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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite in Orlando

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Orlando, FL

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 Orlando, FL 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 Orlando 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 in Orlando

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 Orlando positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Orlando Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite in Orlando

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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 Orlando Difference


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

Dog Training Elite in Orlando 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 Orlando, FL 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 Orlando, FL 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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  • Tamika Bloodworth
    Feb. 11, 2025
    Craig was hired to turn our 2 year old Mini Goldendoodle into a service dog specifically so he could fly back and forth cross country with my daughter. Craig was amazing, friendly, professional, flexible and worth every cent. Our boy had his first flight yesterday from orlando to LA and did perfect! He got so many compliments on his well behaved demeanor and even the flight attendants said they forgot there was a dog onboard! Everyone wanted to know who his trainer was and we were happy to refer them to Craig! Thanks so much Craig- you changed our lives.
  • Valerie Garcia
    Feb. 2, 2025
    This company is the real deal. If you really want to get your dog trained or also need a specialized training then Dog Training Elite is the one. Trust me, do the investment it’s totally worth it. The training techniques are effective and dogs learn it very quick. The guidance and service of the trainers is outstanding. They give you a service for a life time. I’m incredibly grateful to this company for helping training my beautiful Misty. I can’t wait to continue with the Service Dog training program.
  • Valeria Perez
    Feb. 1, 2025
    Craig worked with our girl Sushi, and the change was instant, he was really patient and worked with us so we can train her in a way that worked with us! Definetly recommended
  • ronald d
    Jan. 30, 2025
    Great place to send your pet for dog training they will embellish and train them to be very accurate on in the home training and classes are detailed and friendly. Never felt overwhelmed and the quality of happiness my pets have are amazing even with full control
  • Larry Henderson
    Jan. 20, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Orlando is amazing. Maria help me with everything we had talked about in the 1st evaluation and we worked all the way though to pass our service dog test. I am super happy with Dog Training Elite and would recommend anyone in the Orlando area to use them for any of your dog training needs.
  • Jackie Hooker
    Jan. 18, 2025
    Maria & Cheyenne were amazing! They really understood Apollo and knew exactly what he and I needed to have a better life. They stuck it out with his aggression & stubbornness. Apollo even really likes Maria now. It's such a change. He seems so much happier. He's still stubborn and hard headed but that's just who he is. They gave me all the tools I need to continue working with him. It's encouraging to know that we have group classes and access to help for the rest of his life. They aren't leaving us now that the personal one on one training is done. I would recommend them to anyone. They are the absolute best and their heart shows through every step.
  • Janice Burstein
    Jan. 17, 2025
    Maria has been wonderful with Benny she comes in happy can’t wait to work with him and he loves her. He is doing really well so far.
  • Aly Childs
    Aug. 6, 2023
    We started training our rescue 2 years ago. Knowing I was looking for a service dog, the team came with me to the shelter to help evaluate potential candidates. From day one their team has been incredible. I've gotten to see my dog grow from a crazy puppy to an amazing service dog. Everyone has been incredible and works so hard to help you in any way they can. An amazing organization doing incredible things!
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    Dec. 14, 2024
    Dog Training Elite North Orlando is amazing! The trainers are professional, patient, and truly care about the dogs. My dog’s behavior has improved so much thanks to their positive, effective methods. They keep you involved and supported every step of the way. Highly recommend them for anyone looking for top-notch dog training!
  • Elena Macchiarella
    Dec. 12, 2024
    Great trainers, patient, flexible and with passion for this job. I would definitely recommend this company.
  • Brittnie Faine
    Dec. 7, 2024
    We couldn’t say enough wonderful things about Dog Training Elite North Orlando, Craig and his team. Our mini bernedoodle, Koa started with the in-home puppy training program at 12wks where all training was individualized to him and us (we needed training too 😉). We have seen tremendous changes in Koa’s at home and social obedience commands and look forward to continuing to work with Craig and his team to have him Therapy Dog certified. From basic obedience training to intensive therapy dog training, Elite Dog Training North Orlando is our trusted partner in all our dog training needs.
  • Heather Ahles
    Dec. 4, 2024
    Maria was life changing for us and our dogs! We rescued two pups, Maverick and Goose, that were bonded and started getting into fights 6 months after we got them. Maria came in and taught us how to provide better structure for them to thrive, become more confident, and even just enjoy being young pups instead of consistently in a fight or flight mode. We are so grateful to Maria and the team, and highly recommend this program to anyone and everyone.
  • Heather Ahles
    Dec. 4, 2024
    Maria was life changing for us and our dogs! We rescued two pups, Maverick and Goose, that were bonded and started getting into fights 6 months after we got them. Maria came in and taught us how to provide better structure for them to thrive, become more confident, and even just enjoy being young pups instead of consistently in a fight or flight mode. We are so grateful to Maria and the team, and highly recommend this program to anyone and everyone.
  • Misael Cortez
    Nov. 22, 2024
    Craig did amazing job training my American bully He went a step by a step with us making sure we understand the command. We are extremely very happy with the work done and our dog.
  • Peterson Hauers
    Nov. 22, 2024
    Chelsea and Cheyenne were attentive to our dog needs since the very beginning, and have carried out the 10 days camp training prioritizing things: Brownie Fox, our young Pomeranian, is now much better in terms of behavior and obedience, and on a much better shape to continue the learning curve! Thank you and truly recommended!
  • Julia James
    Nov. 6, 2024
    We had a wonderful experience with Dog training Elite North Orlando. We adopted a 4 year old rescue that had some reactivity after being abandoned and stuck in the shelter for 6 months, and she is also incredibly excitable. Craig and Miriam helped us understand her and even our other dog better, and taught us how to work with and train them! She’s so much better now and we are way better equipped to give her a great life. I’d definitely recommend them!
  • Raymond Luther
    Nov. 4, 2024
    I want to thank my Trainer at Dog Training Elite North Orlando. He provided positive coaching and feedback during the training courses. Our trainer was patient and encouraged us even during the setbacks.
  • Sharron Robinson
    Sep. 26, 2024
    Craig has helped me to train my 8 month old Heavapoo. She now gets in her create and I can leave her there while I go out. I live in a Condo so barking could be a problem. She now responds to quiet. Could not have done this without help. Highly recommend Dog training Elite.
  • Bianca Heap
    Sep. 20, 2024
    Maria is amazing. Great company, they take pride in their work. Maria is very friendly and is working so well with my tiny chihuahua puppy. So thankful for her care. Bianca Heap
  • Robin Zander
    Sep. 20, 2024
    Dog Elite Training have been a lifesaver for us and our puppy German shepherd. The trainers Cheyenne and Maria are so good with her and she is learning at lightening speed thanks to them. Chelsie goes beyond to accommodate our busy schedule. Run don’t walk to sign on with Dog Elite!