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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Orlando, FL

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Orlando Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

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 Orlando, FL 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 in Orlando 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 in Orlando

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 Orlando positive reinforcement dog trainers.

Positive Dog Training in Orlando, FL

Dog Training Elite

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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 in Orlando Difference


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

Dog Training Elite in Orlando 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 Orlando, FL 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 Orlando, FL 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

  • lily priehs
    Jan. 12, 2026
    We absolutely loved using Dog Training Elite to train our golden retriever. Craig was the perfect trainer to help with our dog and also gave us tips and tricks to keep working with our dog in between lessons. It was nice and easy that Craig came to our house so that we could translate the commands to the everyday environment that our dog would be in. We also love doing the group training classes so we can learn to focus and obey commands with distractions. Our dog’s behavior changed so fast after our lessons and our friends and family still comment on how good and how well trained he is. I will use Dog Training Elite for our future dogs and recommend them to any of our friends that are looking for training.
  • Kathy Maltabes
    Dec. 31, 2025
    Absolutely adore Craig and staff. We transferred from the Venice location to our former home in the Orlando area and we were blessed with Craig. Whenever there's an issue with our Brussels Griffons Odile and Giselle we get a response within an hour ( most often less) and get a resolution to our issues. Craig is extremely polite as well as professional and ( at times) quite humorous. Our girls worship him as do we.
  • Megan Wills
    Dec. 30, 2025
    Craig transformed our dogs (2 miniature bernedoodles) behavior to be obedient task-trained service animals. Because of him, we have felt confident and comfortable to bring the dogs on 10 hour + flights. We couldn’t recommend enough!
  • Vic Vic
    Dec. 15, 2025
    Craig and his team did amazing getting Arthurtheservicedog to his full potential. Arthur is a rescued American pitbull terrier who today helps a veteran manage there PTSD.
  • Jessica White
    Dec. 14, 2025
    I have been working with this company for a few months with my dog, Gucci. He has made so much progress with his temperament and overall. obedience. Being able to be more hands on with his training has taught me how to help him become successful and continue learning as he gets older. He has successfully passed his training test thanks to Craig!! I would highly recommend this company for training needs. Instead of just taking your dog away for training, they teach you the tools you need to be able to aid in the training process at home for on going and long-term success.
  • Nadia Paredes
    Dec. 12, 2025
    Dog Training Elite was a game changer for my Cane Corso. Zion became aggressive overnight, and we were afraid he would not only be a liability, but life became really stressful. We needed help fast. Craig's knowledge, and his calm nature gave us confidence and reassurance. His calm nature and welcoming demeanor made him the perfect person for the job. Zion is a completely different dog. We are forever grateful.
  • lance brown
    Nov. 17, 2025
    Went well... Looking forward to save time next week !!!
  • demi hernandez
    Nov. 23, 2025
    I found multiple dog training facilities near my house, but this one is exactly what they promise! The reviews are legit and the training is right at your door & at your convenience! Worth every penny!
  • Hannah Miner
    Nov. 21, 2025
    Very helpful in training my therapy dog. Craig was great and very flexible with meeting times and locations. The group classes are a bonus too!
  • Sheila Hobson
    Nov. 20, 2025
    I highly recommend Dog Training Elite in North Orlando. The owner Craig is an outstanding trainer. Craig is very knowledgeable, friendly and patient. He has helped me train my English crème pass her Public Access Test and is now helping me finish her training to be a service dog for both me and with my husband’s mobility challenges. I can’t say enough good things about Craig and his expertise! I am so grateful to have had this experience training my dog. It’s been very rewarding watching how quickly my dog responds to the positive reinforcement that Dog Training Elite uses in its training program. Thank you Craig!
  • Kate Lombardo
    Nov. 19, 2025
