Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite Gilbert

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

Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Gilbert, AZ

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 Gilbert, AZ 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 Gilbert 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 Gilbert

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 Gilbert positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Gilbert Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite Gilbert

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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 Gilbert.
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 Gilbert Difference


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

Dog Training Elite Gilbert 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 Gilbert, AZ 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 Gilbert, AZ 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

  • James Foster
    Apr. 27, 2024
    Special thanks to Dog Training Elite and trainer Alexa! Their service is beyond comparison and Alexa has been exceptional with the one on one training for our little Peaches! Much appreciated and if you’re looking for a trainer for your pets, look no further! They’re the BEST!!!
  • Marlean Wright
    Apr. 25, 2024
    Elite really help teach us and our dogs how to deal with those unwanted behaviors that all digs do. It's definitely about being consistent and staying positive about the process.
  • Kristen Czapla
    Oct. 20, 2023
    We truly appreciate the time and support Asher, Aspen, and Taylor have shown us and Zia! We are looking forward to future training and continued progress with our best friend!
  • Karen Bever
    Aug. 11, 2023
    I am a firm believer in this company's approach to training. This is now our second opportunity with our newest dog. Our previous dog Cosmo and now Stetson have truly become even better dogs after our training with Dog Training Elite! Our current trainer Azure is extremely intuitive and truly knows the art of training! A big fan of this company!
  • Tonya Lane
    Mar. 11, 2023
    I have worked with Dog Training Elite with two of my dogs. My first dog Branch who was 6 months when we started the program. Branch was very aggressive towards other dogs. Thanks to the owner Neil and his helper Chris my dog Branch is a well rounded dog who became my Service Dog. Unfortunately, Branch who is 6 yrs old now, has hurt his leg and needed to be retired so I began Training my new dog Felicia who is now enrolled with Dog Training Elite. She is only 11 months old and has past her Service Dog Test. Neil came to our home to evaluate Felicia and assisted in getting the process started. Taylor was the trainer who came to my home to continue training with me and Felicia. Taylor also met me and Felicia for our public training and made sure she was completing the task she will be providing. If there was something I needed to work on or if I had any questions Taylor was always able to provide me feedback. Taylor is very passionate and very knowledgeable with the process for continued training. Aspen was the trainer who completed the Service Dog Test and I appreciate how thorough she was at making sure Felicia was able to complete the task she will provide for me ongoing. I would recommend Dog Training Elite and have given out their information as we have traveled in our RV across country because they are wonderful at what they do. I greatly appreciate how much patience Neil and his Team have with dogs and their families. Especially, when helping us train Branch through his aggressive behaviors. If it wasn't for Dog Training Elite we would not have a second dog.
  • Michelle Riley
    May. 15, 2021
    Thank you Dog Training Elite. We got our Belgian Malinois, Cain, when he was 12 weeks old and we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. He had crazy energy, no personal space and we couldn’t take him out of the house without him losing his mind. He would go crazy whining, pulling on the leash, and if someone would approach us, he would bark and snarl, causing a scene. On top of that, at home, he had no personal space and was the literal definition of a “fur missile”. No matter what we did or how long we would play, he would not sleep at night because we could not burn enough of his energy during the day. We took him to an 8 week puppy training course with another private trainer and it helped his basic obedience, but it really made no major change to his demeanor. At that point, we were considered rehoming him, even though we already fell in love with him. By luck, we met Neal and DTE!!! He was like the dog whisperer. After watching Neal completely tame our psychotic Malinois puppy within the first 90 seconds of meeting him, we were sold on DTE’s services. We immediately schedule an in-home demonstration of Neal’s Belgian, Bailey. Once he demonstrated her abilities and being shown that Cain had the same potential, we signed up that morning for the Level Two Obedience and Protection Training courses. After the first in-home obedience session, we were 110% reassured that we made the correct decision in hiring DTE. Cain was already a COMPLETELY different dog. (Honestly, I would have paid the money after the progress of the first session and would have been completely happy!) It was incredible to see the progression after each session and how well the DTE training methods worked. Cain was absolutely thriving on these sessions and loved every minute of it! After training with Neal and the DTE team for over a year, Cain has become an amazing dog. He goes everywhere with us, is incredibly well behaved, and we get compliments on him and his training EVERY time we go out. I can’t thank Neal and the DTE team enough for their amazing work with Cain. They are awesome people to work with and treat every client as family and every dog as if they are their own. HIGHLY RECOMMEND USING DTE FOR ANY DOG TRAINING.
  • Patti Rose
    Mar. 10, 2021
    Great training for my pound puppy, Lucy. She has learned so much. She can now heel, sit, down , not jump on people, and so much more from going to Elite dog training.