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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Carmel / Fishers, IN

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Carmel / Fishers Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

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 Carmel / Fishers, IN 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 Carmel / Fishers 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 Carmel / Fishers

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 Carmel / Fishers positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Positive Dog Training in Carmel / Fishers, IN

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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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The Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers Difference


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Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers uses modern training methods focused on positive dog training using reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Our trainers in Carmel / Fishers, IN 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 Carmel / Fishers’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 Carmel / Fishers, IN 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 Carmel / Fishers, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it.

Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers 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 Carmel / Fishers, IN 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 Carmel / Fishers, IN 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

  • Tami “Tami” Hall
    Nov. 8, 2025
    He was very helpful with my pup's training. I will definitely continue to use Dog Training elite of Carmel for my pup's training.
  • Terri Gomez
    Aug. 28, 2025
    Our home visit was wonderful. Elijah was patient with us and Stella. He gave us a lot of very good suggestions. He even brought his dog, Ash, because Stella has a hard time accepting other dogs. Stella made great strides with Ash. Ash, of course, is well trained and obedient. We truly appreciate how much Elijah helped Stella and us. We have been extremely pleased with this whole program.
  • Jean Fox
    Oct. 30, 2025
    Elijah is so patient with both Remy and with us, as he showed us the best techniques to help muzzle train her. We appreciate all his advice, encouragement and confidence we can get to where we want to be with our pup. Thanks Elijah!
  • Chris Sargent
    Oct. 29, 2025
    Detailed and deep care for you and your fluffy one
  • Patricia SICA
    Aug. 26, 2025
    I cannot thank Elijah enough- calm - but direct -encouraging - and OH! so helpful with Donato and myself. I will miss you and your encouraging words and the pure Love of dogs. Our last class of Obedience. Pat
  • Julie Anne
    Aug. 23, 2025
    Elijah is confident in his training ability and it shows. My fur baby responds very well.
  • Leo
    Oct. 18, 2025
    Absolutely a great place to have your fur baby trained. Our Yorkipoo has done a complete 180. Highly recommend them for training!
  • Tracy Ellis
    Sep. 22, 2025
    Everyone did wonderful with Xetti. I highly recommend!
  • Tami Hall (Hall family TV)
    Oct. 24, 2025
    My pup loved going to "school"! Which says the trainers are kind and wonderful
  • Alexander Voris
    Oct. 17, 2025
    Elijah was amazing for our private session. Hoosier learned a lot, and we benefited as well!
  • Shane Nesbitt
    Aug. 30, 2025
    We still have two more sessions to go. My wife and I are really enjoying our experience. Callie our dog is taking very well to her training.
  • Patricia Gallagher
    Oct. 16, 2025
    Elijah, the trainer, is superb. His knowledge, patience, and insight have given me the skillset and confidence I need to restore harmony and good behavior between two dogs I love and adore.
  • Brian Stockman
    Oct. 14, 2025
    It has been a great experience for our puppy. He is much more focused and follows commands with greater focus. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone.
  • Jessica Cushing
    Oct. 10, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has been the best investment for my newly adopted four-year-old Pointer rescue. We just completed the Elite Training Camp, which was a game-changer for my boy. Our shared confidence and improved communication are invaluable. Dog Training Elite are professionals who treat you and your dog like family. The team has been the most communicative and empathic training team I have ever worked with. From Doug’s in-home consultation visit to the daily sessions with Anika, Josh, and Sonia, the entire DTE team was committed to addressing the foundation pillars of obedience and the specialty concerns I had for my dog. Love the continued support in the group classes and in-home visits. Forever grateful this obedience program was recommended.
  • Scot Allen
    Oct. 10, 2025
    Josh and DTE do a great job working with our family. Thanks!
  • Alexander Voris
    Oct. 3, 2025
    We do not even know where to begin when it comes to how grateful we are for Dog Training Elite. Before attending the two week day camp, Hoosier, our year and a half golden retriever mix, struggled significantly with meeting new people. He would bark and lunge at them in an aggressive manner. The two week camp provided Hoosier (and us) with the tools for interacting with new people. This is just the beginning of his training as he will continue to attend weekly group sessions that come with the two week day camp package (which is amazing). We cannot say enough good things about all the trainers here. They have done such an incredible job with Hoosier, and we are so thankful for them.
  • Elizabeth McIntire
    Sep. 26, 2025
    From Doug and Anika and the other talented trainers, our experience was great. Training is a team effort between the pet owners, the pet and the trainers. Highly recommend.
  • James Reddick
    Oct. 1, 2025
    Joshua arrived as planned to start our puppy program and our first session was great. He gave us an overview of what the first training session was going to be covered, demonstrated puppy command (off, crate, using the leash, name recognition, using training treats) addressed our questions and coached us on training dos and don’ts. Overall it was a great first lesson and we are looking to the next puppy training session.
  • Matthew Varas
    Sep. 30, 2025
    Josh was fantastic. Everything I had hoped to get out of dog training was achieved and he gave me all the tools and advice to do it. And he was very patient when we were doing the first few sessions and my dog was aggressive.
  • Mandy (Wellspring RN)
    Sep. 27, 2025
    We just had a second session with Dog Training Elite today. We are very impressed with the two staff members we have worked with, Elijah & Josh. Both were very patient and attentive to the needs of our family and our puppy. They were happy to answer our questions. We are excited to continue working with this group