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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Las Vegas, NV

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 Las Vegas, NV 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 Las Vegas 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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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 Las Vegas positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Las Vegas Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas

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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 in Las Vegas Difference


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

Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas, NV 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 Las Vegas, NV 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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  • Barry Brode
    Nov. 4, 2024
    My experience from the initial meeting with Colin through five home visits and the first group training, this past Saturday, for my five month old Akita … Absolutely 1000% legit. The first training session, which is at your home, Colin was instrumental in providing the tools that I needed, so I was able to work with Elvis. Without anxiety or apprehension. In six weeks, I have a better behaved fur baby. I would absolutely without hesitation recommend Elite Dog Training.
  • BrennanOMalley
    Oct. 16, 2024
    Nick is doing a wonderful job training my mother in laws Yorkie! Last week was the first time Penny didn’t try to turn my pants in to shorts when we came to visit! I thought she had gotten a new dog! Dog Training Elite and Nick are the best trainers, they not only train dogs but mother in laws too!
  • Steph Straub
    Oct. 16, 2024
    Working with Nick was an excellent experience! When our son started walking his relationship with our dog went downhill fast. Nick gave us simple but effective tools to keep everyone safe and build a better relationship between the two. The weekly group sessions are a great way to keep the training relevant and front-of-mind. Highly recommend!
  • Tanner Mann
    Jul. 20, 2023
    Nick was incredible with my dog, Kaya. He showed me what to do with her when she gets too excited around other dogs. My favorite was learning heel, and noticing how fast she picked up on it. If you’re looking for a place to help you and your dogs, your search is over! Thanks again, Nick!
  • Zuleika Hiraldo
    Oct. 5, 2024
    Great trainer. Always on time. Always respectful and patient. Learn a lot from Nick. It is not only the pup that got trained but I as well. Because it is not just the dog but the owner as well. It is a partnership
  • Nikki Goodden
    Jun. 25, 2023
    When we brought our 8-week-old English lab pups home I knew I wanted professional help with training. Nick has gone above and beyond our expectations. We worked hard and practiced his lessons in between sessions. The girls learned quickly and are eager to please. The additional group classes have been hugely advantageous to socialize them and reinforce skills. Nick is a gold star trainer. Patient, calm, persistent. But you have to do the work if you want results! We are now considering service training. With Nick's expertise I have no doubt our dogs will make exceptional service animals. Thank you Nick!
  • Kelsey Pugliese
    Aug. 29, 2024
    I knew there would be obstacles adopting a young rescue shepherd from the Animal Foundation so I immediately reached out to Nick to see if he could help. I am so pleased with the experience I have had with both at home sessions as well as group training. Wynnie has made tremendous progress with basic training commands (sit, stay, heel) and has overcome the obstacle of learning to play nicely with her 12-year-old dog brother at home. The socialization skills she has gained in the group setting have made me comfortable enough to bring her out in public and to the dog park. Nick does a wonderful job accessing the needs of your dog at each session and making sure to leave you with knowledge and homework to maintain the work put in during the session. I would 100% recommend this program as it not only teaches the animal but more importantly the owner so much. Thank you Nick!
  • Mary Vander Veer
    Aug. 29, 2024
    I highly recommend Nick with Dog Training Elite. He is knowledgeable, professional, personable, and training with him has been such a success for my mini dachshund, Desi. She is a therapy dog and I have so much confidence in the skills Nick has helped us with. She is attentive and off leash most of the day and I have full confidence in this due to the skills she's learned with Nick's guidance. The skills he's helped us with has made her progression into the office such a breeze. The ability to go to the group classes ongoing is so helpful to keep her skills sharp and continue to socialize with other dogs as well. Not only did he help her with baseline obedience training but she has also mastered following through with therapeutic commands as well. Any questions I have, he always has a plan ready to deal with it. Could not recommend enough!
  • Jodi Lopez
    Aug. 29, 2024
