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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati

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

Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH

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 Cincinnati, OH 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati

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 Cincinnati positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Cincinnati Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati

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

The Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati Difference


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

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati, OH 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 Cincinnati, OH 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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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!

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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Molly Hall
    May. 10, 2025
    I have two dogs, one a very large Chesapeake Bay retriever, and the other a medium rescue terrier-pit who was only six months old when Scott and Jenn started to work with them. Their work with my dogs enabled me to enjoy my dogs as ‘civilized’ members of the family! Our training sessions were joyful and laughter filled. The dogs loved them and they loved the dogs. I recommend Scott and Jenn of Dog Training Elite without reservation!
  • Carri Burgjohann
    May. 4, 2025
    A few months ago I began working with the trainers from Elite. My dog is a senior (14 years old!) and had developed some pretty bad habits over the years and I let them continue. I work from home and he’s become increasingly disruptive during work calls and rowdy at all the wrong times. I had let him sleep in my bed with me for years even though I knew that wasn’t setting either of us up to win. I was embarrassed that I’d let it get this way and knew I wanted better for him and for me. I wanted him to be confident and independent and I was concerned that training would somehow change our relationship. As I worked with the team and learned new skills alongside my dog, I found BOTH of us gained confidence! I was never made to feel ashamed that my dog struggled with his behavior or the role I’ve played in. The team taught skills and ideas with humor, grace, and ingenuity and I always had homework in between sessions. Now my dog sleeps in his crate at night, doesn’t make a peep during work calls, understands and performs basic commands, and we are communicating much more smoothly. He’s confident when people are at my house and we continue to work on skills because I know how to make it fun. It’s true: you can teach an old dog new tricks! And, I even learned some myself that I’ll be able to take with me into the future for any dog who calls my house home. I’m grateful for the team at Elite—however many years my dog has left on this earth our friendship will be better because I made the investment and was willing to ask for help.
  • Sara Bennett-Wealer
    Apr. 20, 2025
    We knew our pitfall rescue was a good boy, but with such a powerful dog we wanted to feel confident we could communicate with and control him both at home and with other animals and people. Scott and Jen have been amazing at showing us how to help Bagel be his best self. They help troubleshoot when we have questions and the skills we've learned have helped us be better friends and owners to our dog. Hiring them was a great investment!
  • Olivia Cleri
    Apr. 16, 2025
    I, hands down, have the best dog ever, and it is thanks to Scott and Jen at Cincinnati Dog Training Elite. They make training fun and effective and I was able to start my journey with a service dog confidently and with ongoing guidance and support.
  • Allison Sears
    Apr. 14, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati are so lovely. My dog and I had to take a break from trainings because of my schedule, but the minute she saw Scott she started excitement crying and bouncing around to see him. They're very knowledgeable, very patient (especially when I'm not lol), and so encouraging. I definitely recommend Scott & Jen and their team :)
  • Allison Connors
    Apr. 14, 2025
    Jen and Scott are amazing to work with. Our three dogs were under the age of 3 when we first called DTE. It felt like a lot and I was overwhelmed. I reached out to a few other trainers and the cost was either too much or I felt judged for not being prepared for having three dogs. From the moment I called DTE, I felt heard and my overwhelmed feeling felt understood. We talked out training options and then they came out to meet us and our pups. Having them assess the dogs in person and give us a plan to start training our middle and most anxious dog first, took such a weight off my shoulders. The change in our middle dog was almost immediate and we found he even looked forward to the training sessions with Jen and Scott❤️ Fast forward to a year later, all three of our dogs are trained, with at least one working towards being a therapy dog! Just this past weekend we sat outside at a restaurant with all three dogs and people stopped to compliment us on how well behaved they were. All the credit goes to DTE! The group sessions are a plus and so helpful. Jen and Scott are also always available and quick to respond with any questions or concerns.
  • Billie Bush
    Apr. 12, 2025
