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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite Los Angeles

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Los Angeles, CA

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 Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles

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 Los Angeles positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Los Angeles Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite Los Angeles

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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 Los Angeles Difference


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

Dog Training Elite Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA 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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  • Nate Van Fleet
    Dec. 21, 2024
    Clayton is a fantastic trainer, and a great guy! My partner and I highly recommend Dog Training Elite
  • Natasha Radojcic
    Nov. 23, 2024
    Clayton is great, am I’m so grateful for his expertise and guidance!
  • Dane Larsen
    Nov. 6, 2024
    Very very thankful I hired them for their services. The perk of having them come to your house and working around your neighborhood is profoundly helpful. We were lucky enough to have Clayton train our dog (or rather train us on how to). My relationship with my dog has improved, my dog’s confidence has improved, and all my neighbors think I own a new dog. I couldn’t recommend hiring them more. Clayton really took care of us. His knowledge / insights into dog training are robust. He clearly loves what he does and he empowers you to find the balance between you and your fur baby. THANK YOU CLAYTON!!
  • Brooke Viselli Anthony
    Nov. 5, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been such an amazing company to work with. Our trainer Clayton turned our puppy into the most confident and obedient dog. Our excited young puppy struggled with pulling on his leash and a lot of displaced energy. Since the very first session with Clayton, our puppy learned and applied so quickly. Clayton is the best trainer and is so patient and knowledgeable. We are confident that anyone who uses this company will have a great experience and will be setting their dogs up for great success!
  • Brooke Anthony
    Nov. 5, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been such an amazing company to work with. Our trainer Clayton turned our puppy into the most confident and obedient dog. Our excited young puppy struggled with pulling on his leash and a lot of displaced energy. Since the very first session with Clayton, our puppy learned and applied so quickly. Clayton is the best trainer and is so patient and knowledgeable. We are confident that anyone who uses this company will have a great experience and will be setting their dogs up for great success!
  • Joneen Murphy
    Nov. 2, 2024
    Clayton has been a great trainer. He has not just been helpful for Poppy, but for us as his owners. He explains things clearly and is great to work with.
  • Ashley Santos
    Oct. 28, 2024
    Dog trainer Clayton has been excellent with his approach, showing great patience and skill in working with my dog Zoey. I’ve seen improvements in her behavior and obedience since we started the training sessions. His positive reinforcement methods make a difference, and I’m happy with our progress so far!
  • Maria G
    Oct. 15, 2024
    Great time helping my pup name Ace he’s a Belgian Malinos breed after his training he has been easier to handle Hard work has paid off We are expecting to keep with his training at the park with your facility Trainer took his time to explain n help us greatly I would Highly recommend them
  • Ryan Peterlin
    Oct. 16, 2024
    Would 10/10 recommend. Clayton was so helpful and understanding when it came to my reactive cattle dog
  • Brittney Post
    Sep. 20, 2024
    Clayton is an amazing trainer who has not only taught our stubborn Jack Russell Terrier to listen and respond…..he has also taught us to be consistent with the training techniques and the results are fantastic. The time we have spent training our dog Gary for the last 8 weeks will pay off for a lifetime!
  • Josh S
    Sep. 18, 2024
    Clayton was great and very knowledgeable. They do awesome work.
  • Mike Feldman
    Sep. 6, 2024
    Jon and Clayton are awesome. Our German Shepherd is a rescue and was very territorial at our house. The guys gave us great tools to redirect his aggression and teach him good manners. The whole experience has been outstanding. Highly recommend these guys.
  • Sonia Vera
    Aug. 7, 2024
    Just had my training session with Clayton he was so sweet and gentle with my big 92 lb dog. Taught me a lot in such a short time. Will be ordering Anya her little bed to focus on practicing her place command. Thank you again Clayton was a pleasure:)!
  • brianna gutierrez
    Jul. 31, 2024
    Amazing training session for my nervous puppy! She was able to learn 3 new training skills the first day.
  • Akshay S
    Jul. 31, 2024
    Had an intro session at my apartment. Learned a ton about how I can be more effective training my pup and some errors I was making
  • Brit Hall
    Jul. 25, 2024
    Clayton is super patient and great at communicating. I like that he's very honest and helpful . I really enjoyed my dogs training session walking my dog will be less of a hassle now. He also saved my dog from an attack I swear Clayton is the best
  • THIS OR THAT!!!!!
    Jul. 22, 2024
    This was the very best dog training session I've ever come across! Clayton, our dog training was absolutely great! He was very knowledgeable about dogs and knows exactly what it takes to get a dog on track in any area of training! I would absolutely recommend this company and Clayton, to anyone who needs help understanding their dogs, etc. He gave us so many great tips and explained so much to me that helped me understand just where my dog was and what he needed moving forward. Definitely will be using this company again!
  • jasmin baadsgaard
    Jul. 19, 2024
    Clayton is such a nice and talented man!! Learned so much from our session and will recommend to all my friends!
  • Victoria Cruz
    Jul. 17, 2024
    It was great! They're awesome and responsive, will answer any of your questions and concerns. Definitely reach out to them for proper training and their knowledge trainers. 😊
  • Jan Gordon
    Jul. 13, 2024
    Our experience with Jon was terrific. Our Australian Shepherd is now a well trained young dog, the addition of the E collar was genius. We are extremely pleased and we recommend John highly