Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM

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 Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM 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 New Mexico 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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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.
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Albuquerque / Santa Fe Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite New Mexico

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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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FAQs

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 Albuquerque / Santa Fe.
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 New Mexico Difference


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

Dog Training Elite New Mexico 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 Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM 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 Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM 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

  • Stephenie Potts
    Oct. 24, 2024
    I can't begin to explain how much I appreciate Elite and, more specifically, John Herra, for helping us bring out the very best in Gage. John was the perfect trainer for our oversized, misunderstood darling boy. Please don't hesitate to call and begin right away. You'll be thankful you did.
  • Lauren Hagwood
    Oct. 30, 2024
    I worked with John and he was awesome! He really helped my dog and I to feel comfortable going out into public spaces. I was so nervous to go to training because my dog had some aggressive tendencies, but John was so reassuring and helpful, he really made it a judgment free zone! I was so anxious when going out in public with my dog, but John really helped to build my confidence and my dogs confidence in a public setting! I feel so much more comfortable training my dog and I am so glad that I called Dog Training Elite. I also really love that I can go to group classes anytime now and get advice if I ever need any! Thank you, John!
  • Stephenie Duran Potts
    Oct. 24, 2024
    I can't begin to explain how much I appreciate Elite and, more specifically, John Herra, for helping us bring out the very best in Gage. John was the perfect trainer for our oversized, misunderstood d
  • Meghan O'Neill
    Oct. 23, 2024
    I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite NM enough! When my husband came home with a Belgian Shepherd, I immediately took to the internet and started researching dog trainers in ABQ. I reached out to a few and Justin was the first to get back to me and I am SO grateful. I truly believe we would be in a totally different place in our family if we hadn't signed up with Dog Training Elite. John and Stephanie were our trainers and they were the absolute kindest, most encouraging, confidence-boosting dream trainers. We saw results after the first training session with them. We worked hard each week doing our homework with our dog and it really paid off. We are forever grateful for the awesome guidance and incredible skillset that Dog Training Elite offers. We have a 9 month old giant boy who is SO sweet, SO well behaved, SO polite, and listens to all of his commands that we learned with John and Stephanie. Plus, our children (6, 8, 13) participated in training sessions and our dog also listens to them- walks in heel at their side, even! We look forward to going to the group classes and continuing to see them- we were so happy the day our dog graduated (with FLYING colors!) but we were also sad because we loved seeing John and/or Stephanie each week!! We really are forever grateful for our training with them. Worth EVERY penny. 100/100 stars! We love Dog Training Elite and highly recommend them for your dog training needs!
  • Ana Speelman-ONeill
    Oct. 23, 2024
    If you want good training for your dog that lasts and work these are the guys!! We got our dog Slime from the shelter we were told he was rescued from the streets. He is a German shepherd only about 2 and half years old so still in that velociraptor stage. When we first got him he was very crazy jumping on people lots of play biting and not listening when we called his name. The only thing he could do well was sit. I immediately looked into training for him since we like to have people over a lot and found Dog Training Elite. The price scared me a lot but I really wanted to keep Slime and wanted something that would work. The price was well worth it!! We decided with the Gold package. We had Stephanie as our trainer and she is very professional! Slime also loves her. We completed our training and slime was picking up well on everything. We were still having trouble with one thing and they came back out to help us work with him! Slime is still our crazy dog with tons of personality but he listens a lot better and is easier to control. Love these guys and will recommend them to anyone who asks!
  • Donald Meyer
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Extremely professional with all of the equipment needed for great results included in the package. My dog made amazing progress throughout the process.
  • S Habedank
    Oct. 3, 2024
    Great professional training. Our Trainer was flexible and communicated well. We feel that our dog has benefited greatly from this service.
  • Aaron Manzanares (Del Rio Signs)
    Oct. 1, 2024
    Incredible experience with Dog Training Elite. They went above and beyond our expectations. Stephanie is an amazing trainer. She was professional and kind. Highly recommended!
  • adam juvinall
    Sep. 30, 2024
