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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite Grand Strand

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Myrtle Beach, SC

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 Myrtle Beach, SC 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 Grand Strand 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 Myrtle Beach positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Myrtle Beach Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite Grand Strand

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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 Grand Strand Difference


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

Dog Training Elite Grand Strand 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 Myrtle Beach, SC 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 Myrtle Beach, SC 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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  • Asheley Klatka
    Jan. 20, 2025
    I wanted to take a moment to give all praise and recognition that is due to Mr. Steve, Mrs. Valerie and their team. I am a Type 1 Diabetic with many issues to accompany it. I have been working with Mr. Steve for a little over 7 months now training my Golden Retriever with scent work as well as obedience. This last week has really put my pup to the test and has made her show us all of the training she has received thus far. My Dexcom sensor failed and I didn't realize that I had ZERO remaining sensors on hand with no way of ordering more until January 23rd (thanks to my insurance). So we have gone way back to the old school method of finger pricks, ugh! This time last year I would have been scared for my life with not knowing the uncertainties that lurch in the night with having to revert to finger checks, however, thanks to Mr. Steve....my worries are little to none. He has helped me train Nova (my SDIT) to detect and alert when my sugars are out of range. Just the other night, if it weren't for Nova and Mr. Steve's training, guidance and support he has given us, I would have never known that I was low as I did not feel the low. She laid on top of me and began to lick my face until she woke me up from a deep slumber and we went to "Check" and "fix it". I have been a diabetic for nearly 23 years, Nova is my first SD, and I know that I never would have been able to accomplish this feat and overcome my fears of leaving my kids behind due to "not knowing if I was low" if it weren't for DTE and their tremendous team! I will never be able to say Thank you enough for all of the love, support, help and HOPE you all have given me! Savannah, thank you for being so pleasant and wonderful every time I call to schedule an appointment. You are the little ray of sunshine I need on the days when I panic schedule a month in advance! haha We will be joining our first group session soon and I can't wait to see how far we can go with all of the help from this team of wonderful people! Thank you to you all, you guys are a true blessing to us!