    They are extremely kind and wonderful to work with!! Amazing people and they do amazing work!
  • Sy Miller
    Apr. 11, 2025
    We are beyond thrilled with the exceptional service dog training program that our beloved dog, Baymax, completed. From start to finish, this program exceeded our expectations in every way. The in-house training was tailored to meet all of our specific needs, ensuring that Baymax received the focused and personalized instruction required to succeed as a service dog. The 12+ week training program was thorough, effective, and truly transformative. The trainers demonstrated remarkable expertise, patience, and dedication, guiding him every step of the way. Thanks to their hard work and the program's well-structured curriculum, Baymax is now fully equipped to support me in living a positive, fulfilling life. What sets this program apart is the continuous learning opportunities they offer even after the training is complete. These additional options provide ongoing guidance and reinforcement, ensuring that both Baymax and we, as his family, can continue to grow and thrive together. We cannot recommend this program highly enough. Baymax is now not just our service dog but also the key to enhancing our daily life. We are endlessly grateful for the impact this program has had on our lives, and we wholeheartedly encourage anyone in need of a service dog to consider this outstanding program.
  • Emily Campbell
    Apr. 2, 2025
    A caring, personalized training program for our dog family that works! We have had the privilege of welcoming 7 dogs into our home over the years and our seventh tested us. With Alex and Breanna, we discussed ways to incorporate basic commands into our lifestyle with clear weekly practice. We are so thankful for everything we learned. Rory (and family) are doing great! Thank you so much!
  • Donald Distler
    Mar. 31, 2025
    I was truly impressed with the exceptional patience, kindness, and understanding demonstrated by the professional dog trainers at Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati, who effectively tailored the advanced dog training to my dog's unique behavior, leaving me with a harmonious and obedient pup. The professionalism and dedication I received throughout the experience was outstanding, and I would highly recommend this service to anyone seeking expert guidance from a top-rated Professional dog trainer.
  • Brooke Riedeman
    Mar. 29, 2025
    Truely grateful for Dog Training Elite and Alex. I have two very different dogs that needed their own training needs met. Alex helped us understand why they would be doing their reactions and how to identify them in order to overcome these issues. Both dogs are thriving after the training. Thank you, Alex and Elite team.
  • Aaron Whipple
    Mar. 27, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati's training staff has been extremely encouraging, engaging, and attentive to our specific dog training needs. After training with a different organization with little success we felt we had nothing to loose by giving them a shot. What we learned was we had everything to gain. We could not be more happy with our training experience and i would recommend them to anyone looking.
  • Cynthia Allen
    Mar. 27, 2025
    A great experience and it keeps going after the training ends.
  • Joy Rentz
    Mar. 27, 2025
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati demonstrated remarkable patience, kindness, professionalism, and encouragement during our interactions, making the behavior training for dogs an effective and enjoyable experience. Their expertise in advanced dog training, particularly with persistent puppy obedience training and service dog training, helped us achieve impressive results and build a solid relationship with our canine companion.
  • Mark Murphy
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Our experience with Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati was extremely positive, with the professional trainers' expert guidance delivering remarkable results in areas such as dog behaviorist-directed techniques and in-home dog training that significantly improved our pet's behavior for everyday life. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati for anyone seeking advanced dog training or aggressive dog training solutions that produce tangible results.
  • Terri Meyer
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati demonstrated exceptional understanding of dog behavior, providing expert instruction on advanced dog training techniques to consistently improve my dog's obedience and behavior. Scott and Jen are a very calm and patient tag team of trainers. Their love of dogs is apparent and they genuinely make you feel your fur baby is the best thing on 4 legs.
  • Keith Meyer
    Mar. 24, 2025
    The patience, kindness, knowledge, and clarity displayed by the professionals at Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati, particularly during our obedience training sessions, was remarkable. Emphasis on the patience!
  • Kaylie Anstead
    Mar. 23, 2025
    Scott and Jen have been amazing with our pit mix, Rosie! She was lacking confidence and showing some aggression whenever she was scared or overstimulated. But Scott and Jen taught us what we needed to know to build confidence both for Rosie and ourselves. We go out in public frequently now and we are able to communicate effectively with Rosie and it has made all the difference! She is reliable off leash and is thriving! We love DTE!
  • Laura
