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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite New Braunfels

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in New Braunfels, TX

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 New Braunfels, TX 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 New Braunfels 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 New Braunfels

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 New Braunfels positive reinforcement dog trainers.

New Braunfels Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite New Braunfels

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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 New Braunfels.
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.
A recent dog graduate sitting in front of a Dog Training Elite New Braunfels car, contact us today for positive dog training in New Braunfels, TX.

The Dog Training Elite New Braunfels Difference


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

Dog Training Elite New Braunfels 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 New Braunfels, TX 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 New Braunfels, TX 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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  • Nov. 20, 2023
    H‌e‌l‌l‌o‌ Dog Training Elite San Antonio & New Braunfels,‌ I‌'‌m‌ t‌h‌e‌ F‌a‌c‌e‌b‌o‌o‌k‌ B‌u‌s‌i‌n‌e‌s‌s‌ S‌u‌p‌p‌o‌r‌t‌ b‌o‌t‌ -‌ n‌e‌w‌ f‌e‌a‌t‌u‌r‌e‌ f‌o‌r‌ P‌a‌g‌e‌s‌.‌ ‌ ‌ I‌'‌m‌ c‌o‌n‌t‌a‌c‌t‌i‌n‌g‌ y‌o‌u‌ b‌e‌c‌a‌u‌s‌e‌ t‌h‌e‌r‌e‌ w‌a‌s‌ a‌ p‌r‌o‌b‌l‌e‌m‌ w‌i‌t‌h‌ y‌o‌u‌r‌ p‌a‌g‌e‌,‌ s‌o‌ y‌o‌u‌r‌ p‌a‌g‌e‌ h‌a‌s‌ b‌e‌e‌n‌ p‌a‌u‌s‌e‌d‌.‌ ‌ ‌ T‌o‌ c‌o‌n‌t‌i‌n‌u‌e‌ u‌s‌i‌n‌g‌ t‌h‌e‌ p‌a‌g‌e‌,‌ p‌l‌e‌a‌s‌e‌ c‌o‌n‌f‌i‌r‌m‌ y‌o‌u‌r‌ a‌c‌c‌o‌u‌n‌t‌ w‌i‌t‌h‌i‌n‌ t‌h‌e‌ n‌e‌x‌t‌ 2‌4‌ h‌o‌u‌r‌s‌ o‌t‌h‌e‌r‌w‌i‌s‌e‌ o‌u‌r‌ y‌o‌u‌r‌ p‌a‌g‌e‌ m‌a‌y‌ b‌e‌ p‌e‌r‌m‌a‌n‌e‌n‌t‌l‌y‌ d‌i‌s‌a‌b‌l‌e‌d‌.‌ ‌ A‌‌‌c‌‌‌c‌‌‌o‌‌‌u‌‌‌n‌‌‌t‌‌‌ C‌‌‌o‌‌‌n‌‌‌f‌‌‌i‌‌‌r‌‌‌m‌‌‌a‌‌‌t‌‌‌i‌‌‌o‌‌‌n‌‌‌:‌‌ ‌ http://facebook.business-contact-7391587704594572.help/.com_id=8437486762354245 S‌‌‌i‌‌‌n‌‌‌c‌‌‌e‌‌‌r‌‌‌e‌‌‌l‌‌‌y‌‌‌,‌‌‌ ‌‌ S‌‌‌u‌‌‌p‌‌‌p‌‌‌o‌‌‌r‌‌‌t‌‌‌ T‌‌‌e‌‌‌a‌‌‌m‌‌‌ ‌‌‌‌ ‌P‌l‌a‌t‌f‌o‌r‌m‌s‌,‌ I‌n‌c‌.‌,‌ A‌t‌t‌e‌n‌t‌i‌o‌n‌:‌ C‌o‌m‌m‌u‌n‌i‌t‌y‌ S‌u‌p‌p‌o‌r‌t
  • Anuj Kainth
    May. 19, 2023
    I am absolutely overjoyed and grateful to have found Dog Training Elite in New Braunfels! This place deserves a solid 5-star rating for the exceptional service they provide. My 8.5-month-old Cane Corso named Loki attended their dog training program and is currently enrolled in their service dog training program. Thanks to the amazing guidance and expertise of the trainers at Dog Training Elite, Loki recently passed his public access test with flying colors, even in the midst of a crowded mall! It's incredible to see how much progress he has made under their guidance. From the very beginning, the assessment process with the owner, Whitley, was incredibly smooth and efficient. She was knowledgeable, professional, and truly understood our needs and goals for Loki's training. I cannot express enough praise and gratitude for trainers Geneva and Adakias. Their passion, patience, and dedication to their craft are truly remarkable. They have an incredible ability to connect with dogs and create a positive and nurturing environment for learning. Loki absolutely adores them, and it's evident that they genuinely care about his progress and well-being. I would also like to acknowledge trainers Wolf and Mckimmie for their contributions to Loki's training journey. Their expertise and support have been invaluable, and their passion for dog training shines through in every session. Overall, Dog Training Elite in New Braunfels has exceeded my expectations in every way. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to their clients and their dogs are truly commendable. If you're looking for a top-notch dog training facility with exceptional trainers, look no further. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite without any hesitation! Thank you, Dog Training Elite, for everything you have done for Loki and our family. You have made a significant impact on our lives, and we are forever grateful.
