Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Indianapolis, IN

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 Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis 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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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.
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Indianapolis Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite Indianapolis

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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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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 Indianapolis.
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 Indianapolis Difference


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

Dog Training Elite Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis, IN 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

  • Carly Ringlespaugh
    Oct. 4, 2024
    Dog Training Elite is the best! Our pup had the best time, loved all of the trainers, and learned so much. We did the two week day camp, and I definitely recommend it. Thanks again to everyone at DTE!
  • Marlene Upchurch
    May. 10, 2024
    I thought there was no hope for my 8 year old pup. I am so excited to say that after two weeks of camp with the trainers at Dog Training Elite he has learned proper manners and is also a pleasure to take for a walk. You can teach an old dog new tricks. The trainers did a wonderful job training my Jimmy. They are caring and loved my boy like their own. And, they kept me informed every step of the way. Doug spent two days in-home training giving me the tools I need to maintain the progress he made. I am so happy with how well behaved he is. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Kelly Kiefer Brown
    Apr. 11, 2024
    We had our dog go thru training with Dog Training Elite for a service dog. We were extremely happy with the service and the time they took with us to help train our dog! We cannot even thank them enough for what great service they have provided us! The trainers are awesome! They always kept us informed and replying quick! Poppy learned a lot and it all paid off!
  • Kelly Davisson
    Jan. 21, 2024
    Our puppy, Annie, just finished obedience training at Dog Training Elite and we are absolutely thrilled with our experience! Not only did Annie learn a lot of new skills while attending their day camp, they gave us tons of videos and constant support to help us maintain her progress at home. I was a little nervous to drop off our sweet girl that first day, but the entire staff loved her and cheered her on like she was one of their own. Annie was SO EXCITED to go back in the next day, and she kept her enthusiasm for the entire two-week course. We'll definitely be returning for their advanced training courses and can't wait to take advantage of the weekend group classes!
  • Cindy Aque
    Dec. 4, 2023
    We worked with trainers Josh and Elijah and they were great! They showed us ways to train our rescue pup that came thinking he ruled our house. And they adjusted the training to fit the our and our dogs needs. You can tell with their interaction with dogs that they love dogs and really want to help owners learn how to manage their dog for a more peaceful household. I would highly recommend their services if you have a dog that needs training to fit into your household.
  • Roger French
    Nov. 14, 2023
    Excellent people to help your dog learn proper manners. I can’t say enough at how well they treated my pet and showed him pet proper discipline. Thank you so much.
  • Reese Sommers
    Nov. 14, 2023
    These people are miracle workers. I was looking for quite some bit for training for my pup. I found DTE, read some reviews and without any questions I set up the in home eval. I was pleasantly surprised when they said they would take on my reactive dog. I couldn’t be more thankful for the trainers at DTE. They are dedicated, hardworking, and motivated to get your pup where they need to be. Big thanks from Akira and I!!!!!
  • Kelly Brown
    Nov. 14, 2023
    Love working with them! They listen to what we need in our dog. Easy to schedule appt with. Love doing the group training classes. The trainers are very positive!
  • Mary Clark
    Oct. 25, 2023
    I love working with each of their trainers!
  • Abby Wallace
    Oct. 25, 2023
    We cannot say enough good things about Dog training elite. They are helping us train our pup to be a service dog for our son and he is doing amazing! They provide all the skills and teach you how to handle the dog. I wish I could give them 10 stars!!!!
  • Abby Wallace
    Oct. 25, 2023
    We hired this company to help us train our puppy to a be a service dog for our son. We started at 14 weeks and we have a lab. He is so smart annd well trained and the skills they teach you are spot on!
  • Jake Johnson
    Oct. 25, 2023
    There is no greater joy, as a pet owner, than when you hear others commenting behind you on how well behaved and obedient your dog is. Liberty has absolutely been a game changer for my everyday life… not just because she’s my pet, but because she’s my team mate. She is able to respond to my feelings and helps me feel like I have my “battle buddy” by my side at all times. We are going through Service Dog training with Dog Training Elite. The training tactics they teach work! Liberty has given me freedom to not be apprehensive about going out and about.