    Mar. 19, 2025
    Absolutely amazing! Alex is the best! Helped tremendously with my 2 goldendoodles! Life changing, cannot recommend dog training elite Cincinnati enough! The in home training and working side by side with the trainer is phenomenal!
  • Jacob Swanson
    Mar. 17, 2025
    I had a positive experience and while my situation was an unusual one I can say that the Owner and all the staff treated me with the utmost respect and courtesy. I really appreciated this experience and was shocked at the customer service and client first approach.
  • Molly Hall
    May. 10, 2025
    I have two dogs, one a very large Chesapeake Bay retriever, and the other a medium rescue terrier-pit who was only six months old when Scott and Jenn started to work with them. Their work with my dogs enabled me to enjoy my dogs as ‘civilized’ members of the family! Our training sessions were joyful and laughter filled. The dogs loved them and they loved the dogs. I recommend Scott and Jenn of Dog Training Elite without reservation!
  • Carri Burgjohann
    May. 4, 2025
    A few months ago I began working with the trainers from Elite. My dog is a senior (14 years old!) and had developed some pretty bad habits over the years and I let them continue. I work from home and he’s become increasingly disruptive during work calls and rowdy at all the wrong times. I had let him sleep in my bed with me for years even though I knew that wasn’t setting either of us up to win. I was embarrassed that I’d let it get this way and knew I wanted better for him and for me. I wanted him to be confident and independent and I was concerned that training would somehow change our relationship. As I worked with the team and learned new skills alongside my dog, I found BOTH of us gained confidence! I was never made to feel ashamed that my dog struggled with his behavior or the role I’ve played in. The team taught skills and ideas with humor, grace, and ingenuity and I always had homework in between sessions. Now my dog sleeps in his crate at night, doesn’t make a peep during work calls, understands and performs basic commands, and we are communicating much more smoothly. He’s confident when people are at my house and we continue to work on skills because I know how to make it fun. It’s true: you can teach an old dog new tricks! And, I even learned some myself that I’ll be able to take with me into the future for any dog who calls my house home. I’m grateful for the team at Elite—however many years my dog has left on this earth our friendship will be better because I made the investment and was willing to ask for help.
  • Sara Bennett-Wealer
    Apr. 20, 2025
    We knew our pitfall rescue was a good boy, but with such a powerful dog we wanted to feel confident we could communicate with and control him both at home and with other animals and people. Scott and Jen have been amazing at showing us how to help Bagel be his best self. They help troubleshoot when we have questions and the skills we've learned have helped us be better friends and owners to our dog. Hiring them was a great investment!
  • Olivia Cleri
    Apr. 16, 2025
    I, hands down, have the best dog ever, and it is thanks to Scott and Jen at Cincinnati Dog Training Elite. They make training fun and effective and I was able to start my journey with a service dog confidently and with ongoing guidance and support.
  • Allison Sears
    Apr. 14, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati are so lovely. My dog and I had to take a break from trainings because of my schedule, but the minute she saw Scott she started excitement crying and bouncing around to see him. They're very knowledgeable, very patient (especially when I'm not lol), and so encouraging. I definitely recommend Scott & Jen and their team :)
  • Allison Connors
    Apr. 14, 2025
    Jen and Scott are amazing to work with. Our three dogs were under the age of 3 when we first called DTE. It felt like a lot and I was overwhelmed. I reached out to a few other trainers and the cost was either too much or I felt judged for not being prepared for having three dogs. From the moment I called DTE, I felt heard and my overwhelmed feeling felt understood. We talked out training options and then they came out to meet us and our pups. Having them assess the dogs in person and give us a plan to start training our middle and most anxious dog first, took such a weight off my shoulders. The change in our middle dog was almost immediate and we found he even looked forward to the training sessions with Jen and Scott❤️ Fast forward to a year later, all three of our dogs are trained, with at least one working towards being a therapy dog! Just this past weekend we sat outside at a restaurant with all three dogs and people stopped to compliment us on how well behaved they were. All the credit goes to DTE! The group sessions are a plus and so helpful. Jen and Scott are also always available and quick to respond with any questions or concerns.
  • Billie Bush
    Apr. 12, 2025
    They are extremely kind and wonderful to work with!! Amazing people and they do amazing work!
  • Sy Miller
    Apr. 11, 2025