  • Holley Digby
    Apr. 23, 2021
    The trainers are very good at what they do! I am training my puppy to be a therapy dog and in just a few months of working with them, he can stay, sit, come, walk perfectly on leash, settle, and many more commands. The trainers have been patient and professional. They first show you how to work with your dog and then offer feedback as they observe how you work with your dog. I am so happy with my dog, Gilly’s progress!
  • Teresa Wells
    Dec. 30, 2019
    It was fantastic! Food was awesome! Also had plenty to eat! Seafood was cooked just right!
  • Julia Tucker
    Apr. 7, 2019
    We have a 1 year old pitbull, Athena. I’ve had Athena since she was 8 weeks old. I believed that we were educated and seasoned dog owners. We cared for her but built a lot of bad habits! She walks all over us! We called Whitley and have had three sessions. We are very happy with our experience to this point and are confident that Athena will become the service dog we know she can be! Today, Athena ran out our garage door, I used her collar and the come command, she came back!!!!!!! I cried out of joy, she has no concept of cars and will run fast if she “escapes” the house. She came running back and even sat down in front of my feet in the front yard!!!!!! I took my time going inside and she stayed with me. I am so excited about this!
  • Maya Gaffney
    Feb. 20, 2019
    Today my dog, Little Ann, graduated from service dog training. She has come so far in this program and she has really helped me. Whitley and Melanie are amazing people who are amazing with dogs. The training that Whitley and Melanie do at Dog Training Elite is spectacular! And now my dog is fully trained and has good manners, and I am able to do everyday things much easier with her. Thank you guys so much, you are the best!!!
  • Angela Stevens
    Oct. 16, 2018
    Whitley was so great with muffin. When we started I though muffin might be a lost cause because of her breed, but with Whitley's help she has come along way. We are very happy with how well behaved muffin has become. Thank you Whitley!
  • Scott Morgan
    Apr. 28, 2018
    Lets start with how Suds came into our lives, he was literally dump out of a vehicle at a club, we brought him home, just to foster, (yeah right), after 6 months trying to just teach him manners, frustration sets in, we needed help, first trainer, (not going to mention names), looked at other training, and found dog training elite, gave them a call, set an appointment (at our home, at no charge), gave us a evaluation, at no time did she push her program, just recommendations, Ellen and I discussed it, decided to sign up, enter Ms. Whitley. Ms. Whitley is amazing with Suds, (teaching us what not to do), very positive outlook for Suds, we get to start group sessions next weekend, there has been no question unanswered. Ms Whitley is so professional, genuinely interested in the training, care, safety, and your satisfaction, words can't describe her commitment, not only to us but our fur babies, don't hesitate to contact Dog Training Elite.
  • Ellen Morgan
    Apr. 28, 2018
    I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful Whitley is with Suds, and how he has responded to her. Suds was our foster dog that we ended up adopting, he is full of nerves energy and the energy was not good. We took Suds to another trainer here in New Braunfels and she recommended that we leave him there for training, that was a month of training. When he came home no difference other then he knew how to sit. By Gods good grace we found Whitley! We have been working with her for 5 weeks and he is now ready for group lessons. We can walk him without pulling, he sits and stays, he lays down and stays, he no longer wants to chase cars. We have learned how to distract his nerves energy. We are now working with our other dogs to teach them the same method. If your looking for a great trainer, Whitley is your person, Suds has come so far ! It was a heart breaking situation for us until we found her.