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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite Coastal Bend

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A black and white corgi sitting on a skateboard smiling, choose positive reinforcement dog training in Corpus Christi, TX.

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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A recent dog graduate sitting in front of a Dog Training Elite Coastal Bend car, contact us today for positive dog training in Corpus Christi, TX.

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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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

  • Tammy Nodarse
    Apr. 25, 2025
    Grayson was great! He is knowledgeable and friendly and my dog, Scout, loved him! He takes time to demonstrate each new command and gives feedback on my attempts. My dog and I both look forward to each lesson with Grayson and I highly recommend him if you’re looking for a trainer!
  • Donald Grimes
    May. 29, 2025
    We recently added a second Belgian Malinois to our family, and just like the first one, she’s super energetic and requires a ton of attention. We’ve used other trainers in the area before, and while they were all good, none have matched the quality of Dog Training Elite. We opted for the platinum package along with the service training, and we couldn’t be happier with our trainer, Grayson. They’ve exceeded our expectations, and the group classes they provide for socialization have been incredibly helpful in addressing the aggression issues we faced. Today, we took our puppy to a store for the first time, and she walked right beside me without a leash, completely unfazed by distractions. She followed all the commands perfectly and did an outstanding job.
  • Christen Porter
    May. 28, 2025
    Grayson took the time to explain everything to us, and answered all of our questions. He was so very patient with our pup, we appreciate the effort.
  • kay moss
    May. 18, 2025
    DTE was great. I contacted them and they wrte able to come out very quick for the initial evaluation. Grayson was the trainer that came out and was absolutely amazing. She was very knowledgeable and I feel would be a great asset in the training for me and my little boy Hook. I look forward to the future.
  • Nicholas Lara
    May. 10, 2025
    Great job teaching us on how to command our dog and answered any question we had
  • Dennis Roberts
    May. 10, 2025
    Great communication upfront about everything and answered all of my questions
  • Ronald Uhlarik
    Mar. 16, 2025
    Great experience with e collar very good trainer. Bambi she's really learning well. Highly recommendable dog trainer.
  • mary liberatore
    Apr. 30, 2025
    Absolutely phenomenal!! We are eternally grateful to Grayson, Anuj and Jessica!! I could not be happier with our dog training! We appreciate how very patient you all were with Landon and mostly my husband Steve!! Landon has been very obedient and very happy!! We all gained so much wisdom from DTE!! I highly recommend!!
  • MO MO
    Apr. 30, 2025
    Grayson was on time for our appointment. Grayson is knowledgeable and skilled in her training techniques and is very personable.
  • Wesley Walko
    Mar. 21, 2025
    LWe had our first meeting with Jessica to learn more about the different training programs servuce dog certification and pricing. She was SUPER friendly and had an answer to every single question we had. We were concerned about payment flexibility and she informed us they do different payment plans and options. We were able to figure out a plan that fits our financial capabilities! We can't wait to start our journey and begin working with the Dog Training Elite Coastal Bend team!! They also offer a military discount which is super awesome!! EDIT: First meeting and training session with Grayson, super professional and helpful with our concerns and teaching us the commands to get our dog Daisy to stop things that are not acceptable and how to use the e collar. We are so excited for our next training session and to continue our journey with this amazing company!!
  • Jennifer Jimenez
    Mar. 29, 2025
    Very comfortable with Max and very informative about Max progress moving forward. We feel positive about this choice but just need to get two other evaluations before we make a decision but it’s looking towards Elite
  • Lupe Garcia
    Mar. 21, 2025
    Jessica was great and had good information, but still worried if she is going to jump the gate or get out of kennel by jumping out
  • jerry moreno
    Feb. 14, 2025
    Very happy with the training!! Our Remi is learning so fast and we can definitely see an improvement and so can family! We will definitely recommend to friends and family. Anuj is very attentive and patient with our hyper stubborn puppy. Thanks
  • Skally Benitez
    Jan. 15, 2025
    Anuj and his team are amazing trainers! So knowledgeable and patient answering all our questions to help us learn along with our pup. Highly recommend and support a veteran ran business.
  • Amy N
    Jan. 31, 2025
