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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment
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 dog training in Baltimore / Towson 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 of Central Maryland 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!
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Platinum
$2,975
OUR MOST POPULAR PACKAGE!
LIFETIME SUPPORT
Our platinum package offers you training sessions throughout your dog's lifetime! Follow-up sessions to be scheduled once per month as needed, after initial program is completed.
Training Equipment Included: E-collar and Accessories
- One-on One & In-Home Training Sessions 8 Sessions
- Group Park Sessions Unlimited
- Lifetime support via text/email and in-person support sessions *scheduled at trainer's discretion (no more than once per month, after completing initial program
- Come
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Off(furniture, if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Get Into Car or Kennel
- Build Confidence
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Running Away
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Puppy Biting
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing
- STOP Digging
- Choose to Address Advanced Concerns: - Control Aggression (dog & human) - Calm Anxiety
- Or Choose One Tailored Skill Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities. - Emotional Support Dog Training
- Ride on a Golf Cart, Skateboard, or Wagon
- Stay with You on Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
- Other Custom Command Approved by Trainer
Out on the Town
$2,975
LIFETIME SUPPORT
Out on the Town offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control.
5 of the 8 sessions are one-on-one and in-home. The final 3 sessions are "out on the town" at dog-friendly locations you select (within our service area). This may be a dog-friendly store, brewery, winery, walk through Downtown Annapolis waterfront, hikes in the park, visit to a marina, and more.
Training Equipment Included: E-collar and Accessories
- One-on One & In-Home Training Sessions 8 Sessions
- Group Park Sessions Unlimited
- Lifetime support via text/email and in-person support sessions *scheduled at trainer's discretion (no more than once per month, after completing initial program
- Come
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Off(furniture, if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Get Into Car or Kennel
- Build Confidence
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Running Away
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Puppy Biting
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing
- STOP Digging
Gold
$2,225
Training Equipment Included: E-collar and Accessories
- One-on One & In-Home Training Sessions 5 Sessions
- Group Park Sessions 12 Sessions
- Come
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Off(furniture, if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Build Confidence
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Running Away & Bolting Through Doors
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Puppy Biting
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing
- STOP Digging
Positive Dog Training in Baltimore / Towson
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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Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
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Empowering Owners
We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. -
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. -
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
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Supportive
We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session"). -
Involved
We work with all members of the household. -
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
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Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training. -
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term. -
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun
A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.
The Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland Difference
Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland uses modern training methods focused on positive dog training using reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland trainers 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 of Central Maryland’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 dog training method of Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland 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 of Central Maryland, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it.
Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland 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 of Central Maryland 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 of Central Maryland 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 assessment!