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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite Kansas City

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

Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Kansas City

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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City

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 Kansas City positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Kansas City Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite Kansas City

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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 Kansas City  car, contact us today for positive dog training in Kansas City.

The Dog Training Elite Kansas City Difference


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

Dog Training Elite Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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

  • Julie Lehane
    Mar. 21, 2025
    We cannot thank Dog Training Elite enough!! We brought Rooster home in October of 2024. He is my most fluffy little love my heart could ever desire. Rooster joined our home as our 5th dog and the largest of all of them. Our other pups are 3 wiener dogs and a frenchie. But “Roostie Doo” is my baby. Unfortunately with his larger size compared to our other dogs, and his super high puppy energy he was terrorizing our other dogs. I reached out to Dog Training Elite after hearing awesome stories of the wonders they had worked with other pups… it was the best decision ever. They came out to meet with me and set us up for their Puppy Training program with Kaylee as our trainer. Kaylee worked with us and for Rooster to address all of his issues. From food aggression to a very short attention span Rooster has blossomed into the best boy!! Rooster has completed Puppy Training and progressed into Puppy Gold(which is exactly what they have turned him into). He went from pushing the other dogs around to respecting their boundaries and waiting patiently for his food. He no longer counter surfs, or ties my legs together when we go for a walk. Everyone praises him for his behaviors when I take him to work where he is around at least ten other unfamiliar dogs. He even got his moment is the spotlight and walked like a pro in a parade last weekend!!! I could go on and on about the difference this training has made in “Mr. Rooster Cogburn”. But the true praise goes to Kaylee and the entire team at Dog Training Elite. There is a huge difference in dog training and teaching a dog owner how to best support for their dogs positive behaviors and this team knows it. Thank you so much for ending my husbands complaints of 5 is too many dogs!!!!
  • Darla Beckman
    Oct. 21, 2024
    Love the trainer's
  • GREG DURKIN
    Feb. 14, 2025
    THEIR TRAINERS ARE VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND THEY COME TO YOUR HOUSE. EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE.
  • Jake Cooper
    Feb. 13, 2025
    Chuck and his team are great. They will take a scary process seem like the easiest thing on earth. They will turn your puppy into a well behaved dog. Couldnt recommend them higher
  • Emily LaMar
    Aug. 24, 2024
    Cat is the best. She worked with our dog in a way that helped them learn quickly. She was patient and kind. I was not expecting our dog to learn as quickly as she did.
  • Amanda Kunkel Beech
    Aug. 13, 2024
    Haylee with Dog Training Elite has been doing an awesome job of teaching us to work with our dogs, Penelope and Oliver. Haylee has made sure each lesson has been tailored to the individual issues we were trying to work on with them. Additionally, she verifies that we have understood what is being taught so that we can continue to work with the dogs on our own. Chuck, Kaylee and Haylee have been completely invested in our progress. We were impressed both with our dogs and our own progress after each lesson! His prices were reasonable which was another plus! Chuck and his team have always been responsive and returned our messages and calls quickly or could easily reschedule if something arose that would conflict. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite for training your dogs of any age.
  • Amanda Beech
    Aug. 13, 2024
    Haylee with Dog Training Elite has been doing an awesome job of teaching us to work with our dogs, Penelope and Oliver. Haylee has made sure each lesson has been tailored to the individual issues we were trying to work on with them. Additionally, she verifies that we have understood what is being taught so that we can continue to work with the dogs on our own. Chuck, Kaylee and Haylee have been completely invested in our progress. We were impressed both with our dogs and our own progress after each lesson! His prices were reasonable which was another plus! Chuck and his team have always been responsive and returned our messages and calls quickly or could easily reschedule if something arose that would conflict. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite for training your dogs of any age.
  • DAVID DREDGE
    Aug. 10, 2024
    This company is very very accommodating, flexible and understanding. They are super good at training and explaining how to do it. They are patient with the dogs and really know how to get it done. In short THEY ARE THE BEST. I highly recommend 👌
  • Diane Gardner
    Jan. 21, 2023