  • Kathleen Sievert
    Sep. 17, 2023
    We've really enjoyed our training so far at DTE. Great trainers who truly love and care about the pups! They set you up with all of the tools that you need and make it easy. They combine one-on-one training plus group classes which has been so helpful for my puppy, who at one point, was scared of everything that moved or made noise!
  • Karleigh Meyer
    Jun. 16, 2023
    We have been working with the trainers at Dog Training Elite Indianapolis for the last 6 months training a service dog for our son. I have never trained a dog beyond the “sit” command before. Doug, Josh, and Elijah have walked us through every step and were there to answer questions, offer support and celebrate our little successes even outside of our sessions. Our home is loud and chaotic having 6 children but the trainers always graciously included them as part of the training process. This act alone meant the world to us and is a huge reason as to why we were so successful. THEY CREATED A TRAINING ENVIRONMENT AROUND OUR FAMILY instead of trying to get us to conform to their training ways. I can proudly say we have officially passed our Public Access Test and are well on the way to perfecting our Service Dog Tasks. We would 100% recommend Dog Training Elite Indy for any and all of your training needs!
  • Betsy Rosiek
    May. 26, 2023
    This training was a true game changer for me and my sweet dog! I was so surprised at how quickly Benson caught on to the training! He’s actually stopped jumping, and it’s a pleasure now to take him on walks, because there is no pulling or dragging me along. Doug is great with the dogs, and trainers Elijah and Josh are just so easy to work with, knowledgeable and fun! Thanks for making us both so happy!
  • Jennifer Scott
    May. 12, 2023
    I couldn't be more happy with my experience so far with Elite Dog Training. Doug has been so patient and helpful in training my Great Dane, he is a rescue and came to us with some bad habits and issues going on walks. I am so thrilled that we have a plan in place and we are working making his and our lives better! Thank you so much for your help and guidance!!
  • joshua bangert
    May. 12, 2023
    Dog Training Elite has been great for our 2 dogs. Making this commitment to training our pups has been rewarding for the family and for the dogs! Doug and Eli have been very helpful as we've overcome training obstacles and we are so grateful to the team. Thank You!
  • Renia Hughes
    May. 7, 2023
    We just finished our in home sessions and started the group classes. And I can’t say enough how absolutely wonderful this group of trainers are. They are dedicated to the success of our German shepherd, Nikita. First the in home evaluation with Doug, was a great start because they met our dog in her environment and was very thorough in explaining the program and options. They were flexible in scheduling her sessions. Elijah became Nikita’s trainer consistently with her in home sessions. Elijah has been great with Nikita, who can be a bit stubborn at times. He has answered our many questions and given us the tools we needed to have a dog we can enjoy! When we started training I couldn’t take Nikita for a walk without her barking at people and other dogs. I was so pleased yesterday in group class when I could tell Nikita to sit and walk about 20 feet away from her and had someone run passed her about 2 feet in front of her. SHE didn’t budge! She held her stay! Elijah and Josh and Doug are the best!
  • Anna Berndt
    May. 2, 2023
    My German shepherd Iyla and I have loved getting to work with the folks at dog training elite. We started with the in home training and we now attend their weekly group class going on a few months now. They have been so helpful with not only teaching me the proper tools and techniques for training Iyla, but they have also helped with ongoing support as she grows up and I have more questions. They repeatedly reached out as we started training to make sure things were going well between lessons and to answer questions. Even after we finished the in home classes they continue supporting us with the group classes with fun training games and they even thought to deliver us a lovely personalized gift during the holidays! Sorry for the long review, but we really do appreciate everything they do. We love being a part of the DTE family
  • Amanda Caughey
    Apr. 27, 2023
    I will recommend them to anyone and everyone! My puppy has so much more confidence and responds to us without yelling. Elijah was our trainer for most sessions and was amazing. You can truly feel his passion for training and he will go so far with this company. He was also incredibly kind to my son who was a bit nervous with the training. Josh was also great to work with even though he wasn’t there for all the sessions. Both of these men clearly have what it takes to excel in their careers. I can’t thank you all enough!! And I look forward to the extra training classes at the park!