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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

  • Lynne H
    Oct. 3, 2025
    Our dogs love their training sessions and practice sessions. We are very pleased with the progress they've made.
  • Madison Miller
    Oct. 2, 2025
    We had an amazing experiencing with DTE ! Our golden (Remus) did the platinum program ( basic/advance obedience) to help prepare him for intro into service dog training. 10/10 recommend and cannot thank the staff enough ! Cheyanne and Chelsea are amazing with evaluating and helping you choose which program would be best for you and your companion’s needs along with answering any/ all questions you may have . The trainers, Jaeden and Maria , are super helpful and offer great feedback on your companion and ways to help you and your dog succeed in their program! We saw an immediate difference in Remus within just 1-2 days of him training in the classes and it has boost his confidence level . He looks happier and shows a more confident and prouder stance in how he represents himself. We couldn’t be more proud and happy to be part of the DTE pack !!!
  • Lovexeverful (Perla)
    Sep. 28, 2025
    I am very happy with the results of my Irish Doodle training, it is giving excellent results, apart from the classes having the opportunity of group meetings in the park and training there are being very helpful for him and form me too. I recommend 💯 this school.
  • Milissa Burger
    Jun. 18, 2024
    Chelsea, Cheyenne, and Maria are excellent dog trainers. Upon meeting them you instantly know working with dogs is their passion. My little puggle, Maggie, is adorable but was a “hot mess” when it came to behavior. Maria worked with us in home and within a few lessens she was much better behaved. She loves people and didn’t understand that not everyone loves her, her jumping on people has stopped. The group walks in Winter Garden and obedience training in Phelps has helped further improve her listening and behavior. She’s learned how to behave around other dogs and people. I’m considering taking her training to the next level with their therapy dog training. I highly recommend this team for your dog training needs.
  • Greggory Castellucci
    Sep. 24, 2025
    Craig, and the Crew at Dog Training Elite in North Orlando, are results driven, customer oriented and simply exceptional. They treat your pets like their own, and have the flexibility to work within the boundaries of your schedule. If you want what’s best for your dog then you need the best training service in Orlando; this is it.
  • Jennifer Rosal
    Sep. 19, 2025
    Craig was amazing training our puppy but also training us! We would have never known all the tips and tricks to help our puppy without his help! Thank you so so much…our puppy is almost a year old and is off leash running with the kids and we are truly enjoying her more than I could have imagined with Craig’s help!!
  • Darby Hold
    Sep. 18, 2025
    I was at my wits end when my stepdaughter recommended Craig, who she knows from high school days. We have a Morkie; now 7 months old. Hired a trainer initially to teach the basics of sit, stay, come. When our Lily started showing signs of aggression, disobedience and so on; we knew we needed something more. I was truly ready to send her back to the breeder Along came Craig and he convinced me that we would have a new dog before it was over with. I could not be happier with the results. Lily has come such a long way and other than a few tweaks, we see a new puppy really; just what we wanted. He is amazing and patient and made the whole process fun. So knowledgeable and intuitive. I would highly recommend him. Dog Training Elite North Orlando should be your next call if you need help with your furry friend. Thanks Craig!
  • Cindy Kasper
    Sep. 17, 2025
    OMG! Over the top experience! Bandit responded to training immediately. Glad I signed up for platinum training as I will definitely be using there excellent training. Group classes and one one at the house.
  • Jerry Wooldridge
    Sep. 5, 2025
    Maria was great. She educated us on how to integrate a 100 lb adult dog with an 8 lb. Puppy. We can’t wait until our next lesson.
  • Melissa Perez
    Aug. 30, 2025
    My experience so far is exceptional. Her dedication, consistency, love, and passion for what she do is amazing. My dog is learning so good and she loves it.
  • Alexandria Perez
    Aug. 30, 2025
    Working directly with Cheyenne, Maria, Kari, and Jaden has been a phenomenal experience. I’m very grateful I chose this company. The staff is very kind and well educated. One of my dogs is dog aggressive and my partner and I had to think about Behavioral Euthanasia. This company has given us hope. My dogs are beginning to be well behaved. It’s only been two weeks but I will update this comment in a couple months. Thank you guys for everything.
  • Marissa Knight
    Aug. 8, 2025
    Craig and Elite dog training were excellent!! We have a golden retriever and she learned quickly and loved training. Highly recommend!
  • breanna Collings
    Aug. 2, 2025
    They are just simply the best! Our boy has done a complete turn around. We can now take him places without issue. Best decision we have ever made!
  • Barbara Schutt
    Aug. 1, 2025
    Our boys look very happy. Thanks.
  • katie morris
    Jul. 31, 2025
    I highly recommend Cheyanne and DTE. It’s worth the money. It’s an investment that lasts a life time, it’s a gift that keeps giving! Don’t hesitate, take the leap and let them help you and your pup live your best lives together.
  • Reynaldo Rodriguez
    Jul. 31, 2025
    Chelsea, Cheyenne, Maria, and Kari are all amazing! They are knowledgeable, caring, understanding, patient and attentive. They provide such a high quality experience and even are available via text! I would recommended this experience to every single pet owner! Give you and your baby the tools to succeed! Here’s a pic of my baby on her first day! 😍
  • Amy Best
    Jul. 7, 2025
    Such a great experience. My pup and I worked with 3 different trainers from this company and they were all wonderful! Definitely worth the investment. The trainer, Maria, was especially talented and trained my dog within minutes. It was amazing!
  • Sadie Scholl
    Jun. 27, 2025
    Absolutely amazing team. I needed a last minute certification for my dog and Craig did it without question. He was very kind, answered all my questions without making me feel dumb, very professional. Amazing team and I would recommend them to anyone.
  • Paulette Ross
    Jun. 20, 2025
    I have a dalmation puppy and needed help in training her. Someone else in my neighborhood had used Elite and Craig in training her dog and recommended him. I’m so glad she did!! They do the training by coming to your home and training in your environment. Also they do group classes every week. It is great for socializing hour dog and practicing with their instruction. They also have pack walks which gets your dog in other environments which is great. I would highly recommend Craig and Elite Dog Training!!
  • Steve Smitherman
    May. 13, 2025
    Kari was outstanding!