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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite Knoxville

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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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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

  • Desirae Wagnon
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Graci came and helped us with our needs!! She made sure we understood everything about the training. I can’t wait to work with the team on training!
  • Calie Benke
    Jun. 5, 2025
    Reina is a wonderful trainer for our needs. She was straightforward, understanding, transparent, helpful, confident - all the necessary traits for a couple of newbies like us. She is an invaluable resource to rely on as our rambunctious puppy is turning into a well-behaved pup. The cost feels a little pricey, but our journey with Reina has eased the anxiousness around it. Highly recommend!
  • Jen Newell
    May. 8, 2025
    Great job. So far. Been working with our puppy now for 7 weeks. Thank you Cost is expensive but well worth it. Reina is amazing she's very patient very understanding very loving caring group of people. We have worked with a couple of other trainers but I really like Reina. If you get a chance take it
  • Wendy Mendelsohn
    May. 28, 2025
    Will start training tomorrow, but the initial assessment went well. Was very impressed with what to expect from the outcome of the program. 1st session: Kenna was my trainer today and it went very well. She was kind and positive, my pup responded wonderfully.
  • Dannie Harris
    Jan. 14, 2025
    Another great trip out with Kenna! She was so helpful! I highly recommend this company…next to the mall.
  • Herbert Knapp
    May. 30, 2025
    Awesome very knowledgeable and understanding really was interested in what I was looking to get out this Training very much put my mind at ease
  • APRIL MCVAY
    May. 30, 2025
    Dog Training Elite provide top-notch training for your dogs. Parker worked directly on leash aggression with Sam. The problem was corrected during our session. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Lori-Anne Williams
    May. 29, 2025
    Reina's dedication to excellence helped "my Hannah" become a happy, obedient, and confident dog. When I adopted Hannah as a puppy from a shelter, she came to me with absolutely no training or discipline. I felt extremely frustrated because I was so unprepared to provide the training she needed, but Reina came right in and confidently met BOTH of our needs. She quickly made the adjustments we needed and personalized our program for us with tremendous patience and incredible kindness. Ultimately, she taught us both exactly what we needed to know!
  • Christie Steier
    May. 28, 2025
    I cannot say enough about how pleased I am with the services of Dog Training Elite of Nashville. Reina was wonderful. She was very professional but at the same time very friendly and kind. I can tell she really loves dogs and her job! The difference in my dog’s behavior is amazing. I no longer worry about being injured by being dragged down the street when I walk him, or having to lift him into the car. I can take him out with me more and he is so well behaved that everyone that sees him loves him. Thank you Reina!
  • Carmen McKinley
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Montana was extremely professional, very nice, friendly and LOVES DOGS! She was very helpful from our first training session on. I look forward in seeing how she can help in so many ways with my new puppy!!
  • Ashley Reynolds
    May. 27, 2025
    So friendly and knowledgeable! Millie is making progress in less than a week!
  • Kristy Schnetzler
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Reina is wonderful! Our fur baby continually has progress week over week!! Our goal is to have Gabby trained as a service companion for our little one, with Raina's help, we are confident we will get there! We so appreciate all you do for us and think you, you are absolutely amazing!!!!
  • Saba Chishti
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Lots of patience and guidance! Would highly recommend. She answered all of our questions and more!
  • Robert Law
    May. 19, 2025
    We did the assessment with Reina and they are fantastic! I would 100% recommend their services over anyone else.
  • Dale Herrington
    May. 9, 2025
    She was very knowledgeable and helpful.
  • Taeron Thomas
    May. 8, 2025
    It was a very straightforward process and very detailed price wise was the only hit definitely looking in to it
  • Joe Coomer
    May. 6, 2025
    Excellent
  • S Nabrotzky
    May. 4, 2025
    Dog Training Elite, especially Parker has helped us enjoy our dog so much more. He does have the annoying troublesome behaviors. He’s more content and obedient. We can have guests over and everyone is comfortable. We are so pleased with what Dog Training has done for us.
  • Kyle Wagner
    May. 2, 2025
    Second in home visit and my pup is making amazing progress. Very happy with the service!
  • Holly Homant
    Apr. 30, 2025
    Carol was super kind and helpful!
