Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite Knoxville

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

Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Knoxville, TN

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 Knoxville, TN 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville

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 Knoxville positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Knoxville Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite Knoxville

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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 Knoxville.
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.
A recent dog graduate sitting in front of a Dog Training Elite Knoxville car, contact us today for positive dog training in Knoxville, TN.

The Dog Training Elite Knoxville Difference


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

Dog Training Elite Knoxville 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 Knoxville, TN 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 Knoxville, TN 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

  • Taya Fillmore
    Nov. 6, 2024
    I loved my experience with Dog Training Elite. Parker has helped my standard poodle Kaiser blossom into quite the gentlemen. He used to jump on people and pull on the leash but now he is a model citizen. Thank you Parker and DTE
  • Bennett Moody
    Oct. 28, 2024
    Carol was such a sweetheart! She was so nice and was so great at making my dog obey! She taught me well how to train my dog! I really recommend!
  • Dylan Heaton
    Oct. 28, 2024
    Carol is great. Super happy with the training and work they did.
  • Jessica Sherbourne
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Loved working with jen she did an amazing job
  • Jessica A.M. Sherbourne
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Jen is really great and helpful
  • two long
    Oct. 9, 2024
    The experience was amazing, my dog Preston had a great time. Thank you Parker for the the experience.
  • William Wicks
    Oct. 9, 2024
    Best customer service by far, Buster loved it. Would definitely recommend to anyone living in Knoxville. Parker is by far the best dog trainer.
  • Malinda Manchester
    Oct. 4, 2024
    Great experience with knowledgeable people
  • Holly Horncastle
    Sep. 30, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been amazing! My dog, Lola, and I have made great strides as we have worked with the group, and Reina has been great! She trains ME how to train and work consistently with my pup. We are working towards therapy certification, and I’m so glad we found Dog Training Elite. Highly recommend!
  • Mollie Woltmann
    Sep. 25, 2024
    Our two Great Pyrenees mix pups were getting too difficult to train on our own. When our trainer arrived (Reina) for the assessment she knew what we needed- and we have learned so much! She loves dogs, is easy to work with, and responds quickly when there are any questions, issues, or schedule changes. Highly recommend!
  • Rachel Baudendistel
    Sep. 19, 2024
    Reina did great with Max! He absolutely loved his time with her ❤️
  • Jessica Coleman
    Sep. 17, 2024
    Reina has been an excellent dog trainer for my pup, Ghost. She is consistently punctual and patient in her work with Ghost.
  • Natalee Wells
    Sep. 13, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been awesome to work with! My dog had a few issues like jumping on people, and pulled me on a leash! Now I can have guests over and not be embarrassed!
  • April Dustin
    Aug. 5, 2024
    I can not thank Dog Training Elite enough for sending us Nikki, she from the very beginning of our training helped and improved our Shiloh Shepherd. Nikki listened to our concerns and answered all our questions as they came along. She was instrumental in achieving our Service Dog goals! Thank you for everything you do! I highly recommend her for all your dog training needs! ❤️🐾
  • Alisa Kellington-Welsh
    Apr. 19, 2024
    I can't recommend Dog Training Elite highly enough! From start to finish, my experience with them has been exceptional. Andi in the office is an absolute gem - always friendly, polite, and incredibly efficient. She made scheduling around my hectic timetable an absolute breeze, whether it was answering the phone or swiftly returning missed calls. And when it come to Parker, our trainer, I couldn't be more impressed. Parker was punctual and well-prepared for every lesson. His expertise and patience with me and my dog was evident, and I saw significant progress with each lesson. Thank you, Dog Training Elite, for providing the service that you do!
  • Daniel Stout
    Apr. 19, 2024
    Best trained dog I’ve ever had. Friendly service. Our trainer Nikki is great!
  • Janet Koontz
    Apr. 18, 2024
    I had a great experience with Nikki! She worked great with Zurii and I during our training sessions. We learned a lot.
  • Sherry Sapp
    Apr. 11, 2024
    What a great experience! We are so happy we chose Training Elite and Nikki was our trainer. Money well spent.
  • Lindsay Robison
    Apr. 9, 2024
    I’ve had nothing but a great experience with Dog Training Elite! Parker was our trainer and helped my crazy Labrador. My dog is now a better listener and is eager and engaged when it come to training. Thank you so much Parker and DTE! :)
  • Taylor Underwood
    Apr. 6, 2024
    Parker was very kind and detail-oriented when training my dog. Saw great results, would recommend to anyone!