Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Scottsdale, AZ

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 Scottsdale, AZ 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 Scottsdale 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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Scottsdale Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite Scottsdale

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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 Scottsdale.
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 Scottsdale Difference


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

Dog Training Elite Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale, AZ 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 Scottsdale, AZ 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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  • mari griffin
    Jun. 15, 2024
    I can not recommend Dog Training Elite DTE) strong enough!!!! From day 1 the changes in my dog’s behavior blew me away. My Akita knew the basics and was a very good dog but I wanted an exceptional dog. A dog that would protect me or my family when needed but also he needed to be on his best behavior at ALL times. My training began with Karen (an excellent trainer with a natural gift to communicate with your furry best friend) Now we are working directly with Neil and everyday I feel like we are moving leaps and bounds. My Akita looks forward to his training days and he truly is a very happy participant in his training process. He wants to do all the things we ask of him and you can tell he cannot wait to learn something new and receive my praise. Again I highly recommend Neil and his team. If you want your dog to be the dog you see in the movies then DTE is the only call you have to make!!!!
  • Shannon Floersheim
    Oct. 26, 2023
    Fantastic trainors. They are very patient and encouraging. I love that they come to your home for the initial training sessions, then progress to public spaces and group classes. I would highly recommend this group to anyone! There are no bad dogs, just bad handlers.
  • Debora Gama Lima
    Apr. 8, 2023
    We started the training less than two months ago, and the results have been dramatic! We were dealing with a highly energetic English setter who was constantly barking in our fence to any walkers passing by, plus reactive behavior toward other dogs when walking on a leash. I had tried the usual trainers with a reward-based program with no success. This is not my first dog ownership. My previous experiences were with dogs that were much easier to train. The barking was, for me, a significant problem due to its impact on the neighbors. However, after the first visit with Neal, the barking was gone!! The training immediately corrected the jumping on the couch or at the counter. We have completed the home visits and are participating in the group classes with fantastic success. He is still a happy and playful puppy. The difference now is that he obeys our commands and understands the limits. Neal and his team have been professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. Thank Neal, Ashley, Azure, and the rest of the team for all their help.
  • Taylor Nuessle
    Jan. 28, 2019
    We have been working with Neil at Dog training Ellite for a few weeks now and have seen so much improvement with our puppy mowgli 😃 would highly recommend using their services!
  • Jeff D
    Sep. 27, 2018
    Dog Training Elite has done a great job of training my service dog. The combination of one-on-one training, group classes and their training techniques have been invaluable! Highly, highly recommend them!