    Wonderful people who know dogs. Took our 5 month old Standard Poodle from a great puppy to my licensed diabetic service dog in 6 months. Just do the homework. They continue to provide weekly learning activities. Great group. Highly recommend.
  • Kimberly Christopher
    Aug. 6, 2024
    My trainer, Cat, was wonderful to work with, as was the entire team. Training was kind, efficient and effective from Cat, and I’m very glad that training was held mostly at my home. Juniper and I put in the hard work each week - which is a must. It paid off- Juniper passed her certification, and we’re looking forward to the unlimited group classes. Another great feature of Dog Training Elite’s program! I would definitely recommend this group to anyone looking for a solid training program.
  • Bill Fry
    Apr. 11, 2024
    Love Chuck and all of his team they were able to help our crazy mastiff that is 250 lbs and thinks he was a lap dog and could jump on everyone ! He loves people and acts right now without dragging me down the street ! Thanks for what you do ! Can’t wait for weekend group events !
  • Benny Smith
    Mar. 23, 2024
    Our experience with Chuck and the entire team at Dog Training Elite has always been great! They offer so much more than just training for your pet. Would recommend to anyone wanting to train there beloved pets!
  • jodi khazin
    Mar. 22, 2024
    The group class is great for the dogs. It helps with socializing and group work. The trainers are all great. I love the classes
  • Paul Rieck
    Oct. 12, 2023
    Dog Training Elite is the real deal! Professional, accomodating and really good people. They take the time to explain and teach my service dog (and me as his handler). Highly recommend!!
  • Heather Massey
    Jan. 28, 2024
    Best trainers ever!!!! I have tried many. These are the best! I recommend them to everyone.
  • Samantha Stallman
    Jan. 5, 2024
    If I could give more than five stars I would. Very knowledgeable on different dog behaviors and really focusing their attention on what the dog and owners need/want from training. Chuck came out for a consult prior to committing and he really walked us through their program and listened to all of our concerns and our reasonings for getting our dog training. We worked with Nate and now my dog looks forward to weekly visits. Great company and employees!
  • Mike Wentworth
    Sep. 20, 2023
    The Dog Training threw ELITE is wonderful
  • Aaron Mizell
    Sep. 19, 2023
    Truly phenomenal team! They train you in order to train the dog rather than just focusing on the dog. Very much a "Teach a man to Fish" type of training. Our Service dog was the Royals Buck O'Neil Honoree because of their tremendous skill.
  • Dennis Aldy
    Jul. 21, 2023
    I absolutely loved Dog Training Elite. They came weekly to help both me and my dog to learn how to work together. DTE both demonstrated and allowed me to learn how to train my dog. DTE also answered all my questions, even making themselves available to continue and support my efforts in having a well trained family dog.
  • Douglas Scott
    Apr. 15, 2023
    Our Buster Brown has improved so much, Never likes the dogs on the TV but now we can tell him off and he just grumble talks to them. We are still working on boats that pass by on the lake but consistency will win the game. cheers to the Elite team!
  • Julie Lehane
    Mar. 21, 2025
    We cannot thank Dog Training Elite enough!! We brought Rooster home in October of 2024. He is my most fluffy little love my heart could ever desire. Rooster joined our home as our 5th dog and the largest of all of them. Our other pups are 3 wiener dogs and a frenchie. But “Roostie Doo” is my baby. Unfortunately with his larger size compared to our other dogs, and his super high puppy energy he was terrorizing our other dogs. I reached out to Dog Training Elite after hearing awesome stories of the wonders they had worked with other pups… it was the best decision ever. They came out to meet with me and set us up for their Puppy Training program with Kaylee as our trainer. Kaylee worked with us and for Rooster to address all of his issues. From food aggression to a very short attention span Rooster has blossomed into the best boy!! Rooster has completed Puppy Training and progressed into Puppy Gold(which is exactly what they have turned him into). He went from pushing the other dogs around to respecting their boundaries and waiting patiently for his food. He no longer counter surfs, or ties my legs together when we go for a walk. Everyone praises him for his behaviors when I take him to work where he is around at least ten other unfamiliar dogs. He even got his moment is the spotlight and walked like a pro in a parade last weekend!!! I could go on and on about the difference this training has made in “Mr. Rooster Cogburn”. But the true praise goes to Kaylee and the entire team at Dog Training Elite. There is a huge difference in dog training and teaching a dog owner how to best support for their dogs positive behaviors and this team knows it. Thank you so much for ending my husbands complaints of 5 is too many dogs!!!!
  • Darla Beckman
    Oct. 21, 2024
    Love the trainer's
  • GREG DURKIN
    Feb. 14, 2025
    THEIR TRAINERS ARE VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND THEY COME TO YOUR HOUSE. EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE.
  • Jake Cooper
    Feb. 13, 2025
    Chuck and his team are great. They will take a scary process seem like the easiest thing on earth. They will turn your puppy into a well behaved dog. Couldnt recommend them higher
  • Emily LaMar
    Aug. 24, 2024
