Back to Obedience Dog Training
Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Tulsa, OK

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

A black and white corgi sitting on a skateboard smiling, choose positive reinforcement dog training in Tulsa, OK.

Positive Dog Training Techniques

Tulsa 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 Tulsa, OK 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 Oklahoma 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!

See Training Packages

Dog Training Elite Oklahoma

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 Tulsa positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Positive Dog Training in Tulsa, OK

Dog Training Elite

Read More
Read Less

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.

Additional Obedience Training Info

Dog Training Elite Oklahoma - Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Tulsa, OK

Classical Conditioning Training

Dog Training Elite Oklahoma - Puppy Obedience Training in Tulsa, OK. DTE

Puppy Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite Oklahoma - Off Leash Dog Training in Tulsa, OK. DTE

Off Leash Training

Dog Training Elite Oklahoma - Dog Agility Training in Tulsa, OK. DTE

Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

A recent dog graduate sitting in front of a Dog Training Elite Oklahoma car, contact us today for positive dog training in Tulsa, OK.

The Dog Training Elite Oklahoma Difference


Read More
Read Less

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

Dog Training Elite Oklahoma 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 Tulsa, OK 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 Tulsa, OK 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!

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Keelee Bittle
    Mar. 5, 2026
    Absolutely amazing organization for training dogs! They came to our home included my son in the training. I love the continued trainings you can go to at anytime. They truly care and want your dog to be the absolutely best trained!
  • Lesley E
    Mar. 5, 2026
    We’ve had a great experience! David and Kristen helped me gain the confidence needed to help my rescue dog thrive! The private lessons were life savers. My dog is much happier, relaxed and more obedient. I’m thankful I invested in training that will make my dog successful for years to come.
  • Karen Thornton
    Mar. 5, 2026
    Kristin and David were incredible with training Annie. We had such a great experience and she picked up their commands so fast. I learned so much from them . I can't thank Dog Training Elite enough for everything they taught us both. I highly recommend them.
  • Christine Westhoff
    Mar. 5, 2026
    They have transformed our puppy! Great people. I highly recommend.
  • Kayla Admire
    Mar. 5, 2026
    I have had the most amazing experience with Dog Training Elite. We have trained with Kristen and her husband David as well as Paul for service dog training! They are very knowledgeable, kind, light hearted people and we couldn’t have completed this journey without them! Highly recommend!
  • Lisa Grimes
    Mar. 5, 2026
    We have gone through puppy, obedience, and now service dog training with Dog Training Elite in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They are amazing to work with, extremely helpful, and very knowledgeable! I love that they do in-home training, and group classes in public places! Having both formats has been a game changer!
  • Tyson Hale
    Mar. 5, 2026
    I adopted my dog from the shelter, and took her to the 5 day board and train program. I was a little skeptical about breaking up the days, but I have to admit I was thoroughly impressed with their training plan. It set my dog up for success outside of the classes. 10/10 highly recommended.
  • Nicole Burkhardt
    Mar. 5, 2026
    We LOVE Dog Training Elite!! My husband and I adopted a German shepherd/Great Pyrenees when he was 4 months old, and enrolled him in Dog Training Elite’s obedience/therapy training when he was 2 years old with the intention of him becoming a therapy dog. Our training started around May of 2025, he passed obedience training that Summer, and then began work on his therapy training. He passed in October and has been working as the therapy dog at an elementary school since! Elite provides group training which is incredible and extremely instrumental in his success.
  • Amanda Davenport
    Mar. 5, 2026
    Hands down, this was a wonderful experience. The team is incredibly professional, caring, and supportive. The level of support offered while working with Dog Training Elite was amazing. Anytime I had a question during training, I could reach out and receive a timely response. They were also very accommodating with my busy and demanding schedule, which made the entire process much easier. I have already recommended them several times and will continue to do so. Our service dog receives so much praise when we are out in public. While he is naturally a great dog, his success truly started with their training. In fact, another trainer from a different company was so impressed by his age ( only 8months old) and how well he was trained that he asked who had done the training. That alone speaks volumes. Thank you again for everything you have done for us and for helping train such an amazing service dog for my husband. We are incredibly grateful.