    We are beyond thrilled with the exceptional service dog training program that our beloved dog, Baymax, completed. From start to finish, this program exceeded our expectations in every way. The in-house training was tailored to meet all of our specific needs, ensuring that Baymax received the focused and personalized instruction required to succeed as a service dog. The 12+ week training program was thorough, effective, and truly transformative. The trainers demonstrated remarkable expertise, patience, and dedication, guiding him every step of the way. Thanks to their hard work and the program's well-structured curriculum, Baymax is now fully equipped to support me in living a positive, fulfilling life. What sets this program apart is the continuous learning opportunities they offer even after the training is complete. These additional options provide ongoing guidance and reinforcement, ensuring that both Baymax and we, as his family, can continue to grow and thrive together. We cannot recommend this program highly enough. Baymax is now not just our service dog but also the key to enhancing our daily life. We are endlessly grateful for the impact this program has had on our lives, and we wholeheartedly encourage anyone in need of a service dog to consider this outstanding program.
  • Emily Campbell
    Apr. 2, 2025
    A caring, personalized training program for our dog family that works! We have had the privilege of welcoming 7 dogs into our home over the years and our seventh tested us. With Alex and Breanna, we discussed ways to incorporate basic commands into our lifestyle with clear weekly practice. We are so thankful for everything we learned. Rory (and family) are doing great! Thank you so much!
  • Donald Distler
    Mar. 31, 2025
    I was truly impressed with the exceptional patience, kindness, and understanding demonstrated by the professional dog trainers at Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati, who effectively tailored the advanced dog training to my dog's unique behavior, leaving me with a harmonious and obedient pup. The professionalism and dedication I received throughout the experience was outstanding, and I would highly recommend this service to anyone seeking expert guidance from a top-rated Professional dog trainer.
  • Brooke Riedeman
    Mar. 29, 2025
    Truely grateful for Dog Training Elite and Alex. I have two very different dogs that needed their own training needs met. Alex helped us understand why they would be doing their reactions and how to identify them in order to overcome these issues. Both dogs are thriving after the training. Thank you, Alex and Elite team.
  • Aaron Whipple
    Mar. 27, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati's training staff has been extremely encouraging, engaging, and attentive to our specific dog training needs. After training with a different organization with little success we felt we had nothing to loose by giving them a shot. What we learned was we had everything to gain. We could not be more happy with our training experience and i would recommend them to anyone looking.
  • Cynthia Allen
    Mar. 27, 2025
    A great experience and it keeps going after the training ends.
  • Joy Rentz
    Mar. 27, 2025
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati demonstrated remarkable patience, kindness, professionalism, and encouragement during our interactions, making the behavior training for dogs an effective and enjoyable experience. Their expertise in advanced dog training, particularly with persistent puppy obedience training and service dog training, helped us achieve impressive results and build a solid relationship with our canine companion.
  • Mark Murphy
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Our experience with Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati was extremely positive, with the professional trainers' expert guidance delivering remarkable results in areas such as dog behaviorist-directed techniques and in-home dog training that significantly improved our pet's behavior for everyday life. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati for anyone seeking advanced dog training or aggressive dog training solutions that produce tangible results.
  • Terri Meyer
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati demonstrated exceptional understanding of dog behavior, providing expert instruction on advanced dog training techniques to consistently improve my dog's obedience and behavior. Scott and Jen are a very calm and patient tag team of trainers. Their love of dogs is apparent and they genuinely make you feel your fur baby is the best thing on 4 legs.
  • Keith Meyer
    Mar. 24, 2025
    The patience, kindness, knowledge, and clarity displayed by the professionals at Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati, particularly during our obedience training sessions, was remarkable. Emphasis on the patience!
  • Kaylie Anstead
    Mar. 23, 2025
    Scott and Jen have been amazing with our pit mix, Rosie! She was lacking confidence and showing some aggression whenever she was scared or overstimulated. But Scott and Jen taught us what we needed to know to build confidence both for Rosie and ourselves. We go out in public frequently now and we are able to communicate effectively with Rosie and it has made all the difference! She is reliable off leash and is thriving! We love DTE!
  • Laura
    Mar. 19, 2025
    Absolutely amazing! Alex is the best! Helped tremendously with my 2 goldendoodles! Life changing, cannot recommend dog training elite Cincinnati enough! The in home training and working side by side with the trainer is phenomenal!
  • Jacob Swanson
    Mar. 17, 2025
    I had a positive experience and while my situation was an unusual one I can say that the Owner and all the staff treated me with the utmost respect and courtesy. I really appreciated this experience and was shocked at the customer service and client first approach.