  • Desirae Wagnon
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Graci came and helped us with our needs!! She made sure we understood everything about the training. I can’t wait to work with the team on training!
  • Calie Benke
    Jun. 5, 2025
    Reina is a wonderful trainer for our needs. She was straightforward, understanding, transparent, helpful, confident - all the necessary traits for a couple of newbies like us. She is an invaluable resource to rely on as our rambunctious puppy is turning into a well-behaved pup. The cost feels a little pricey, but our journey with Reina has eased the anxiousness around it. Highly recommend!
  • Jen Newell
    May. 8, 2025
    Great job. So far. Been working with our puppy now for 7 weeks. Thank you Cost is expensive but well worth it. Reina is amazing she's very patient very understanding very loving caring group of people. We have worked with a couple of other trainers but I really like Reina. If you get a chance take it
  • Wendy Mendelsohn
    May. 28, 2025
    Will start training tomorrow, but the initial assessment went well. Was very impressed with what to expect from the outcome of the program. 1st session: Kenna was my trainer today and it went very well. She was kind and positive, my pup responded wonderfully.
  • Dannie Harris
    Jan. 14, 2025
    Another great trip out with Kenna! She was so helpful! I highly recommend this company…next to the mall.
  • Herbert Knapp
    May. 30, 2025
    Awesome very knowledgeable and understanding really was interested in what I was looking to get out this Training very much put my mind at ease
  • APRIL MCVAY
    May. 30, 2025
    Dog Training Elite provide top-notch training for your dogs. Parker worked directly on leash aggression with Sam. The problem was corrected during our session. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Lori-Anne Williams
    May. 29, 2025
    Reina's dedication to excellence helped "my Hannah" become a happy, obedient, and confident dog. When I adopted Hannah as a puppy from a shelter, she came to me with absolutely no training or discipline. I felt extremely frustrated because I was so unprepared to provide the training she needed, but Reina came right in and confidently met BOTH of our needs. She quickly made the adjustments we needed and personalized our program for us with tremendous patience and incredible kindness. Ultimately, she taught us both exactly what we needed to know!
  • Christie Steier
    May. 28, 2025
    I cannot say enough about how pleased I am with the services of Dog Training Elite of Nashville. Reina was wonderful. She was very professional but at the same time very friendly and kind. I can tell she really loves dogs and her job! The difference in my dog’s behavior is amazing. I no longer worry about being injured by being dragged down the street when I walk him, or having to lift him into the car. I can take him out with me more and he is so well behaved that everyone that sees him loves him. Thank you Reina!
  • Carmen McKinley
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Montana was extremely professional, very nice, friendly and LOVES DOGS! She was very helpful from our first training session on. I look forward in seeing how she can help in so many ways with my new puppy!!
  • Ashley Reynolds
    May. 27, 2025
    So friendly and knowledgeable! Millie is making progress in less than a week!
  • Kristy Schnetzler
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Reina is wonderful! Our fur baby continually has progress week over week!! Our goal is to have Gabby trained as a service companion for our little one, with Raina's help, we are confident we will get there! We so appreciate all you do for us and think you, you are absolutely amazing!!!!
  • Saba Chishti
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Lots of patience and guidance! Would highly recommend. She answered all of our questions and more!
  • Robert Law
    May. 19, 2025
    We did the assessment with Reina and they are fantastic! I would 100% recommend their services over anyone else.
  • Dale Herrington
    May. 9, 2025
    She was very knowledgeable and helpful.
  • Taeron Thomas
    May. 8, 2025
    It was a very straightforward process and very detailed price wise was the only hit definitely looking in to it
  • Joe Coomer
    May. 6, 2025
    Excellent
  • S Nabrotzky
    May. 4, 2025
    Dog Training Elite, especially Parker has helped us enjoy our dog so much more. He does have the annoying troublesome behaviors. He’s more content and obedient. We can have guests over and everyone is comfortable. We are so pleased with what Dog Training has done for us.
  • Kyle Wagner
    May. 2, 2025
    Second in home visit and my pup is making amazing progress. Very happy with the service!
  • Holly Homant
    Apr. 30, 2025
    Carol was super kind and helpful!