy, an older dog or a service dog. The positive reinforcement dog training in Austin, TX ensures training is a success no matter what your dog’s behavior. If you have a brand new puppy who is stubborn and smart, or an older dog who has slipped into bad habits – or perhaps never learned – after proper conditioning and working with Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro offers specialized in-home training services so your dog gets the attention and training he or she needs, and you learn alongside them so training continues when the trainer leaves. Dog Training Elite in Austin, TX also offers group classes for dogs who are ready to take obedience training to the next level, and service training programs for a variety of needs.

If you’re looking to train a service dog, or just looking for a loyal four-legged companion, Dog Training Elite in Austin, TX will help you get there with our positive dog training. You can get started today. Find a trainer near you and schedule a free in-home consultation!

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Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Alina Ruse
    Nov. 17, 2024
    These guys are incredible, super sweet but firm. They really do care and take the time to answer your questions. They are straight to the point and don’t sugar coat anything. If it weren’t for my young German Shepherd’s training here I’d be in a very bad situation and having to give up a dog I love. About 6 months ago I moved into an apartment with my small child and still going strong! There were a few hiccups getting the dog adjusted to a completely different living situation and our trainer was easy to get a hold of and issues were fixed on the spot! I would recommend this company to everyone total life changers.
  • rebecca price
    Oct. 6, 2024
    I love Gray's patience and knowledge of my dog breed. His type of training allowed us to work through some issues. Thank you agray.
  • Jake North
    Sep. 26, 2024
    Have really enjoyed working with Donny and team both individually and in group classes with our Aussie. Dog Training Elite put together a customized plan to work on Badger’s areas to improve and her behavior is sooo much better. Donny was available both in and out of session to answer questions and encourage us when things were tough. Lately, Badger has been joining the Saturday group classes to continue to socialize and grow. We couldn’t be happier with the results and wholeheartedly recommend DTE for your dog.
  • Shipra Singh
    Aug. 24, 2024
    Mia is amazing!
  • Tim Sweeney
    Jul. 28, 2024
    Before Donny and DTE Austin while walking my dog Khalifa if I saw another dog coming towards us, I would move into a driveway or a yard to let them pass. After the first class with Donny I was actively looking for dogs to walk by on the sidewalk. Donny taught me how to have confidence to walk Khalifa by any dog. Fast forward five weeks, we've completed our 5 private lessons and both Khalifa and I are enjoying our walks together. She makes better decisions, is more relaxed, and I no longer have anxiety while walking my dog. Choosing DTE will be the best decision you make for you and your dog. The moment you meet Donny, see how professional he is and how positively your dog responds, you will know you made the right decision. You're the best! Diane & Tim
  • Kris and Ally Nessa
    May. 25, 2024
    We cannot express enough how grateful we are to have found Dog Training Elite Austin. From our very first session, we knew we were in excellent hands. Our dog, Olivia, has made incredible progress thanks to the expertise and dedication of Donny, the outstanding trainer and owner. Donny's deep understanding of dog behavior and his patient, positive training methods has made our first experience as dog owners wonderful! Donny's passion for what he does shines through in every interaction. He is always professional, encouraging, and genuinely invested in Olivia's success. It's clear he loves what he does, and his enthusiasm is contagious. We always look forward to our training sessions, knowing that Olivia is in the best possible hands and meeting plenty of furry friends along the way. Thank you, Donny and Dog Training Elite Austin, for helping us build a stronger bond with Olivia and for giving her the tools to thrive. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite Austin to anyone looking for top-notch dog training services!
  • Greg Harisis
    May. 12, 2024
    Donny is the man! I love my 4.5 yr old shelter pup, but I could not get him to stop barking at every door knock or new visitor as our family got ready to add a baby to the mix. Within 5 weeks, not only is the excess barking pretty much a thing of the past (it’s on me to be a good trainer and get him the last 5% if the way), he’s also a much better walker/heeler, does better interacting with other dogs, and is much more calm in general. Thanks Donny!
