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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Orlando, FL

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Orlando Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

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.

Positive Dog Training in Orlando, FL

Dog Training Elite

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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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Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • lance brown
    Nov. 17, 2025
    Went well... Looking forward to save time next week !!!
  • Matt Runny
    Nov. 14, 2025
    I have a 8 year old Pitbull and she grew up with 2 dogs and 2 cats that are no longer around. So whenever she sees a dog or cat she’s barking and wanting to go say hello (bark) to where it’s an issue. I kept seeing Craig’s truck so I gave him a call and he has helped us tremendously. I take her everywhere with me now and under control. To be honest, I really didn’t have high hopes going into this, considering her age. But Craig definitely knows what he’s doing.
  • Veronica De Jesus
    Nov. 14, 2025
    I’ve had a great experience with Craig while training Cairo. While training can be challenging since Cairo has a huge puppy brain, Craig has helped to teach and provide the resources needed to ensure Cairo’s obedience and ability to the service dog test. Cairo is an extra large puppy that is mixed with Cane Corso, German Shepherd, and Husky so it is extra important in choosing a trainer that can help you breakthrough barriers that may be associated with breeds that have a bit more attitude (or are drama queens like Cairo lol). Craig is patient and knowledgeable and makes training a fun process!
  • Maria Del Carmen Sanchez
    Nov. 14, 2025
    I am very grateful for the services I received from Dog Training Elite North Orlando. Craig the tainer is a spectacular person, an amazing trainer with our beautiful dog Bella. I recommend him 100%. Thank you, Craig.
  • Mars Suarez
    Nov. 11, 2025
    I’ve been training my puppy with Craig since I brought him home and it’s been the best decision I could’ve ever made for us.
  • Isabela Ribeiro
    Nov. 6, 2025
    Craig is an excellent professional. He has helped my puppy in many ways and a lot of patience. Couldn’t recommend a better trainer.
  • Margaret Oropeza
    Nov. 6, 2025
    I can’t say enough great things about Craig. He has been working with my dog since she was a puppy, and the results are amazing! He built such strong foundations that have shaped her behavior and confidence. His passion for dogs truly shows in every session. He has so much patience and such a calm, intuitive way with dogs. It’s like he’s a real dog whisperer! He’s also extremely professional, responsible, always on time, incredibly friendly and a really nice person to work with. My dog is completely transformed thanks to his guidance. I’m so grateful for everything he’s done and would recommend him to anyone looking for a dedicated and talented trainer.
  • Jeremiah Baez
    Nov. 3, 2025
    Amazing results! My dog, Fenrir, is an exceptionally well-trained dog. Thanks to my trainer, Craig, and Dog Training Elite, Fenrir is able to come with me wherever I take him without causing any issues to the public and myself. I suggest investing into the program as it may help in the future.
  • Ava Grace
    Oct. 30, 2025
    I can’t say enough good things about Dog Training Elite! My dog used to eat everything she could find, and I was constantly worried about her safety. He not only helped her stop eating random things but also taught her how to stay calm and focused in public. Now she walks right beside me in public — totally well-behaved, no pulling, no distractions, just confidence and control. I’m so grateful for the time, patience, and care that went into her training. It truly feels like I have a whole new dog. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone struggling — it’s worth every bit! 🐾
  • Dustin Perkins
    Oct. 26, 2025
    We have a female Belgian Malinois and started training at about 5-6 months old. She was a rescue so we had little knowledge about her parents, she is now just over a year old and become an excellent pup. We did need at home sessions with Craig but she took well to the training almost instantaneously. She is still a bit reactive in specific scenarios but is now under control. While we have had plenty of dogs in the past, this was our first Belgian and we’re glad we got professional help early…her drive, energy, and want to work are amazing but needed some guidance and control.
  • Lovexeverful (Perla)
    Sep. 28, 2025
    I am very happy with the results of my Irish Doodle training, it is giving excellent results, apart from the classes having the opportunity of group meetings in the park and training there are being very helpful for him and form me too. I recommend 💯 this school.
  • Molly Rusch
    Oct. 24, 2025
    I would highly recommend Dog training Elite north Orlando! We worked with Craig the trainer and our 8year old pitty. Before training with them our dog was very reactive and mouthy when she would see other dogs wanting to play with them (we pretty much couldn’t take her anywhere) So we did the 1 on 1 home training first. & now She attends the group classes! She goes everywhere with us! She is so good on our walks & Listens very well! I will say it is a 2 sided road you Must also put in the work with your pup and be Consistent! So if you are on the fence about hiring them, go ahead and do it you won’t regret it!
  • Cindy Kasper
    Sep. 17, 2025
    Again phenomenal experience with Maria! Could not be any happier with Bandit's progress. Can't wait to join in group classes!
  • Joseline Figueroa
    Oct. 15, 2025
    Had our first training session with Maria today and she handled our 100lb Rottweiler beautifully. She was able to analyze and understand his temperament, and explained how everything work beautifully and even threw in a bit of humor as well, because training your dog can be a stressful experience. It was just the first day but I’m glad we booked the lifetime package, because I can already see the light at the end of the tunnel.
  • Austin L
    Oct. 13, 2025
    Awesome group of people who really know what they are doing and have a true passion for each and every dog that they can the chance to work with. From puppy’s to older dogs, they have all your needs covered.
  • Lynne H
    Oct. 3, 2025
    Our dogs love their training sessions and practice sessions. We are very pleased with the progress they've made.
  • Madison Miller
    Oct. 2, 2025
    We had an amazing experiencing with DTE ! Our golden (Remus) did the platinum program ( basic/advance obedience) to help prepare him for intro into service dog training. 10/10 recommend and cannot thank the staff enough ! Cheyanne and Chelsea are amazing with evaluating and helping you choose which program would be best for you and your companion’s needs along with answering any/ all questions you may have . The trainers, Jaeden and Maria , are super helpful and offer great feedback on your companion and ways to help you and your dog succeed in their program! We saw an immediate difference in Remus within just 1-2 days of him training in the classes and it has boost his confidence level . He looks happier and shows a more confident and prouder stance in how he represents himself. We couldn’t be more proud and happy to be part of the DTE pack !!!
  • Milissa Burger
    Jun. 18, 2024
    Chelsea, Cheyenne, and Maria are excellent dog trainers. Upon meeting them you instantly know working with dogs is their passion. My little puggle, Maggie, is adorable but was a “hot mess” when it came to behavior. Maria worked with us in home and within a few lessens she was much better behaved. She loves people and didn’t understand that not everyone loves her, her jumping on people has stopped. The group walks in Winter Garden and obedience training in Phelps has helped further improve her listening and behavior. She’s learned how to behave around other dogs and people. I’m considering taking her training to the next level with their therapy dog training. I highly recommend this team for your dog training needs.
  • Greggory Castellucci
    Sep. 24, 2025
    Craig, and the Crew at Dog Training Elite in North Orlando, are results driven, customer oriented and simply exceptional. They treat your pets like their own, and have the flexibility to work within the boundaries of your schedule. If you want what’s best for your dog then you need the best training service in Orlando; this is it.
  • Jennifer Rosal
    Sep. 19, 2025
    Craig was amazing training our puppy but also training us! We would have never known all the tips and tricks to help our puppy without his help! Thank you so so much…our puppy is almost a year old and is off leash running with the kids and we are truly enjoying her more than I could have imagined with Craig’s help!!