Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite Oklahoma

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

Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Oklahoma City, OK

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 Oklahoma City, OK 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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma

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 Oklahoma City positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Oklahoma City Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite Oklahoma

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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 Oklahoma City.
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 Oklahoma Difference


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

Dog Training Elite Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma City, OK 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 Oklahoma City, OK 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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  • Rickey Truelove
    Oct. 23, 2024
    I cannot even begin to express how strongly I recommend Dog Training Elite Oklahoma for any training needs. We are using them for our service dog training. Their love for the animal and it's potential is amazing. They have been so gentle with Rose during her service dog training and in just 3 weeks she is a completely different dog! We can't wait to she her live up to her full potential and have a purpose after service dog training.
  • Heather Kramer
    Sep. 6, 2024
    Jessica has taught us and Penny so much! Penny can now go on walks, rides, and public places without a problem. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite, well worth the investment!
  • Karen Wilson
    Sep. 4, 2024
    Dog Training Elite provides excellent dog training. My golden doodle is behaving so much better as a result of the lessons David, Kristin, and Paul provided!!!
  • Nichole Criswell
    Sep. 3, 2024
    The trainers have been very helpful to us in getting our Autism Service Dog trained. They have worked well with our busy schedule. We are still in training and have completed the obedience portion and we have seen some major improvements in our dog.
  • Shana Darby
    Sep. 3, 2024
    Really impressed with the training and service Dog Training Elite offers. Would highly recommend!
  • Lindsey Madden
    Dec. 1, 2023
    Prior to DTE, Dashi was very nervous and reactive around other dogs, people, and vehicles. Treats were required to get her to do anything and we would never have dreamed she could ever be off-leash. Now, she is so well behaved and much better around all sorts of distractions. She regularly goes off-leash and is so much more confident and obedient! We can have so many more adventures now because we have confidence that she will listen. DTE was a game changer and our whole family is grateful! Multiple people have noticed that she really is a different dog. We won’t have another dog without DTE!
  • Adam Johnson
    Nov. 12, 2023
    Look man, my day was a straight up "BREAK SOME shhtuff" day! While dealing with a family emergency, I realized, I was 30 minutes away from home and my apt started in 10 minutes! I called Kristen who relayed the message to Korbyn (already patiently waiting at my home because you know... punctuality matters... sorry again . She got a heads up that I was having a hard time and NEEDED the therapy. (I'm not crying, you're crying!) When I arrived to my home, 40 minutes later; (I said sorry...) Korbyn sensed my stress/anxiety and informed me that she enjoyed the views my Homefront offer. She just told me if I needed some time to center or grab a drink she would sit right there and enjoy the view. INSTANT relief. Despite my tardiness, she ensured I understood every aspect of the information she provided me. I even had a breakdown moment in front of this young lady y'all. There is not a single, tiny little thing I can say negative about her. I am HONORED to post this. ~ Adam
  • Liz Springer
    Sep. 18, 2023
    These trainers are top notch!!!
  • Marcie Waligura
    Sep. 17, 2023
    David and Kristin have a real passion for the services they provide, and their love for both people and dogs is so genuine. We are grateful for the time and work they put into their training to ensure success!
  • Holly Jule
    Sep. 13, 2023
    You won’t find better training in the area for your best furry friend!! You’ll be so glad you called Dog Training Elite OKC!! We’ve known the owners/operators for many years and their results are truly inspiring!!
  • korbyn carter
    Sep. 11, 2023
    I loved DTE so much and believed in their training so fully that I became a trainer with them myself! Couldn't recommend highly enough.
  • K G
    Sep. 8, 2023
    I love Korbyn! She's amazing with my dog!
  • Korbyn McKale Poetry
    Aug. 27, 2023
    Kristin and David helped me train my pup and now he is my full time service dog! They are so thoughtful and passionate about what they do. Couldn’t recommend them more!
  • Jason Dawes
    Jul. 28, 2023
    This is the company and these are the people to use to train your dog. David and Kristin are amazing! They are patient yet authoritative with my dog. I saw an improvement in my dog after just the first session. But not only is my dog learning, but I’m also learning how to be a better owner. David and Kristin make the training simple and have given me the tools to reinforce everything they have taught my dog. I am so fortunate to have found them. I highly recommend David and Kristin and Dog Training Elite.