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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite Coastal Bend

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Corpus Christi, TX

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 Corpus Christi, TX 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 Coastal Bend 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 Coastal Bend

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 Corpus Christi positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Corpus Christi Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite Coastal Bend

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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 Coastal Bend Difference


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

Dog Training Elite Coastal Bend 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 Corpus Christi, TX 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 Corpus Christi, TX 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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  • Bud Kittle
    Oct. 30, 2024
    Very thorough and informative. Looking forward to continuing the training.
  • Victoria Church
    Nov. 12, 2024
    I had a consultation today with Jessica and she answered every question and throughly went through the training process with me. She scheduled my future training appointment and helped tremendously. When I inquired before the interview the people at the office were wonderful and helpful as well. Contacted me quickly after I submitted my request. I look forward to my training with Grayson next month!
  • jorge de la chapa
    Sep. 28, 2024
    I cannot say better things about my experience with dog training elite. He is awesome!!
  • Keith Fricker
    Sep. 13, 2024
    Very professional and easy to work with. My dog has made great gains after even the first session. Very knowledgeable and helpful.
  • Barbara Aguilar
    Sep. 5, 2024
    We had the pleasure of working with Dog Trainers Anuj and Jessica from Dog Training Elite Coastal Bend, and had the best experience. Our daughter needed a service dog for college, and she worked all summer for a Great Dane. We've always had big dogs, so it was go big or go home. "Ace" went through both obedience and service training, and thanks to the excellent guidance from Anuj and Jessica, he did wonderfully. At just 11 months old, Ace went off to college and is thriving as a service dog with our daughter. We couldn’t be happier with how well he turned out, especially considering we have three untrained big dogs at home! We will definitely be using their services again, and would recommend them to all of our friends. Thanks again!
  • Barbara Aguilar
    Sep. 5, 2024
    We had the pleasure of working with Dog Trainers Anuj and Jessica from Dog Training Elite Coastal Bend, and had the best experience. Our daughter needed a service dog for college, and she worked all summer for a Great Dane. We've always had big dogs, so it was go big or go home. "Ace" went through both obedience and service training, and thanks to the excellent guidance from Anuj and Jessica, he did wonderfully. At just 11 months old, Ace went off to college and is thriving as a service dog with our daughter. We couldn’t be happier with how well he turned out, especially considering we have three untrained big dogs at home! We will definitely be using their services again, and would recommend them to all of our friends. Thanks again!
  • Casey Caraway
    Jun. 28, 2024
    Just finished up a full training program with DTE and they were fantastic. Very professional and did everything we wanted with our 2 year old mutt who is now the most obedient pup in the neighborhood. Highly recommend Anuj and his team. You won't be disappointed!
  • Kati Curry
    May. 18, 2024
    They were great and very patient with our dog.
  • Ivonne Tostado
    May. 6, 2024
    I moved from Houston to Corpus Christi in December 2023 and was very excited to see that I could continue our dog training in Corpus. The Dog Training Elite Coastal Bend has helped me deal with some recent issues that have come up with my 1 year old Doberman. Since we started the training, Peaches has been doing so well. I've started feeling more confident and Peaches is showing less reactivity and less fear. Thank you to the entire team for your support and amazing training program. My working Doby is a happy girl!