Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Milwaukee, WI

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 Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee 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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Milwaukee Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite Milwaukee

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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 Milwaukee.
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 Milwaukee Difference


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

Dog Training Elite Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI 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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  • Casey O'Donnell
    Nov. 1, 2024
    Working with Anina has been fantastic! She is an excellent dog trainer, who is very knowledgeable and patient. Lemmy was always SO excited for his training sessions!
  • Karen Stardy
    Oct. 1, 2024
    Paul and Aninia are the best trainers in the world. You may think this is to expensive but it has been worth every penny. The first dog we took was by referral as she is a service dog. The other two we are taking are for obedience and have asked for Paul and Aninia specifically because Paul can get through to my husband and make him understand dog must obey. The last half of their training will be very hard as it will mean driving back and forth between Stevens Point and Glendale. We're moving. Happy to do considering fantastic results of first dog. I have Parkisons and so don't sleep well at night and she is my mobility service dog. So worked well to train then. I know we will get the same results on the German Shepherds. I have confidence in Mary and her crew.
  • Nicole Wolf
    Sep. 25, 2024
    Mary was great to work with. When I reached out to Dog Training Elite, I was at my wits end with my reactive dog. I no longer was enjoying our walks, and they had become a point of stress in my life. Mary provided me with the tools to refocus my dog and reduce her reactivity, and I can say we are both enjoying our walks more. This training is not just for your dog, it's also for you. What I've learned has made me a better dog owner.
  • MELISSA PALACIOS
    Sep. 1, 2024
    My dog and I had a pleasant experience with Dog Training Elite. It made a huge difference training my dog, Bianco! I highly recommend it. Both Mary and Anina were amazing! We mostly worked with Anina, she was very friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. She did great with not only teaching my dog Bianco, but also focusing on teaching my sister and I how to train him. Before starting training, my dog would bark excessively, pull on walks, and react to other dogs/people/cars. Now my dog is more calm and a much better listener, which has strengthened our bond. Many thanks to you both!
  • Janet Gauger
    Aug. 30, 2024
    Anina was just great! Even stopped over on her own time when we had difficulty adjusting the prong collar. Maggie just loved her! Would highly recommend Anina.
  • Tamarra carr
    Aug. 19, 2024
    Paul and Mary did an amazing job in working with Journey (my Goldendoodle) and I. As a new puppy parent, learning the different facets of this particular breed and bonding with my new pup, had its challenges. However, with Paul and Mary's help, we were able to get though the trainings, successfully. Their skills and experience in training dogs to be service animals is incredible. Paul was my direct trainer, and he is knowledgeable, consistent and patient as a trainer. Something we really needed. I am grateful for the support that Paul and Mary provided on my journey, with Journey. Many thanks to you both!
  • Cindy Sancinati
    Jul. 25, 2024
    The? People that sent me paul yang. Was a very good gentleman.Help me a lot with training. I would recommend if you guys need help with training Your dog for support. They are very good people and they work very well.
  • Marina Steger
    Jul. 12, 2024
    My dog is my whole world, but he has developed some behavioral issues, such as being weary of strangers, excessive barking, and reactiveness to other dogs. Mary worked closely with me and him for a few months to help resolve these issues, and within the first few sessions I noticed a drastic improvement. She was patient with him and very informative. We still have work to do, but Mary and this company has given me the tools and resources to help me give my dog the best life I can. I 100% recommend this service.
  • Andrew Dunlap
    Jul. 10, 2024
    We have been working with Mary and she is amazing Our puppy Penny has greatly improved under her supervision Looking forward to beginning group classes Andy & Liz
  • Beth Bautz
    Jul. 3, 2024
    Anina was terrific training me and my dog! It's great to have her start something new with him, then coach me as I work with him. After trying two other classes/methods, its good to find a training style that works. I'm looking forward to the follow up group classes, as well.
  • Eva
    Jun. 23, 2024
    We had a very good experience with Anina, she was very knowledgeable and kind with our Akita. We saw immediate results and would definitely use this service again in the future!
  • Leah Linn
    Jun. 11, 2024
    It was an absolute pleasure working with Mary to get my dog (rhodesian ridgeback puppy) therapy dog certified. After the very first training session, I noticed a huge change in my puppy's behavior. I enjoyed both the one-on-one trainings and the group classes. Would highly recommend!
  • Adam Lang
    Apr. 29, 2024
    Both Mary and Paul have been great as we were looking for help training our rescue Nora. She’s already so much better than when we started, especially when walking. I can’t recommend DTE and both Mary and Paul higher. If you are looking for a trainer that uses classical conditioning, this is the one!
  • stephanie w
    Mar. 15, 2024
    Mary and Katie are both very sweet people and so easy to work with. Mary helped my dog and I both gain the confidence we need. My dog has come so far and I'm so thankful for Mary. #TeamDTE
  • Karen Stardy
    Mar. 3, 2024
    Trainers are great and it's nice I can work with my own dog under their supervision
  • Susan Freund
    Feb. 13, 2024
    Mary the trainer is awesome with my dog. Within 2 training sessions my dog was much better with her behavior. The training is top notch. Mary is working with my dog to be a service dog. The in home sessions worked well for me. I injured myself and can't drive at this time The training cost is worth every penny! I'm very happy to have found Mary and dog training elite
  • Neil Rossman
    Jan. 30, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been a great experience for myself and my dog. Mary met with us in home to do an evaluation, Paul completed the one on one course with my dog. Group training as follow up has been fun. Mary and Paul have been great to work with. 10/10
  • Tony Orlando
    Dec. 4, 2023
    Paul and Mary were amazing, I felt as if I was being instructed correctly and there was a complete change in behavior of my dog Goku. He was extremely excited puppy who did not understand how to control his excitement by week 3 he learned the basic obedience and continued on. Final week of private training Goku did not rush to the door nor jump on trainer. Without Dog Training Elite I would be feeling very anxious around other people and dogs but now I am completely comfortable with him being off leash around animals and people.
  • Nov. 20, 2023
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  • Quinn Armitage
    Oct. 30, 2023
    Dog Training Elite Milwaukee has worked magic with our mini bernidoodle and our Cane Corso. The doodle is being trained as a service animal and has amazing command response even as a young puppy(started training at about 6 months). The cane corso was a very good, well socialized, but highly independent animal. She did what she wanted and thought she was the boss. Since her basic training, she is much better behaved and listens to commands. I no longer have to leash her on walks through the woods, she never leaves my side, and comes on command when I let her run free.