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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite Clarksville

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Clarksville, TN

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 Clarksville, TN 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 Clarksville 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 Clarksville

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 Clarksville positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Clarksville Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite Clarksville

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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 Clarksville car, contact us today for positive dog training in Clarksville, TN.

The Dog Training Elite Clarksville Difference


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

Dog Training Elite Clarksville 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 Clarksville, TN 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 Clarksville, TN 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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Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Breanna Rose
    May. 6, 2025
    Working with Parker, Reina, and Montana has completely changed my dog! Before moving to Tennessee, I was worried Briar would never be able to become a service dog. She was very selective when listening, extremely stubborn, and wouldn't respond to commands. Almost a year later, she is an entirely different dog! She responds to her commands, walks well on and off leash, has passed her public access test, and is now a service dog in training! These trainers have not only helped to instill confidence in me as her handler, but in her as well! I am so blessed to have worked with these fantastic people, and I encourage anyone looking for a trainer to look no further and contact Dog Training Elite. Their trainers are kind, patient, communicative, and want to ensure you and your dog meet your goals. Words can't express how great working with Dog Training Elite has been! Don't walk but run to set up a consultation with them, you and your dog will be better for it!
  • Tonya Wood
    Apr. 24, 2025
    Reina has been the best trainer for our little guy. When he started you couldn’t even show him a picture of a dog without losing his puppy mind. Since we did Training Elite, he has been a different dog and even better around other dogs. Highly recommend and so very glad we used them and got her as a trainer.
  • Black Widow
    Apr. 11, 2025
    One of the ladies in the office (Jen) went above and beyond! Very professional, kind, caring, and helpful with anything!
  • Cynthia Green
    Mar. 11, 2025
    They came to my work to train our therapy dog. They are wonderful, on time, and the communication is excellent.
  • Kvegas Bartender
    Feb. 7, 2025
    Montana helped me tremendously, get my dog under control and made it to where I can have my dog in my yard without a leash and her not run off.
  • Andrew Ensign
    Feb. 6, 2025
    This is Kona she was a little fearful of using training tools at first but Montana helped me big time. She got her over her fear of them and made it a good learning experience that was very enjoyable for my girl!
  • Uriah Azrael
    Feb. 6, 2025
    Got to work with Montana on some basic behavior for my new puppy Freja. I'm happy to say that whenever people meet Freja they always comment on how well she listens and behaves. I would recommend working with Montana to anyone, she is an excellent trainer. Will definitely seek her out for anymore help in the future.
  • Alexandria Davis
    Feb. 3, 2025
    Montana helped shape my rambunctious heeler mix, Vanna, into a well rounded doggo by teaching her basic obedience. She was wonderful and very compassionate. You can tell she puts 100% into her work.
  • Kade Griffiths
    Dec. 30, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has made a big impact on my dogs life. Before Dog Training Elite my dog Ranger was out of control. He was super anxious, and destructive. Parker was able to train my dog to be calm and confident. I was hesitant that my dogs personality would change. However, Ranger is still his goofy self, but now listens and is enjoyable to be around. Thank you Dog Training Elite
  • Morgan London
    Dec. 5, 2024
    This training experience with Reina has been amazing! Reina helped not only me and my husband but our dog Harley as well. Before trining Harley was pulling on the leash hard enough to pull me down. Now he doesn’t pull on the leash at all. His confidence in himself has increased and he has become a happier dog because of it. Without this training we would not have been able to reach the goals that we did. Highly recommend!!
  • Donnie Womble
    Nov. 25, 2024
    Jen was very helpful in the office
  • jonathan hill
    Nov. 25, 2024
    The representative Jen was very easy to work with, friendly, and informative. A+ service!
  • Evan
    Nov. 22, 2024
    Overall great customer service, Jen was super helpful and friendly, will definitely be telling my friends.
  • Melissa Ball
    Nov. 22, 2024
    Thank you Jen for making the scheduling process so easy!
  • Hit Man
    Oct. 29, 2024
    Reina was very knowledgeable and professional..Highly recommend
  • Jessica Sherbourne
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Love the work my pup had a great time jen was amazing and will recommend to everyone
  • Jessica A.M. Sherbourne
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Jen dose an amazing job shes easy to understand and i love her energy
  • Malinda Manchester
    Oct. 4, 2024
    Very knowledgeable people with great people
  • Holly Horncastle