    Cat is the best. She worked with our dog in a way that helped them learn quickly. She was patient and kind. I was not expecting our dog to learn as quickly as she did.
  • Amanda Kunkel Beech
    Aug. 13, 2024
    Haylee with Dog Training Elite has been doing an awesome job of teaching us to work with our dogs, Penelope and Oliver. Haylee has made sure each lesson has been tailored to the individual issues we were trying to work on with them. Additionally, she verifies that we have understood what is being taught so that we can continue to work with the dogs on our own. Chuck, Kaylee and Haylee have been completely invested in our progress. We were impressed both with our dogs and our own progress after each lesson! His prices were reasonable which was another plus! Chuck and his team have always been responsive and returned our messages and calls quickly or could easily reschedule if something arose that would conflict. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite for training your dogs of any age.
  • Amanda Beech
    Aug. 13, 2024
    Haylee with Dog Training Elite has been doing an awesome job of teaching us to work with our dogs, Penelope and Oliver. Haylee has made sure each lesson has been tailored to the individual issues we were trying to work on with them. Additionally, she verifies that we have understood what is being taught so that we can continue to work with the dogs on our own. Chuck, Kaylee and Haylee have been completely invested in our progress. We were impressed both with our dogs and our own progress after each lesson! His prices were reasonable which was another plus! Chuck and his team have always been responsive and returned our messages and calls quickly or could easily reschedule if something arose that would conflict. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite for training your dogs of any age.
  • DAVID DREDGE
    Aug. 10, 2024
    This company is very very accommodating, flexible and understanding. They are super good at training and explaining how to do it. They are patient with the dogs and really know how to get it done. In short THEY ARE THE BEST. I highly recommend 👌
  • Diane Gardner
    Jan. 21, 2023
    Wonderful people who know dogs. Took our 5 month old Standard Poodle from a great puppy to my licensed diabetic service dog in 6 months. Just do the homework. They continue to provide weekly learning activities. Great group. Highly recommend.
  • Kimberly Christopher
    Aug. 6, 2024
    My trainer, Cat, was wonderful to work with, as was the entire team. Training was kind, efficient and effective from Cat, and I’m very glad that training was held mostly at my home. Juniper and I put in the hard work each week - which is a must. It paid off- Juniper passed her certification, and we’re looking forward to the unlimited group classes. Another great feature of Dog Training Elite’s program! I would definitely recommend this group to anyone looking for a solid training program.
  • Bill Fry
    Apr. 11, 2024
    Love Chuck and all of his team they were able to help our crazy mastiff that is 250 lbs and thinks he was a lap dog and could jump on everyone ! He loves people and acts right now without dragging me down the street ! Thanks for what you do ! Can’t wait for weekend group events !
  • Benny Smith
    Mar. 23, 2024
    Our experience with Chuck and the entire team at Dog Training Elite has always been great! They offer so much more than just training for your pet. Would recommend to anyone wanting to train there beloved pets!
  • jodi khazin
    Mar. 22, 2024
    The group class is great for the dogs. It helps with socializing and group work. The trainers are all great. I love the classes
  • Paul Rieck
    Oct. 12, 2023
    Dog Training Elite is the real deal! Professional, accomodating and really good people. They take the time to explain and teach my service dog (and me as his handler). Highly recommend!!
  • Heather Massey
    Jan. 28, 2024
    Best trainers ever!!!! I have tried many. These are the best! I recommend them to everyone.
  • Samantha Stallman
    Jan. 5, 2024
    If I could give more than five stars I would. Very knowledgeable on different dog behaviors and really focusing their attention on what the dog and owners need/want from training. Chuck came out for a consult prior to committing and he really walked us through their program and listened to all of our concerns and our reasonings for getting our dog training. We worked with Nate and now my dog looks forward to weekly visits. Great company and employees!
  • Mike Wentworth
    Sep. 20, 2023
    The Dog Training threw ELITE is wonderful
  • Aaron Mizell
    Sep. 19, 2023
    Truly phenomenal team! They train you in order to train the dog rather than just focusing on the dog. Very much a "Teach a man to Fish" type of training. Our Service dog was the Royals Buck O'Neil Honoree because of their tremendous skill.
  • Dennis Aldy
    Jul. 21, 2023
    I absolutely loved Dog Training Elite. They came weekly to help both me and my dog to learn how to work together. DTE both demonstrated and allowed me to learn how to train my dog. DTE also answered all my questions, even making themselves available to continue and support my efforts in having a well trained family dog.
  • Douglas Scott
    Apr. 15, 2023
    Our Buster Brown has improved so much, Never likes the dogs on the TV but now we can tell him off and he just grumble talks to them. We are still working on boats that pass by on the lake but consistency will win the game. cheers to the Elite team!