  • Carlea Brown
    Apr. 29, 2024
    I wish it were possible to give more than 5 stars. We have worked with DTE Austin since bringing home our puppy in September. Between September and April, we have seen our puppy transform from being nervous on walks and a destructive girl inside to being confident off leash and a joy in our household. Donny does a great job of caring for your pet, but also making sure that you have the resources to train them properly. Donny does a wonderful job of making himself available at all times. We have called and texted him more times than I can count with questions or updates on how our girl is doing. While this program is a big investment, both financially and in time, it is SO worth the commitment.
  • Austin Hendrix
    Apr. 28, 2024
    Fantastic experience all around. Thorough, detailed, helpful, insightful, and willing to adapt to any experience your dog brings to training
  • Douglas Tenny
    Apr. 24, 2024
    We are so glad that we chose Dog Training Elite Hill Country to help us train our young golden doodle. Gray really knows dog training. He is patient, understanding, and knowledgable. He is like the "dog whisperer". When someone can get your dog to do something in a minute that you have spent an hour on you know you have hired the right person. We knew that the training would include come, sit, down, heel, but for our dog "place" was an unexpected, much used benefit. Gray gave us a systematic approach that could be used to train and even re-train with. It was all done with sensitivity and kindness. Denise was very good at the communication side also. She made it easy and fast to get appointments and answer questions.
  • Julia Olsh
    Apr. 23, 2024
    Gray and Denise with DTE are awesome! They helped my pup overcome his anxiety tremendously, through giving us literally step by step instructions on how we can work with him. They are super patient and understanding people. I would highly recommend!!!
  • Jessica Bookman
    Apr. 7, 2024
    Donny completely changed my relationship with our puppy, Kobe. He was a big, energetic, Lab puppy who outweighed both my kids by 4 months old. I was at the end of my rope and Donny was so empathetic and understanding. He came in and showed me that Lab puppies can be calm in the chaos, and can be well trained while young. He has taught us so much in such a short period of time. I tell everyone with a dog that they need to meet Donny. He is amazing!
  • Julia Low
    Apr. 7, 2024
    Dog Training Elite is simply outstanding! From the moment we began training with our corgi Leo, they treated us like family. The staff is incredibly supportive and kind, and their trainers are top-notch. They took the time to understand Leo's needs and provided us with invaluable guidance. Thanks to them, Leo has made remarkable progress. We've recommended Dog Training Elite to friends and family because we couldn't be happier with the results. Five stars all the way!
  • Max
    Apr. 6, 2024
    A 5-start rating is not accidental. Donny is one of the best trainers I’ve ever worked with. Definitely the best in Austin area. I was a bit hesitant in the beginning because of the use of e-collar but with some education, patience, and trusting the process now I realize it was the best decision for both me and my dog. I strongly recommend hiring Donny. He will not disappoint.
  • Stephanie Bomely
    Mar. 23, 2024
    Donny has been absolutely amazing! He gained our trust during the free evaluation, and we were very excited to work with him. During the 4 weeks of training, he did not disappoint. He taught our two dogs (4 yo terrier/poodle and 9 mo terrier/chihuahua) practical skills, which gave us and our dogs more confidence, and he helped us all be less anxious. Donny is extremely knowledgeable and had solutions to every unwanted behavior. He was patient with us and took the time to answer every question. He has given us a new life with our dogs!
  • Lea Campbell
    Feb. 25, 2024
    After months of attempting different forms of training for our 7 month old Golden Retriever, Molson - my partner and I both felt we had reached our wits end with the constant biting, pulling and jumping. We were told by other programs he was just stubborn and defiant and that couldn’t be changed. I was constantly scouring the internet for any advice on training dogs with similar personalities, but always ended up completely hopeless. After a referral from a friend, we got in touch with Dog Training Elite (Donny) and from the first visit, we immediately saw a change in his demeanor. After fives weeks, we’ve been absolutely blown away by the progress he’s been able to make. Molson now confidently walks on and off leash by our side, plays with other dogs/people and we’ve been able to build trust that has allowed him to truly be a dog. We cannot thank Donny enough for his dedication to Molson and the confidence he’s brought us in training, it’s truly been invaluable.
