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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite San Antonio

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in San Antonio, 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 San Antonio, 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio

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 San Antonio positive reinforcement dog trainers.

San Antonio Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite San Antonio

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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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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 San Antonio.
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 San Antonio Difference


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

Dog Training Elite San Antonio 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 San Antonio, 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 San Antonio, 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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Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Kris NeSmith
    Nov. 2, 2024
    They have been awesome with training my lab, Harley. Harley had a stubborn streak but with their help he is doing great. Our trainer Adakias has been great to work with, understanding and accommodating. I highly recommend them!
  • Diane Foster
    Oct. 20, 2024
    Very professional and listens to your concerns. Their work is amazing!
  • Sharonanne Brunet
    Sep. 3, 2024
    Trainers are sensitive to Dog’s personality and the specific concerns of owners. Excellent feedback on the commands taught during training. They detail your dog’s “report card”. They are pleasant & patient in teaching & having owners demonstrate understanding & use of learned commands with their pet. We love that we bring our Pet home for the evening & a reassuring night’s sleep!
  • Hollow Tree Ranch
    Aug. 21, 2024
    Cannot express how happy and appreciative I am for DTE. Truly heartfelt and personal trainers who were all patient, informative, caring, and interested in the needs for our particular situation. We have a special needs child and they went above and beyond helping us get our dog service dog trained and task trained for her needs. Cannot say enough! 10 stars for sure!!
  • Bob Berg
    Aug. 19, 2024
    I will have more to say as time goes by. This was our first day and had a lot to digest!!
  • donald
    Aug. 8, 2024
    Terrence has been sole trainer, his knowledge and experience has surpassed our expectations. He and Lexxa bonded quickly and the training has progressed much quicker than we expected. We highly recommend and couldn’t be happier with the results.
  • Haley Schenasi
    Jul. 7, 2024
    Highly recommend Dog Training Elite! We trained our German Shepherds through their program and love everything about it. The care and attention to detail they have for dogs is incomparable. Kai is a phenomenal trainer!
  • Gumaro Obregon
    Jun. 29, 2024
    Great program and staff! We are happy we went with this company. They have been absolutely amazing!
  • P H
    Jun. 17, 2024
    We are in our 5th home training session and I'm doing fantastic 👏 of course my 8 months old has taught me alot during the training.
  • Precious
    May. 17, 2024
    Enrolling my pup in DTE training has been a game changer! After just 1 week, he no longer pulled when walking. After 2, we no longer got asked to leave public places due to his barking. After 3, I was comfortable taking him into various public settings. My boy barked with excitement when we pulled up to the facility and had the wiggliest butt during drop off. Needless to say , the trainers are great. We’ve bumped into the trainers a few times while out and they were always excited to see him. Thank you all for helping us obtain our service dog license. I will continue to spread the company name with pride.
  • Cynthia Ramos
    May. 6, 2024
    Simply amazing!!! My dog had been in other trainings and mild change, one day and she has learned more than she did in one month at other places ! Day one !! Simply WOW!
  • Justin Morales
    May. 4, 2024
    I can't say enough positive things about Dog Training Elite. My puppy is only 12 weeks and she is already starting to understand sit, wait, heel, place, break, lets go, and come. After the 3rd day my puppy new exactly where we were walking into Dog Training Elite facility and her tail would start wagging fast. The trainers are awesome and it's great giving your dog the ability to interact with other dogs in a controlled environment. I highly recommend you bring your dogs here for training!
  • Sharlene Thum
    Apr. 16, 2024
    We have our new 3 month golden retriever training to be our service dog with them and they have been very professional ! He is learning very fast with all there training .i would recommend them .
  • Jordan Marie Diggs
    Apr. 11, 2024
    I have nothing but great things to say about Dog Training Elite. Professional, knowledgeable, and they offer a wide variety of training options and classes. I am very happy I found this program for my dog. Addakias is awesome and always makes classes meaningful and fun. I highly recommend this business to anyone looking for general training to service dog training.
  • Jordan Diggs
    Apr. 11, 2024
    I have nothing but great things to say about Dog Training Elite. Professional, knowledgeable, and they offer a wide variety of training options and classes. I am very happy I found this program for my dog. Adakias is awesome and always makes classes meaningful and fun. I highly recommend this business to anyone looking for general training to service dog training.
  • Cestmoimoi
    Feb. 28, 2024
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite are absolutely fabulous! They are training my dog, a Serbian Rottweiler, currently, eight months, old, to be my Service Dog. They have done a fantastic job up to this point! In addition to training at their facility, they have training at my home and in public areas. They explain the training thoroughly as they are not just training the dog, they are training me. I couldn’t be more pleased, and I strongly recommend them as trainers for. Service dogs, and general training for pets. They are worth every penny.
  • Caitlin Fulk
    Mar. 18, 2024
    I sent my 2-year-old female Golden Retriever, who has separation anxiety, to be trained by Dog Training Elite to become my service dog. Day 1 of obedience training I noticed a huge difference in her anxiety levels as well as her basic obedience! Could not recommend enough!!
  • Margaret
    Mar. 4, 2024
    Excellent training, done with kindness and repetition! My dog enjoyed the training as I did, highly recommended. This training was for my French Bulldog, of which I have had no experience in a companion dog, so I really needed this training in order to have the best relationship possible with this little cutie! I have previously had a highly intelligent guardian/protection dog and had full control using body language cues and commands, different dog mindset and breeding.
  • Renee Marble
    Dec. 31, 2023
    We have been working with the training team for 10 months. They have been training our service dog Ruger since he was 9 weeks old. He attended puppy camp with Geneva and he learned so fast. He went back for advanced obedience and his Service Dog training. We are so happy. There are a million positive things I could say but the thing I value most is they are always there for you. If you find things you need help with they always have a plan to support
  • Laurie Singel
    Feb. 9, 2018
    "Reign" is my 3rd pure bred AKC German Shepherd and I "knew" how to train puppies....or at least I thought I knew. This time it didn't work. Whitley and Dog Training Elite have helped my husband and I to train our dog so we now have a well-mannered, happy, pet that I can count on to listen and behave. When you have an 80-pound German Shepherd people tend to be nervous when you approach them- with training, Reign is my guardian AND a good dog! There are a lot of programs out there....all promising to bring about remarkable changes in your pet...but Whitley has proven their methods work and kept the company's promise to us- something you don't always find in today's marketplace. Words to describe Whitley and her training: Compassion/Kindness. Quality. Attention to detail. Responsive. Effective! I have, and will continue to recommend Whitley and Dog Training Elite to my friends and colleagues, as I recognize the quality of training we paid for and will not settle for less. Dr. Laurie Singel