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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Dog Training Elite Michiana

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN

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 South Bend / Elkhart, IN 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 Michiana 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 Michiana

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 South Bend / Elkhart positive reinforcement dog trainers.

South Bend / Elkhart Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers

Dog Training Elite Michiana

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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 South Bend / Elkhart.
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 Michiana Difference


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

Dog Training Elite Michiana 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 South Bend / Elkhart, IN 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 South Bend / Elkhart, IN 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

  • shane spangler
    Oct. 24, 2024
    I got the puppy platinum package and I had a great experience. My dog Maus is very well behaved and has come a long way. He is much less reactive than he was, and Rich and his team has taught me how to teach my dog how to behave properly. It does require work on my part, but that work really pays off. I couldn't be happier.
  • Josh
    Sep. 29, 2024
    We found Dog Training Elite Michiana through Fetch! and we knew our stubborn pup(German Shepherd) would need serious training due to her grown habits. She had some bad habits that we were struggling to handle and we needed valuable tools and training to correct them. She is an incredibly intelligent, stubborn(strong-willed) and determined dog and we wanted her to be okay around the family. She needed valuable training to and Dog Training Elite was able to provide. We met Rich on our first appointment and he has refused to give up on her ever since. You could tell he was reading the room and her behavior well as he was really good at translating her cues to us. Our dog showed lots of improvements very quickly and we are no longer late to functions. We feel a lot more comfortable with her around the family. Dog Training Elite means serious business and Rich's overall experience was clearly evident as he was able to acknowledge and correct our dog(who was stuck in a rut) and help her become a valuable member of our family. Rich was very determined, worked really well with our dog and read her like a book. We are greatly appreciative for the training to not only our dog, but to us so we can react appropriately to her reactions/actions. We look forward to continuing to work with Dog Training Elite as our beloved dog grows.
  • Michelle Quinn
    Sep. 20, 2024
    Rich has been working with our family and our two dogs…a puppy and a ten yr old dog. We are new to the e-collar technology and it has been an amazing transition in their obedience. Rich is extremely knowledgeable and professional! Always on time and flexible with our schedule! He has helped us become better dog owners and our dogs now actually love each other!!
  • Karli Saner
    Jun. 22, 2024
    The best thing I ever did for myself and my dog was reach out to Dog Training Elite. There are hundreds of dog trainers around, but what this program offers is true support and understands YOUR dog—I mean it. I cried the first day of class watching my puppy become accustom to new things (habits I allowed her into), but four weeks later...I already have a new dog. It just keeps getting better. I couldn't recommend a better program and better trainers. They teach you about their methods, they train YOU as the owner, and they listen. Huge shoutout to Rich who has been absolutely nothing but kind and gracious to me and Aspen. He's a fantastic person and trainer. I've now become the dog owner who genuinely cares about who my dog interacts with and why. She's an amazing 8 month old puppy and she deserves the best life. I will give it to her.
  • Taylor Feeheley
    Jun. 7, 2024
    If you are looking for some training for your dog then Dog Training Elite is your answer! We just completed the last session yesterday and couldn’t be more happy with the progress made. Huge thanks to Rich for being patient and really working with my dog Cass. Cass went from a hyper active bozo to a well mannered boy!
  • Ziebart
    Jun. 6, 2024
    So happy to have Richard working with my dog Elvis. We are six weeks in on classes and he is addressing all behavioral problems successfully. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Echo Higueros
    May. 21, 2024
    Diane is the nicest and best trainer. She found AJ my sdit when I was attending Purdue. He has become such a big part of my world! She is also a big part of his life too! I send her updates all the time about his progress and she'll answer any questions or worries I have. Definitely recommend her to help with any training for a service dog or just obedience training!
  • Gabrielle Fisher
    Feb. 19, 2024
    I have nothing but gratitude for DTE. My dog Bun has gone from a good dog who I adore to an absolute support to me on top of that. I can not wait to continue this journey with Bun and DTE. They have helped me start my journey of creating a relationship with my dog where he is truly a dog who can help me on days where I can't and that is priceless. From getting his basics in to working towards service it has been extremely clear and so easy to follow. They are truly passionate about this work and it shows. Diana has worked with me and all of my issues and how to adapt while working with my dog. I really can't thank them enough.
  • Gabrielle Fisher
    Feb. 19, 2024
    I have nothing but gratitude for DTE. My dog Bun has gone from a good dog who I adore to an absolute support to me on top of that. I can not wait to continue this journey with Bun and DTE. They have helped me start my journey of creating a relationship with my dog where he is truly a dog who can help me on days where I can't and that is priceless. From getting his basics in to working towards service it has been extremely clear and so easy to follow. They are truly passionate about this work and it shows.
  • Chubby Supreme
    Feb. 13, 2024
    My experience with DTE and my trainer Diana has been second to none and totally invaluable. Starting service dog training with my lab Luna has been life changing thanks to Diana providing us with the knowledge and skills we need to be successful. Diana is kind, patient, compassionate, understanding, knowledgeable, experienced— literally everything you could ever want in a trainer. I highly recommend DTE Michiana to anyone looking for dog training services. Thank you Diana for all that you’ve done for us and continue to do!
  • Diane Hyepock
    Nov. 19, 2023
    Great trainers who are passionate about their work.
  • Kristin Basham
    Jul. 5, 2023
    Can't wait to have Diane train my new puppy.
  • Austin Hale
    Jun. 29, 2023
    This service absolutely changed our lives. Our dog used to have sever separation anxiety to the point where we had to kennel her while we were at work. Otherwise, our house would be chewed up when we got home. That's when we met Diana. Through her daily walks and her training sessions, our dog is almost unrecognizable. Utilizing Dog Training Elite Michigan was such a blessing. Thank you for everything!