  • Bill Bryant
    Mar. 5, 2026
    Wonderful people that provide a professional, dedicated service.
  • Amanda Kinser
    Jan. 20, 2026
    Trainers are very knowledgeable and the access to group classes as apart of the program is great. My dog is in service dog training and the trainers are there to help along the way but you also have to be committed to consistently training your dog as well.
  • Stephanie Vincent
    Dec. 22, 2025
    Lovey is the perfect service and therapy dog because of the work we did with Dog Training Elite!
  • Baylea Maxwell
    Apr. 29, 2025
    I cannot say enough amazing things about Dog Training Elite. I was really nervous to sign up for the service dog program. Kristin has been here for us every step of the way. From assisting me in picking out the correct breed and temperament for what I needed to answering my frantic text messages in between training sessions. She has been amazing. I would highly recommend this program.
  • Apryl Williams
    Apr. 29, 2025
    We’ve had such a great experience with Dog Training Elite as they’ve been working with our dog, Eevee, to become an autism service dog for our 4-year-old son. From day one, they’ve been incredibly detailed, professional, and compassionate. They truly understand the unique needs of families with children on the spectrum and have tailored Eevee’s training to support our son in the best way possible. Kristin and David have been absolutely amazing. They’re patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They’ve taken the time to explain everything clearly and always show up with encouragement and support. We’ve seen such real progress in Eevee’s skills and behavior, and it’s been incredible to see the bond growing between her and our son. If you’re looking for dedicated trainers who go above and beyond—especially for autism-related service training—Kristin, David, and the Dog Training Elite team are the ones to call!
  • courtneyhotnblazing
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Just the best! My dog Charlie brown loved the training
  • Tracy Coletti
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Very knowledgeable trainers! They corrected many things other trainers had us doing wrong. I would highly recommend.
  • Rex Floyd
    Mar. 19, 2025
    Everyone is incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing
  • sharon ward (shaxx)
    Nov. 6, 2024
    Before beginning training my German Shepherd, Trixie, was out of control. Not aggressive, but misbehaving and not minding me at all. She was jumping on guests and I couldn't walk her down the street. I was amazed how much progress was made in just the first visit. After the second visit I was walking her around the block and by the 4th we could start having company again. We're looking forward to our first group class and meeting other dogs as well as going shopping together. Best decision I ever made and I highly recommend. A well behaved dog is the best kind of friend. Hope to see you and your best friend in a group class soon. UPDATE: We're about 6 months in and Trixie is going to the park and even shopping with me at places like Lowe's and Bass Pro. She minds very well now but before working with Elite I was totally overwhelmed and unsure I'd be able to handle her at all. Now she's almost 90lbs and being in control of her is a must. I was anxious the first time we met the group class at Bass Pro, not confident at all in this new place that she wouldn't totally embarrass me but that was not the case at all. Because of everything she had already learned so well her attention was on me and following commands. I'm more confident in her every day and she in me probably. Elite was the key to getting us on the right track.
  • Chelsey Blackwell
    Dec. 3, 2024
    I love Dog Training Elite! They have been so wonderful and helpful! Whether its helping to decide which packages work for your finances or needing a little extra advice in-between classes. Copper graduated basic obedience recently, and after some more practice along with public access, we'll be well on our way to psychiatric service dog training. I'm very happy with the way training is going.
  • Debbie Beattie
    Feb. 19, 2025
    My Doodle has passed the Obedient training with Elite Training. They were easy to work with, and made each task obtainable for both of us. Now Honey is working to be Certified Service Dog for me. I am so happy. This is all done in a very short time. They have a Great day care and Boarding too