    Quick, easy and friendly! Answered all my questions.
  • Cheree Pond
    Jan. 24, 2025
    Jessica is very knowledgeable and sweet. I'm excited and positive about her training methods.
  • Reg Simpson
    Jan. 23, 2025
    Excellent knowledge patience and expertise in handling Hamish my 145 pound Great Dane puppy 🤩
  • 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!!
  • Tammy Nodarse
    Apr. 25, 2025
    Grayson was great! He is knowledgeable and friendly and my dog, Scout, loved him! He takes time to demonstrate each new command and gives feedback on my attempts. My dog and I both look forward to each lesson with Grayson and I highly recommend him if you’re looking for a trainer!
  • Donald Grimes
    May. 29, 2025
    We recently added a second Belgian Malinois to our family, and just like the first one, she’s super energetic and requires a ton of attention. We’ve used other trainers in the area before, and while they were all good, none have matched the quality of Dog Training Elite. We opted for the platinum package along with the service training, and we couldn’t be happier with our trainer, Grayson. They’ve exceeded our expectations, and the group classes they provide for socialization have been incredibly helpful in addressing the aggression issues we faced. Today, we took our puppy to a store for the first time, and she walked right beside me without a leash, completely unfazed by distractions. She followed all the commands perfectly and did an outstanding job.
  • Christen Porter
    May. 28, 2025
    Grayson took the time to explain everything to us, and answered all of our questions. He was so very patient with our pup, we appreciate the effort.
  • kay moss
    May. 18, 2025
    DTE was great. I contacted them and they wrte able to come out very quick for the initial evaluation. Grayson was the trainer that came out and was absolutely amazing. She was very knowledgeable and I feel would be a great asset in the training for me and my little boy Hook. I look forward to the future.
  • Nicholas Lara
    May. 10, 2025
    Great job teaching us on how to command our dog and answered any question we had
  • Dennis Roberts
    May. 10, 2025
    Great communication upfront about everything and answered all of my questions
  • Ronald Uhlarik
    Mar. 16, 2025
    Great experience with e collar very good trainer. Bambi she's really learning well. Highly recommendable dog trainer.
  • mary liberatore
    Apr. 30, 2025
    Absolutely phenomenal!! We are eternally grateful to Grayson, Anuj and Jessica!! I could not be happier with our dog training! We appreciate how very patient you all were with Landon and mostly my husband Steve!! Landon has been very obedient and very happy!! We all gained so much wisdom from DTE!! I highly recommend!!
  • MO MO
    Apr. 30, 2025
    Grayson was on time for our appointment. Grayson is knowledgeable and skilled in her training techniques and is very personable.
  • Wesley Walko
    Mar. 21, 2025
    LWe had our first meeting with Jessica to learn more about the different training programs servuce dog certification and pricing. She was SUPER friendly and had an answer to every single question we had. We were concerned about payment flexibility and she informed us they do different payment plans and options. We were able to figure out a plan that fits our financial capabilities! We can't wait to start our journey and begin working with the Dog Training Elite Coastal Bend team!! They also offer a military discount which is super awesome!! EDIT: First meeting and training session with Grayson, super professional and helpful with our concerns and teaching us the commands to get our dog Daisy to stop things that are not acceptable and how to use the e collar. We are so excited for our next training session and to continue our journey with this amazing company!!
  • Jennifer Jimenez
    Mar. 29, 2025
    Very comfortable with Max and very informative about Max progress moving forward. We feel positive about this choice but just need to get two other evaluations before we make a decision but it’s looking towards Elite
  • Lupe Garcia
    Mar. 21, 2025
    Jessica was great and had good information, but still worried if she is going to jump the gate or get out of kennel by jumping out
  • jerry moreno
    Feb. 14, 2025
    Very happy with the training!! Our Remi is learning so fast and we can definitely see an improvement and so can family! We will definitely recommend to friends and family. Anuj is very attentive and patient with our hyper stubborn puppy. Thanks
  • Skally Benitez
    Jan. 15, 2025
    Anuj and his team are amazing trainers! So knowledgeable and patient answering all our questions to help us learn along with our pup. Highly recommend and support a veteran ran business.
  • Amy N
    Jan. 31, 2025
    Quick, easy and friendly! Answered all my questions.
  • Cheree Pond
    Jan. 24, 2025
    Jessica is very knowledgeable and sweet. I'm excited and positive about her training methods.
  • Reg Simpson
    Jan. 23, 2025
    Excellent knowledge patience and expertise in handling Hamish my 145 pound Great Dane puppy 🤩
  • 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!!