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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment
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 dog training in Bridgewater / Westfield 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 Northern Central New Jersey 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!
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Northern Central New Jersey location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
Pricing Coming Soon!
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 4 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
Gold
Pricing Coming Soon!
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Class Training Sessions 12 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
Platinum
Pricing Coming Soon!
OUR MOST POPULAR PACKAGE!
Our platinum package offers you training sessions for the lifetime of your dog!
Follow-up sessions to be scheduled once per month (as needed) after initial program is completed.
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions + (Lifetime Follow-up Training Included)
- Group Class Training Sessions (Lifetime access included)
- Come
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Get into Car or Kennel
- STOP Running Away
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Puppy Biting
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing
- STOP Digging
- Noise Desensitization (doorbell, vacuum, etc.)
- Control Aggression(dog & human)
- *Stay With You on a Job or Bike Ride (off-leash)
- *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
- *Control Aggression(dog & human)
- *Calm Extreme Anxiety(behavioral modification)
Positive Dog Training in Bridgewater / Westfield
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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Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
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Empowering Owners
We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. -
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. -
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
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Supportive
We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session"). -
Involved
We work with all members of the household. -
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
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Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training. -
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term. -
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing
PSYCHOLOGY
noun
A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
The transformation in our dog's behavior after completing Dog Training Elite's program has been incredible. In just two short months, we've noticed a remarkable improvement without compromising his playful spirit. Kim and Marcus were exceptional trainers—always responsive, punctual, and warm with both us and our dog. If you're struggling with your dog's behavior, don't wait—sign up for this course today! A huge thank you to everyone at Dog Training Elite for truly making a difference in our lives!— Matthew Williams
Posted September 10th 2024
The transformation in our dog's behavior after completing Dog Training Elite's program has been incredible. In just two short months, we've noticed a remarkable improvement without compromising his playful spirit. Kim and Marcus were exceptional trainers—always responsive, punctual, and warm with both us and our dog. If you're struggling with your dog's behavior, don't wait—sign up for this course today! A huge thank you to everyone at Dog Training Elite for truly making a difference in our lives!— Matt
Posted September 10th 2024
I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with the Dog Training Elite Northern Central NJ team! Trainers Kim and Marcus have made training such a fun and engaging experience for service dog, Layla, a 1.5 yo Cattle Dog mix — their passion and dedication in setting Layla up for success shines in every session we have. My bond with Layla has strengthened significantly and I’m so thrilled with how far we’ve come! Their expert knowledge, and enthusiasm for helping dogs while having a great time in the process is truly commendable. Thank you for your hard work and commitment in guiding Layla towards her fullest potential!— Carly Raphan
Posted August 7th 2024
Marcus with Dog Training Elite absolutely exceeded our expectations! He went above and beyond for us during our training and was always just a text message away if we had questions. He was professional, knowledgeable and so caring when it came to our pup! My dog is now so well mannered and understands all commands. I would recommend DTE to anyone!— Elizabeth Dzuro
Posted August 7th 2024
From the first training session I knew it was the right fit. Kim, our trainer, has been just what our black Lab Zoey needed. She has had great insight and really vested in our Zoey. When I say Zoey has come along way she has achieved the ability to know the commands, has had leash training and after just two sessions been able to heel and walk along grass and not be distracted like most 7 month old Labs are. She has introduced her to another dog which was her first socializing with others since she left her Mom and siblings. If you’re in need of a puppy to be trained look no further you have come to the right training program. Definitely 5 stars!!— Renee Auerbacher
Posted June 5th 2024
The Dog Training Elite Northern Central New Jersey Difference
Dog Training Elite Northern Central New Jersey uses modern training methods focused on positive dog training using reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite Northern Central New Jersey trainers 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 Northern Central New Jersey’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 dog training method of Dog Training Elite Northern Central New Jersey 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 Northern Central New Jersey, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it.
Dog Training Elite Northern Central New Jersey 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 Northern Central New Jersey 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 Northern Central New Jersey 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 assessment!