  • Alyssa R
    Dec. 15, 2023
    I am proud to say that Dog Training Elite is my 4th and final dog trainer. Persistent, aggressive and dangerous were all words that have been used to previously describe my dog, Elton. Strangers now approach us regularly, complimenting on how well-behaved he is. Before discovering DTE, I had invested time and resources in training Elton since he was four months old (he is now 2). Despite my best efforts, his reactivity and aggression seemed to worsen over time. After a negative incident at a dog park, his reactivity heightened, causing extreme stress for both of us. Taking him outside, even for a simple potty break, became a source of anxiety due to his unpredictable behavior. My anxiety only seemed to feed his, but after numerous trainers I thought I was out of options. We resorted to tailoring our schedule to avoid potential incidents in my apartment complex, and I honestly thought making our world a little smaller was the only way to protect him and others. Choosing DTE was a turning point. From the initial consultation call with Donny, I felt supported and heard. Instead of recommending avoidance strategies suggested by other trainers, Donny outlined the goal to bring Elton to "neutral" outside and towards other dogs (his main triggers). He even said by the end of in-home sessions, Elton would be riding in elevators with other dogs (I honestly had trouble believing this one). After the phone conversation, Donny provided an in-person consultation, and he remained confident in Elton's ability to succeed. In just a few weeks of weekly home visits and trusting the training and guidance, there were significant improvements. Elton began looking to me for direction, and walks became more enjoyable. Previously, he made decisions on walks, driven by fear. Now, he was heeling more, walking safely off-leash at times, and sitting by a busy street in a down position. Instead of avoiding triggers, I began to seek them out for practice (passing dogs, bikes, etc). Over time, I was building trust in myself and Elton, because DTE empowered me with the control and confidence leading to these major improvements. DTE's approach goes beyond dog training; they deeply understand both dogs and humans, and worked patiently with me to build confidence in myself and my dog, providing me tools to feel confident and calm in situations that were previously stressful and frightening. They were there every step of the way. In just a few weeks, they surpassed my expectations and ultimately Elton took an elevator ride with two other dogs - completely calm. The group classes haven't even started yet, and I can't believe how far we've come. For anyone dealing with a reactive dog, the stress of avoiding triggers can take a lot of energy. The trust I’ve built in myself and Elton has been one of my biggest achievements, thanks to the tools and support from DTE. Thank you Donny for making this incredible impact on our lives.
  • Jeanne Henley
    Dec. 8, 2023
    Gray was awesome! Our minature Aussie is either a genius or Gray just knows how to train a dog. I would vote for Gray!!! We would highly recommend this company!! Steve and Jeanne Henley Ingram, Texas
  • Aydin Coskun
    Nov. 22, 2023
    I recently had the pleasure of working with Dog Training Elite Austin for my dog, Dena. Dena, a rescue, had always been a bit anxious and faced challenges in various situations, especially during our walks. From the start, Dog Training Elite Austin stood out with their approach. They didn’t just offer generic training; instead, they tailored a program specifically for Dena’s unique needs. What truly amazed me was their willingness to go above and beyond. They didn’t limit the training to a standard environment. Instead, they took the time to visit the specific areas where Dena was struggling the most. This hands-on approach made a significant difference. The results? Nothing short of remarkable. Not only did Dena become more confident and less anxious, but our walks turned into enjoyable experiences rather than stressful ones. The follow-up group classes provided by Dog Training Elite Austin have also been incredibly beneficial, reinforcing what Dena learned and helping us both grow even more. Thanks to Dog Training Elite Austin, Dena and I are now living a much happier and more enjoyable life together. I can’t thank the team enough for their dedication, expertise, and the personalized care they provided. If you’re looking for a dog training service that truly understands and caters to your dog’s needs, Dog Training Elite Austin is the place to go. Highly recommended!
  • Dani Short
    Nov. 10, 2023
    I have been working with DTE since even before getting my in training service puppy. They have been wonderful and informative throughout the entire process and are really with you every step of the way. I am incredibly impressed at the progress points we're at even at still under >23 weeks. I look forward to completing our full service training and am super happy to have heard of them from a friend. I highly recommend DTE's training, from behavior, puppy, or service levels. Top notch!!