    Amazing experience in every way you can hope for with Dog Training Elite New Mexico! From my initial phone inquiry to the in home interview and all the way through until our certification! Justin and Stephanie are the best and truly show how much their program means to them. I highly recommend them working with you!
  • Alex Petersen
    Sep. 27, 2024
    Our family could not be happier with the services and results we’ve seen with Dog Training Elite. Working one on one with John has made such an impact on our dog’s reactivity and discipline. From the beginning of training, he took the time to understand our family’s background and needs (we’re expecting our first child this fall), and helped keep our dog’s progress on track.
  • Charles Atwood
    Sep. 23, 2024
    I have a two year old German Shepherd who is extremely over active and has a mind of her own. I signed Layla up to attend Elite Dog Training NM. She now obeys the basic commands necessary that allow me to walk her without worries and frustration. I would highly recommend Elite Dog Training NM and Stephanie as trainer for your beloved canine~a highly satisfied and pleased patron, Ann Atwood
  • Tamara Spurlock
    Sep. 18, 2024
    John is a Prince! The process of training my rambunctious 8 week old puppy felt very daunting and overwhelming. Whiskey is so very smart and energetic and I really wanted to get it just right so that we could have a loving, respectful relationship. John is so knowledgeable and caring - he really wants to be sure that you and your dog are the best team you can be. He truly loves what he does and is a genius at keeping you and your dog CALM when you're both so frustrated! I look forward to continuing our journey to Therapy Dog certification.
  • Steve Stowell
    Sep. 4, 2024
    We are VERY happy with our DTE trainer, John. John is professional, always on time, friendly and HAPPY. Most importantly, he is great with our standard poodle puppy, Samson - always a great attitude, never shaming (us or Samson!) John is full of good tips for Samson and us. We could not chosen a better fit.
  • Olivia Mullis
    Aug. 29, 2024
    John did a wonderful job on teaching me how to handle my German Rottweiler Diesel. He worked with me and Diesel for eight weeks and was able to get him the way I needed him to be. Diesel came from a bad back ground when he was rescued from the shelter at 16-18 months old. John gave us the steps and worked with diesel and myself on his training and me and diesel did have homework and we stayed on top of it. I highly recommend anyone to go to Dog Elite Training here in New Mexico for their fur babies for training. John I just want to say thank you for everything you did for me and diesel!!!! You are amazing in all you do. Thank you and see y'all at group!!!! Plus thank you to Justin for keeping me and my husband updated on everything! Thank you for letting us become part of the dog elite family!
  • Angel Shepard
    Aug. 28, 2024
    Working with Stephanie has been amazing! Our dog Maximus has responded so well to all the training and has improved in behaviors significantly! Thank you so much! We can’t wait for group training next. Stephanie is so patient with all of us and very knowledgeable to train your fur baby! The price is also very reasonable and worth it!
  • Stephanie Fitzgerald
    Aug. 20, 2024
    Absolutely five stars! Working with John has been a game-changer for our dog Otis. Their flexibility and tailored approach were crucial in addressing our dog's anxiety and aggression towards men. The training sessions were not only effective but also easy to follow, making the process smooth and manageable. Our dog is now significantly more relaxed and well-adjusted. Highly recommend John for anyone seeking a compassionate and skilled trainer!
  • Barbara Candelario
    Aug. 10, 2024
    John has been fabulous helping me train my German Shepherd, puppy, Coco, and me. She is doing very very well at five months old the E collar it’s a great tool and so are the commands that we have taught her. It has been a positive experience working with John And Dog Training Elite , New Mexico.
  • Bianca Solano
    Aug. 6, 2024
    This is an amazing program! I came in with my one year old pitbull who was very reactive and did not obey commands. After 6 weeks of working with John she was a different dog. She listened and was happier for it. I notice she was calmer because she trusted me and it was all thanks to the techniques that John taught me. Additionally, attending the group classes were incredibly helpful in socializing her, the other trainers Justin and Stephanie were also amazing. I highly recommend this program to anyone that needs help getting their dog under control.
  • Julianne Newmark Engberg
    Jul. 25, 2024
    We had an amazing experience with Dog Training Elite and our trainer John. We were training a 13-month-old terrier and we were beginning his journey to become a service dog. John was very focused on our dog's strengths and areas where he needed improvement and he designed the lessons, and our homework, around our dog and my needs, as his handler. Over these months, our dog has made huge strides and has passed his tests required to become a licensed service animal and with each week our dog's confidence in his role and our confidence in him across a wide array of contexts has increased. I can't speak highly enough of John and I can't thank him enough. It is important for people who are seeking to train a service dog to be very invested in the process and do their homework and be super consistent with training. We felt so well supported by Dog Training Elite and we highly recommend them.
  • Carolyn Spaulding
    Jul. 19, 2024
    I was very impressed with the whole training process . My trainers, Stephanie and John, were patient , loving and competent teachers. I was amazed at how observant and aware they were of everything that was going on between me and my dog. They saw things I didn’t even realize were happening. So happy with Dog Training Elite. I highly recommend them.