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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Henderson, NV

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Henderson Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

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 Henderson, NV 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 Henderson 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 Henderson

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 Henderson positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Positive Dog Training in Henderson, NV

Dog Training Elite

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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 Henderson Difference


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

Dog Training Elite Henderson 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 Henderson, NV 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 Henderson, NV 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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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Wayne RN
    Mar. 21, 2025
    WoW , what can I say that has not been said already , we are extremely happy and satisfied with Colin from Dog Training Elite, he has really worked miracles with our new puppy. Having private lessons at home has been very convenient for us, I would highly recommend these guys.
  • Barry Brode
    Nov. 4, 2024
    My experience from the initial meeting with Colin through five home visits and the first group training, this past Saturday, for my five month old Akita … Absolutely 1000% legit. The first training session, which is at your home, Colin was instrumental in providing the tools that I needed, so I was able to work with Elvis. Without anxiety or apprehension. In six weeks, I have a better behaved fur baby. I would absolutely without hesitation recommend Elite Dog Training.
  • Zuleika Hiraldo
    Oct. 5, 2024
    Great trainer. Always on time. Always respectful and patient. Learn a lot from Nick. It is not only the pup that got trained but I as well. Because it is not just the dog but the owner as well. It is a partnership
  • Destiny Rae
    Aug. 13, 2024
    This is littlefoot! We did puppy training with Nick. I can't recommend him enough! His patience, expertise, and genuine love for dogs made the experience that much better. From day one he made Littlefoot and I so comfortable! Littlefoot is a stubborn sassy dachshund! Littlefoot actually listens now. If you’re looking for someone who truly cares and knows how to get results, Nick is the one to go to!
  • Danni Brooks
    Apr. 13, 2024
    My mini Labradoodle started service dog training at 12 weeks old. Colin has always been very patient and made accommodations of the training specifically to my dog’s personality. Eight months later, NOLA is now officially a certified service dog for my military PTSD. I am so happy with the results of her hard work and comfortable going into crowds without fear and anxiety. 100% recommended!
  • Aidy Resurreccion
    Jun. 1, 2023
    Classical conditioning works best for my dog, Jisoo. She becomes the rockstar of dog obedience and behavior skills while attending DTE training sessions. Currently, Jisoo is working hard to earn the Psychiatric Service Dog. Thank you so much to her DTE trainer, Colin, for the patience and persistence. I learned a lot about dog training. Kudos to DTE-Henderson!
  • Andrea Van Zandt
    Mar. 14, 2023
    I have recently started working with Dog Elite and our trainer Colin and we are seeing major improvements in the house. I can’t wait to see all the changes with Kylo over our training time 🤩🤩. Super happy to have found a team that wants to make a difference.
  • Robert Kilpatrick
    Mar. 2, 2023
    Excellent experience and training! I've worked with Service dog trainers in Denver and was referred by them to Colin and Celeste, which carried a lot of weight - and I'm glad we chose to work with them! I have been very impressed by their flexibility and diligence in working with my dog. They are a young, hungry business, and clearly love what they are doing and the dogs. And we are seeing great results week over week. My dog greets the two of them with the excitement he used to reserve just for me so that speaks volumes too! Their willingness to customize to the individual dog and personal attention go above and beyond what I could ever have expected, and I highly recommend you give them a try!
  • Montina Ruffin
    Dec. 2, 2022
    Colin and Celeste are great! Very upbeat and positive, and it is obvious that they love what they do. I've had the pleasure of working with them recently and would highly recommend them.
  • Wayne RN
    Mar. 21, 2025
    WoW , what can I say that has not been said already , we are extremely happy and satisfied with Colin from Dog Training Elite, he has really worked miracles with our new puppy. Having private lessons at home has been very convenient for us, I would highly recommend these guys.
  • Barry Brode
    Nov. 4, 2024
    My experience from the initial meeting with Colin through five home visits and the first group training, this past Saturday, for my five month old Akita … Absolutely 1000% legit. The first training session, which is at your home, Colin was instrumental in providing the tools that I needed, so I was able to work with Elvis. Without anxiety or apprehension. In six weeks, I have a better behaved fur baby. I would absolutely without hesitation recommend Elite Dog Training.
  • Zuleika Hiraldo
    Oct. 5, 2024
    Great trainer. Always on time. Always respectful and patient. Learn a lot from Nick. It is not only the pup that got trained but I as well. Because it is not just the dog but the owner as well. It is a partnership
  • Destiny Rae
    Aug. 13, 2024
    This is littlefoot! We did puppy training with Nick. I can't recommend him enough! His patience, expertise, and genuine love for dogs made the experience that much better. From day one he made Littlefoot and I so comfortable! Littlefoot is a stubborn sassy dachshund! Littlefoot actually listens now. If you’re looking for someone who truly cares and knows how to get results, Nick is the one to go to!
  • Danni Brooks
    Apr. 13, 2024
    My mini Labradoodle started service dog training at 12 weeks old. Colin has always been very patient and made accommodations of the training specifically to my dog’s personality. Eight months later, NOLA is now officially a certified service dog for my military PTSD. I am so happy with the results of her hard work and comfortable going into crowds without fear and anxiety. 100% recommended!
  • Aidy Resurreccion
    Jun. 1, 2023
    Classical conditioning works best for my dog, Jisoo. She becomes the rockstar of dog obedience and behavior skills while attending DTE training sessions. Currently, Jisoo is working hard to earn the Psychiatric Service Dog. Thank you so much to her DTE trainer, Colin, for the patience and persistence. I learned a lot about dog training. Kudos to DTE-Henderson!
  • Andrea Van Zandt
    Mar. 14, 2023
    I have recently started working with Dog Elite and our trainer Colin and we are seeing major improvements in the house. I can’t wait to see all the changes with Kylo over our training time 🤩🤩. Super happy to have found a team that wants to make a difference.
  • Robert Kilpatrick
    Mar. 2, 2023
    Excellent experience and training! I've worked with Service dog trainers in Denver and was referred by them to Colin and Celeste, which carried a lot of weight - and I'm glad we chose to work with them! I have been very impressed by their flexibility and diligence in working with my dog. They are a young, hungry business, and clearly love what they are doing and the dogs. And we are seeing great results week over week. My dog greets the two of them with the excitement he used to reserve just for me so that speaks volumes too! Their willingness to customize to the individual dog and personal attention go above and beyond what I could ever have expected, and I highly recommend you give them a try!
  • Montina Ruffin
    Dec. 2, 2022
    Colin and Celeste are great! Very upbeat and positive, and it is obvious that they love what they do. I've had the pleasure of working with them recently and would highly recommend them.