    Sep. 30, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been amazing! My dog, Lola, and I have made great strides as we have worked with the group, and Reina has been great! She trains ME how to train and work consistently with my pup. We are working towards therapy certification, and I’m so glad we found Dog Training Elite. Highly recommend!
  • Mollie Woltmann
    Sep. 25, 2024
    Our two Great Pyrenees mix pups were getting too difficult to train on our own. When Reina arrived for the assessment she knew what we needed- and we have learned so much! She loves dogs, is easy to work with, and responds quickly when there are any questions, issues, or schedule changes. Highly recommend!
  • Breanna Rose
    May. 6, 2025
    Working with Parker, Reina, and Montana has completely changed my dog! Before moving to Tennessee, I was worried Briar would never be able to become a service dog. She was very selective when listening, extremely stubborn, and wouldn't respond to commands. Almost a year later, she is an entirely different dog! She responds to her commands, walks well on and off leash, has passed her public access test, and is now a service dog in training! These trainers have not only helped to instill confidence in me as her handler, but in her as well! I am so blessed to have worked with these fantastic people, and I encourage anyone looking for a trainer to look no further and contact Dog Training Elite. Their trainers are kind, patient, communicative, and want to ensure you and your dog meet your goals. Words can't express how great working with Dog Training Elite has been! Don't walk but run to set up a consultation with them, you and your dog will be better for it!
  • Tonya Wood
    Apr. 24, 2025
    Reina has been the best trainer for our little guy. When he started you couldn’t even show him a picture of a dog without losing his puppy mind. Since we did Training Elite, he has been a different dog and even better around other dogs. Highly recommend and so very glad we used them and got her as a trainer.
  • Black Widow
    Apr. 11, 2025
    One of the ladies in the office (Jen) went above and beyond! Very professional, kind, caring, and helpful with anything!
  • Cynthia Green
    Mar. 11, 2025
    They came to my work to train our therapy dog. They are wonderful, on time, and the communication is excellent.
  • Kvegas Bartender
    Feb. 7, 2025
    Montana helped me tremendously, get my dog under control and made it to where I can have my dog in my yard without a leash and her not run off.
  • Andrew Ensign
    Feb. 6, 2025
    This is Kona she was a little fearful of using training tools at first but Montana helped me big time. She got her over her fear of them and made it a good learning experience that was very enjoyable for my girl!
  • Uriah Azrael
    Feb. 6, 2025
    Got to work with Montana on some basic behavior for my new puppy Freja. I'm happy to say that whenever people meet Freja they always comment on how well she listens and behaves. I would recommend working with Montana to anyone, she is an excellent trainer. Will definitely seek her out for anymore help in the future.
  • Alexandria Davis
    Feb. 3, 2025
    Montana helped shape my rambunctious heeler mix, Vanna, into a well rounded doggo by teaching her basic obedience. She was wonderful and very compassionate. You can tell she puts 100% into her work.
  • Kade Griffiths
    Dec. 30, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has made a big impact on my dogs life. Before Dog Training Elite my dog Ranger was out of control. He was super anxious, and destructive. Parker was able to train my dog to be calm and confident. I was hesitant that my dogs personality would change. However, Ranger is still his goofy self, but now listens and is enjoyable to be around. Thank you Dog Training Elite
  • Morgan London
    Dec. 5, 2024
    This training experience with Reina has been amazing! Reina helped not only me and my husband but our dog Harley as well. Before trining Harley was pulling on the leash hard enough to pull me down. Now he doesn’t pull on the leash at all. His confidence in himself has increased and he has become a happier dog because of it. Without this training we would not have been able to reach the goals that we did. Highly recommend!!
  • Donnie Womble
    Nov. 25, 2024
    Jen was very helpful in the office
  • jonathan hill
    Nov. 25, 2024
    The representative Jen was very easy to work with, friendly, and informative. A+ service!
  • Evan
    Nov. 22, 2024
    Overall great customer service, Jen was super helpful and friendly, will definitely be telling my friends.
  • Melissa Ball
    Nov. 22, 2024
    Thank you Jen for making the scheduling process so easy!
  • Hit Man
    Oct. 29, 2024
    Reina was very knowledgeable and professional..Highly recommend
  • Jessica Sherbourne
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Love the work my pup had a great time jen was amazing and will recommend to everyone
  • Jessica A.M. Sherbourne
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Jen dose an amazing job shes easy to understand and i love her energy
  • Malinda Manchester
    Oct. 4, 2024
    Very knowledgeable people with great people
  • Holly Horncastle
    Sep. 30, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been amazing! My dog, Lola, and I have made great strides as we have worked with the group, and Reina has been great! She trains ME how to train and work consistently with my pup. We are working towards therapy certification, and I’m so glad we found Dog Training Elite. Highly recommend!
  • Mollie Woltmann
    Sep. 25, 2024
    Our two Great Pyrenees mix pups were getting too difficult to train on our own. When Reina arrived for the assessment she knew what we needed- and we have learned so much! She loves dogs, is easy to work with, and responds quickly when there are any questions, issues, or schedule changes. Highly recommend!