Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville

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Dog Training Elite Central Nashville online booking

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A black and white corgi sitting on a skateboard smiling, choose positive reinforcement dog training in Nashville, TN.

Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Nashville, TN

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 Nashville, TN 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 Central Nashville 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 Central Nashville

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 Nashville positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Nashville Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville

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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 Nashville.
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 Central Nashville Difference


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

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville 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 Nashville, TN 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 Nashville, TN 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

  • Melissa Ball
    Nov. 22, 2024
    Jen is very helpful. She explained so much. Thank you!
  • Evan
    Nov. 22, 2024
    10/10, loved working with Jen, will definitely recommend.
  • Kelsey Kah
    Nov. 20, 2024
    Carol has been amazing! She’s helped transform our home from utter chaos to more controlled chaos with our three dogs. We hired Dog training elite to help us manage some aggression between our Great Pyrenees, goldendoodle, and German Shepard. Plus some general training they all needed. We can now get them to stay in place with company and walk right beside us. Thank you!!
  • Teycha Texeira Hernandez
    Nov. 20, 2024
    Reina is training my puppy right now and the process had been amazing. She is very sweet but strict when she needs to be. Very pleased with the process so far.
  • Laurette Carle
    Nov. 19, 2024
    Cosima has been wonderful training our rescue pup! 3 of 5 lessons in, our strong-willed, often stubborn puppy has been maturing well, improving her behavior and attention to us. She loves Cosima and is she certainly tired after her brain works so hard learning new things!
  • Katie Bohannon
    Nov. 14, 2024
    One lesson down and magic has already happened! Five stars!
  • Dannie Harris
    Nov. 8, 2024
    We are so excited about beginning training for Arwen. Reina was welcoming and so knowledgeable. Looking forward to our next appointment.
  • David Doucette
    Oct. 11, 2024
    Great initial meeting. I think this company has the right program from my Biewer Terrier. Looking forward to seeing results!
  • Rebecca Buchanan
    Oct. 24, 2024
    We were very impressed with Cosima and her explanation of the training process. Our dog loves her! She answered all of our questions and is very knowledgeable about training and setting our expectations.
  • Pam Collins
    Oct. 19, 2024
    He was fantastic with Pebbles and with helping Kris understand how to control her
  • Jessica Sherbourne
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Jen is great would definitely go to her again
  • Jessica A.M. Sherbourne
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Jen explains everything and answers any questions i have without leving me with more questions then answers
  • Breanna Rose
    Oct. 17, 2024
    I love working with the Dog Training Elite Central Nashville Team! They have provided me with a source of confidence when it comes to training my dog. If I ever have any questions they are always polite and reply in a timely manner. They truly are rooting for their clients to succeed!! Parker has been great in One on One sessions and always has great advice for working with Briar at home!
  • John
    Oct. 14, 2024
    Im permanently disabled and in a wheelchair. I had just bought a Burnese Mountain Dog pup and was curious about service training for her. I found DTE through web searching and took a leap with their service. I cannot express the amount of care and professionalism their team provides to each individual dog and their owner's needs. The classes/sessions occur both privately and in group settings. The locations chosen for the classes range from large stores like Lowe's, small parks, and your own home. All the training I received was expertly communicated to me as a dog owner and all training objectives are made clear throughout each individual process. I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite more to anyone looking to obedience or service training a dog.
  • Sarah Arnold
    Oct. 9, 2024
    After just four sessions with DTE, my very anxious rescue is already showing so much progress! He’s building his confidence every day with the methods the DTE team has used, and my confidence in my own ability to simultaneously be in charge and put him at ease is growing too. I used to barely be able to keep my pup outside long enough for him to do his business before some noise would scare him so badly he’d almost pull me over trying to run inside. A month into training, we’re going on real walks around the neighborhood! The DTE team is so kind, professional, helpful and responsive, and the training has improved both my and my dog’s quality of life. Couldn’t be happier with the progress we’ve made so far, and excited to continue!
  • Robert Horton
    Oct. 1, 2024
    Was well Renia is a good trainer well informed me and I learned a lot.
  • Jamie Cleaton
    Oct. 4, 2024
    Luna and I had our initial meeting with Parker today. He was very professional and well spoken. I can, from his demonstration tell that Luna will be exceptionally well prepared to be my service dog, once she’s gone through the training.
  • A Wamble
    Oct. 3, 2024
    Reina was great and explained the process for training our dog very well. Franklin grew more confident and we have seen great improvement. He loved working with Reina!
  • Abrielle Davies
    Nov. 11, 2022
    Best experience ever. I already had a good dog. And Parker came in and in a few sessions and conversations my dog is so much easier. Walking and not dragging me along, coming when called have changed my life. Parker has the best service I’ve experienced in the dog training arena, always available patient and willing to work around me to see that my dog gets the best possible training. 10/10 would recommend.
  • Family Sills
    Oct. 1, 2024
    We currently have two lab puppies training with Elite and we couldn’t be more pleased. Izabel and Parker are extremely knowledgeable, firm and kind and have supported us through a most challenging puppy stage. We are so happy to have two beautiful dogs who are responding very well to the Elite methods of training!