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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite Sarasota

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Sarasota / Venice, 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 Sarasota / Venice, 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota

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 Sarasota / Venice positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Sarasota / Venice Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite Sarasota

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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 Sarasota Difference


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

Dog Training Elite Sarasota 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 Sarasota / Venice, 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 Sarasota / Venice, 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

  • Cristy Estes
    Feb. 11, 2025
    Anthony was patient and gave great feedback for what I could work on with my dog. He was very helpful.
  • Lisa
    Feb. 11, 2025
    Alisa came for an introduction and evaluation. She was prompt and professional and really took the time to explain the methods and goals of the available training programs. I look forward to working with her again.
  • Ruben Gonzalez
    Jan. 31, 2025
    I was extremely pleased and satisfied with Denise's presentation, and requirement for puppy training. what was also very impressive was her own dog the training and commands that her dog showed. Looking forward for my dog to start his puppy training and to further his training as a service dog. Thank you Denise.
  • Lisa Tucker
    Feb. 10, 2025
    Denise came to our home and spent over an hour explaining the program. She answered all of our questions. She also brought one of her own dogs to demonstrate how well the program works. She was super friendly and knowledgeable. We were definitely sold on the training.
  • Sharon Mann
    Jan. 24, 2025
    Already seeing changes in behavior! Actually took Pepper for an enjoyable walk this evening the first in many months.
  • Jann Oliveras
    Feb. 6, 2025
    Denise was fantastic! She gave a very thorough explanation, and even demonstrated with her own dog what we can look forward to. It gave us both peace of mind and hope that our reactive Doberman can learn what is expected of her and actually listen to commands rather than us being reactive to her behavior and stressed out all the time. We look forward to Luna being a more relaxed and confident member of our family!
  • Randy Taylor
    Feb. 6, 2025
    Great experience, programs were explained thoroughly. Denise was wonderful.
  • carol ousley
    Feb. 6, 2025
    He is a great trainer. Very personable and explains everything. A very nice young man. Makes sure I understand the process before leaving our meeting
  • John Cullinan
    Jan. 31, 2025
    This was our first session at home and Alisa was friendly and clear with all of instructions. She made both us and Calli, our Goldendoodle, very comfortable.
  • Maylaine Yep
    Jan. 31, 2025
    Denise arrived at our home for an initial assessment to verify if Winston, our goldendoodle, was a great fit for service dog training. I felt at ease the moment she arrived. I was well aware that this was a financial investment that would yield not only tangible but non-tangible returns as well. I can't wait to start this journey with Winston and Dog Training Elite by our sides.
  • Jane Lunsford
    Jan. 30, 2025
    Denise was a true professional with my " special " furchild. I look forward to training with this company to enrich his life further!
  • Faye Gillespie
    Jan. 29, 2025
    Anthony is awesome He realized our dog did not need a full training program, gave us a few tips to try out first. They worked! Would absolutely recommend him.
  • Honey Badger Barringer
    Jan. 24, 2025
    We are very pleased as we begin our journey with the folks for Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida.
  • Astride K
    Jan. 11, 2025
    Anthony is a blessing! Very professional, punctual and knows what is doing. If you follow his instructions, you and your pup will be set for life 😊
  • Christy Meyer
    Dec. 11, 2024
    Anthony is the Best Trainer. He tailors the training to what I need for my dog. I’m training my dog to be a service dog. He is very thorough, knowledgeable, friendly, and my dog loves him. Best program around.
  • Carmela Lucas
    Jan. 23, 2025
    Renée was great at showing me how my dog will be trained and how he and I will learn. I am looking forward to working with her for the next two weeks.
  • Sonia Velasco
    Jan. 22, 2025
    We couldn’t be happier with Dog Training Elite and our trainer Anthony. Since the first session we have seen positive results and improvement in our dog’s behavior. He loves Anthony and responds well to him and the DTE methods. Anthony is a very professional and knowledgeable trainer; he listens to our concerns and is attentive to our dog’s progress, customizing our sessions accordingly. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite whether you have a puppy, rescue or older dog. Their training programs, resources and trainers are high quality and organized for lifelong success for you and your dog.
  • Dawn Cunningham
    Jan. 22, 2025
    This wonderful trainer came and talked with helping my German Shepherd! Unfortunately for us, we have to find someone else. My dog needs more help than he can give so he is helping me to find another Trainer. This man was was kind and caring, and he was honest with me. He did not ask me to spend alot of money, when he wasn't sure we could make the dog better. These people care about dogs and helping them be the best dogs, and they enrich their lives to have a better life! Thank you for your time and honesty!
  • Doug Drabina
    Jan. 17, 2025
    Anthony is great! Easy directions and great results. Awesome for puppies
  • Suzanne Martin
    Jan. 4, 2025
    We loved Renee, she was very informative and helpful in training us!!! Nova loves her 💕