    Highly recommend Dog Training Elite Southwest Las Vegas! The one on one classes with Nick were awesome. He taught us how to have patience and to be consistent. We have seen a tremendous amount of improvement with our bull terrier, Rocket’s attention and behavior. Rocket always looks forward to group classes on the weekends !
  • Mark Gordon
    Nov. 7, 2023
    Nick is the best. He makes sure he gives the dog his utmost attention and makes sure you understand what he is trying to accomplish and makes sure your dog understands it as well. Highly recommend this person to fulfill all your training needs for your dog
  • Sonja M
    Aug. 29, 2024
    I cannot express how grateful we are to have found Nick! He is so knowledgeable, professional, personable, and ever so patient with our big puppies! We rescued two brothers and we were worried about litter mate syndrome, along with just the training involved with puppies (we're too old for all that energy ha-ha). But Nick is so fantastic, our pups love him and so do we!! He is a continuous learner and if you ask him something and he's never encountered it, I guarantee he will leave and find it out for your next training session. You can't find another more dedicated trainer than Nick!! Simply stated, he is THE BEST!!!
  • Eric Ko
    Aug. 29, 2024
    We researched a lot of other companies, we decided to hire Nick to train our brown lab to be a therapy dog. He went above and beyond, and we're very satisfied. I strongly recommended his service.
  • Brittany Vaughan
    Aug. 26, 2024
    Highly recommend! We rescued a Siberian husky/aussie mix and she needed training badly!! Nick came to Our house and worked with her and us and now she listens to us and knows all the commands! We’re just waiting for it to cool down to start the Saturday mornings at the park that’s included with the package we got!
  • Destiny Rae
    Aug. 14, 2024
    This is littlefoot! We did puppy training with Nick. I can't recommend him enough! His patience, expertise, and genuine love for dogs made the experience that much better. From day one he made Littlefoot and I so comfortable! Littlefoot is a stubborn sassy dachshund! Littlefoot actually listens now. If you’re looking for someone who truly cares and knows how to get results, Nick is the one to go to!
  • Jenny Feehan
    Jun. 17, 2024
    I’ve known Nick for a really long time and his love for dogs has always been his passion. I believe he can work you and your dog on fundamental training and bad habit breaking!
  • Danni Brooks
    Apr. 14, 2024
    My mini Labradoodle started service dog training at 12 weeks old. Colin has always been very patient and made accommodations of the training specifically to my dog’s personality. Eight months later, NOLA is now officially a certified service dog for my military PTSD. I am so happy with the results of her hard work and comfortable going into crowds without fear and anxiety. 100% recommended!
  • Shawn Izzo
    Feb. 13, 2024
    I have worked with several trainers in the valley, but Nick at Dog Training Elite has been the best. I chose DTE for my service dog training after researching several other options within Las Vegas. I am so happy with the results. Wherever I take my dog, I am always getting compliments on how well behaved she is, and I'm asked if I had her trained at a facility. I am constantly recommending Dog Training Elite and cannot say enough praises about the program. Nick is extremely patient with both you as the owner and your dog. Keep in mind, you get what you put into the program. Nick will make sure you and your dog know the basics and how the task should look before he leaves but it's on the owner to keep working with the dog between sessions. Nick is very responsive if you have questions outside of your training sessions as well. I highly recommend Nick with Dog Training Elite. I will not trust any other trainer in the valley in the future. Customer for life.
  • JT
    Feb. 8, 2024
    I met Nick through the Malinois Foundation . It’s a non-profit organization that connects veterans like myself with service dogs and dog trainers. I’ve known Nick about a year now and he helped me train and certified my service dog Roxy. She is a one year old golden retriever. Nick is nothing short of outstanding. He is courteous , kind, personable and punctual at all our training sessions. We had approximately 14 one on one sessions as well as weekly group sessions. It’s always a professional atmosphere and always a safe & healthy training environment for our animals. I couldn’t recommend Nick and DTE more. 6 stars.
  • Daniela
    Feb. 7, 2024
    Nick is very professional yet friendly and really taught us more about our dog's behavior. He works with our schedule and really cares about our progress. Fair prices as well.
  • Alison Selzler
    Jan. 16, 2024
    Nick was patient, kind and professional working with our dogs to improve thier behavior. We have multiple dogs and it is important that they are well behaved for us and our houseguests/family/friends. We worked on the introduction of our newest pup to our pack. He helped us to develop and maintain good potty training habits. Our puppy is high energy and would jump up in excitement, we have seen a remarkable improvement working with them and implementing the recommended techniques. We are greatful we connected with Nick and Dog Training Elite SWLV. Highly recommend!