    We have had an amazing experience working with Craig and his team to train our golden retriever into a diabetic alert dog! We have seen so much progress in her and can’t wait to see how much more she continues to grow!
  • Delany Giannoble
    Nov. 19, 2025
    We adopted our two-year-old German Shepherd about six months ago, and while she’s an amazing dog, she definitely is high-energy and needed some structure. Working with Craig has been a game changer! Iris has learned so much and the difference in our day-to-day life is incredible. She’s more focused, calmer, and so much easier to communicate with. We still have group classes ahead of us, and we’re excited to continue building on the progress she’s already made. Trainers at DTE are patient, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do - so thanks to Craig and the whole team at Dog Training Elite Orlando — highly recommend!
  • Alexandria Pinto
    Nov. 19, 2025
    I cannot recommend enough going with Dog Training Elite. I have learned an incredible amount of valuable information on how to best direct my dog Enzo. To train him, learn with him, grow with him. The trainer I have the pleasure of working with is Craig, and he couldn’t be better. Polite, calm, friendly and assertive, he has taught me how to best provide the most successful future for my dog. My dog over the course of the training has vastly improved in his obedience, his attitude, and ability to learn. Every tip and trick is customizable to the specific dog, such as interchangeable phrases and terms. The trainer has taught me as the handler how to correctly encourage my dog, correct my dog, and encourage growth. I went from having a crazy silly puppy to a well trained and well mannered dog that I am working towards getting a certification to be a service dog. It wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for Dog Training Elite! Thank you, a million times over, for helping my dog and I grow into the best team!
  • C Fra
    Nov. 18, 2025
    We enrolled in the Puppy to Platinum program with Dog Training Elite North and had an outstanding experience from start to finish. When we began, we were struggling with basic commands and walking routines - both of which improved significantly within the first few sessions. The sessions were hands on, direct and easy to reinforce at home. Over time, we saw our dog become not only more obedient but more confident and relaxed in new situations. That shift has made a meaningful difference in our day to day - for both us and our dog. If you are looking for training that delivers results, I highly recommend Dog Training Elite North, Craig, and their team!! Five stars all day.
  • Matt Runny
    Nov. 14, 2025
    I have a 8 year old Pitbull and she grew up with 2 dogs and 2 cats that are no longer around. So whenever she sees a dog or cat she’s barking and wanting to go say hello (bark) to where it’s an issue. I kept seeing Craig’s truck so I gave him a call and he has helped us tremendously. I take her everywhere with me now and under control. To be honest, I really didn’t have high hopes going into this, considering her age. But Craig definitely knows what he’s doing.
  • Veronica De Jesus
    Nov. 14, 2025
    I’ve had a great experience with Craig while training Cairo. While training can be challenging since Cairo has a huge puppy brain, Craig has helped to teach and provide the resources needed to ensure Cairo’s obedience and ability to the service dog test. Cairo is an extra large puppy that is mixed with Cane Corso, German Shepherd, and Husky so it is extra important in choosing a trainer that can help you breakthrough barriers that may be associated with breeds that have a bit more attitude (or are drama queens like Cairo lol). Craig is patient and knowledgeable and makes training a fun process!
  • Maria Del Carmen Sanchez
    Nov. 14, 2025
    I am very grateful for the services I received from Dog Training Elite North Orlando. Craig the tainer is a spectacular person, an amazing trainer with our beautiful dog Bella. I recommend him 100%. Thank you, Craig.
  • Mars Suarez
    Nov. 11, 2025
    I’ve been training my puppy with Craig since I brought him home and it’s been the best decision I could’ve ever made for us.
  • Isabela Ribeiro
    Nov. 6, 2025
    Craig is an excellent professional. He has helped my puppy in many ways and a lot of patience. Couldn’t recommend a better trainer.
  • Margaret Oropeza
    Nov. 6, 2025
    I can’t say enough great things about Craig. He has been working with my dog since she was a puppy, and the results are amazing! He built such strong foundations that have shaped her behavior and confidence. His passion for dogs truly shows in every session. He has so much patience and such a calm, intuitive way with dogs. It’s like he’s a real dog whisperer! He’s also extremely professional, responsible, always on time, incredibly friendly and a really nice person to work with. My dog is completely transformed thanks to his guidance. I’m so grateful for everything he’s done and would recommend him to anyone looking for a dedicated and talented trainer.