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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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  • ava fizer
    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. 7, 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. 5, 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. 21, 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!
  • Chloe Nelson
    Sep. 16, 2024
    I can’t say enough wonderful things about Dog Training Elite! Millie is my first puppy + they have taught me everything I need to do to be the best Dog Mom and Millie has learned so much from them! Thank you Dog Training Elite + for loving Millie the way you do - we’re so grateful for y’all!!
  • Shawnie Whitaker
    Sep. 16, 2024
    Craig and his team are amazing!! He trained my Yorker, night and day difference!! Highly recommend to anyone who needs dog training!! Five star ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ all day long!!
  • Sean Meskimen
    Sep. 15, 2024
    I have never been so impressed by a dog training company before these guys. When I first started thinking about a service dog, I had no idea what it would be like. As I met staff (Chelsea, Cheyanne, Maria, and the rest of the crew) they listened to my needs and gave their hearts beyond my expectations. All my hopes were fulfilled and then some., Dog Training Elite Orlando has been nothing but by my side this whole year during the training process with my now Service dog, Raven”. I can say that I have been truly blessed ❤️ Thank you all! You are the best in my book, 😊👍
  • Lindsay Escue
    Sep. 14, 2024
    I cannot say enough about Dog Training Elite Orlando! One month ago we had a 3 month old puppy who was biting everything, jumping on everything (furniture, counters, people) and was only interested in chewing on our blankets, socks, shoes, and couch, and was completely uninterested in his toys. One month and 4 in-home training sessions later and we have THE happiest, most well-behaved boy who loves his toys AND loves training! Cheyenne and Maria have both been amazing and the results speak for themselves. Best decision we ever made! If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
  • Allison Norona
    Sep. 14, 2024
    This company is by far the greatest I have ever come across during my 15 years of owning dogs. Maria was my trainer for my dog Cairo, she is always on time and is very knowledgeable. I’ve never had any issues with her not showing up or feeling like my money was wasted on any of the training days. The company is very flexible with options depending on what you need and that’s helped me out greatly due to my work schedule. We just finished the advanced obedience training and will be moving on to the service dog training soon. My dog has made vast improvements since I started this program and I am very excited to start the next phase of his training.
  • mercedes reyes
    Sep. 14, 2024
    When I contacted Dod Training Elite I was desperate because my baby Neo was so crazy. He would jump on people, bark at everything and everyone, walk on two paws pulling on his leash, hide when it was time to get him in his crate and so many other things. As soon as the first class we did with Maria we noticed a huge change on Neo. He immediately started listening to us and with each class things got better and better. One thing I was hesitating at first was using the training collar because I was scared it would hurt Neo. Maria was so helpful to explain how it worked and without the collar I don’t think we would have been able to train him. Besides Maria everyone else is so helpful and friendly. They always answer all my questions and communicate in the best way possible. A huge plus is the group classes on Saturdays because that’s extra training Neo gets with other dogs and the classes are so well organized. I highly recommend them!
  • Randall Birchmier
    Sep. 12, 2024
    Maria was our trainer and did amazing with our dog Lambeau. He now listens to all the commands we’ve worked on and can go back on taking walks as a family. Look forward to our future vacations with our pup and all thanks to Maria and Elite Dog Training! We highly highly recommend it’s life changing!
  • Cameron Lathan
    Sep. 11, 2024
    We are so unbelievably happy we went through with dog training with Dog Training Elite. One of our dogs had some scary reactivity issues that had us considering rehoming him and the other was a puppy with no manners. Today we have two dogs who are able to stay on their place and focus on us when new people come into our house. Barely even a bark!! Craig is an amazing dog trainer who brings such a calm energy to us and our dogs when we start to get stressed out. Within 5 weeks of Craig coming to our house, our dogs are completely different. We were also really impressed with that lack of a sales pitch Craig gave us on our first meeting. We looked into a few different training facilities and Craig felt the most upfront with what he recommended (not like he was looking for more money) which was a nice change of pace. We can’t recommend Craig and this company as a whole more, worth every penny.