NePoPo® Dog Training: What It Is and Why It Works
A complete guide to the science-based training method used at East Tennessee's only NePoPo® Graduate facility
NePoPo® Graduate — Paws & Applause LLC, Maryville, TNQuick Answer: What Is NePoPo®?
NePoPo® (Negative-Positive-Positive) is a structured, science-based dog training system created by world-renowned trainer Bart Bellon. It uses operant conditioning to teach dogs through clear communication — starting with gentle guidance and finishing with layered reward. The result: confident, reliable dogs who understand exactly what's expected. David Van Fleet at Paws & Applause in Maryville, TN is the only NePoPo® Graduate in all of East Tennessee.
The Three Phases of NePoPo®
The name NePoPo® stands for Negative-Positive-Positive, referring to the three distinct phases every training interaction follows. Understanding these phases is key to understanding why NePoPo® produces such consistent, lasting results.
Ne — Negative
A brief, clear signal (mild pressure or prompt) that tells the dog "something is expected." This is not punishment — it's information. The dog learns a cue is active and a response is needed.
Po — Positive
The moment the dog responds correctly, the pressure releases. This is the first layer of reward — relief. The dog immediately feels the benefit of making the right choice.
Po — Positive
A second layer of reward follows — food, play, praise, or a favorite toy. This double reinforcement creates powerful motivation. Dogs learn that responding to cues leads to genuinely good outcomes.
This three-phase cycle gives dogs crystal-clear information about what's happening, what's expected, and what they earn by responding. There's no confusion, no frustration, and no learned helplessness. Dogs trained with NePoPo® are eager to work because the system makes sense to them.
How NePoPo® Compares to Other Methods
Understanding how NePoPo® fits in the broader training landscape helps clarify why many trainers and dog owners consider it the most complete approach available.
| Factor | Purely Positive | Traditional / Correction | NePoPo® |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary tool | Treats & praise | Corrections & pressure | Structured cycle of guidance + double reward |
| Clarity for the dog | Moderate — dog may not know when it's wrong | Moderate — dog may not know what's right | High — every step gives clear information |
| Works for reactive/anxious dogs | Sometimes struggles | Can worsen anxiety | Designed for these dogs — builds confidence |
| Long-term reliability | May fade without treats | May require ongoing correction | Self-sustaining — dogs internalize behaviors |
| Overall approach | Reward-only | Correction-focused | Complete communication system |
What Kinds of Dogs Benefit from NePoPo®?
NePoPo® works for every breed and temperament, but it truly shines with dogs that other methods have struggled to reach:
- Reactive dogs who lunge, bark, or lose control around other dogs or people
- Anxious or fearful dogs who shut down in new environments or around strangers
- Strong-willed breeds like German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Rottweilers, and Huskies
- Dogs with aggression issues — leash aggression, resource guarding, or territorial behavior
- Dogs who "know" commands but don't listen — the classic "he knows sit, he just won't do it" problem
- Puppies who benefit from learning clear communication from the very beginning
- Dogs who failed other training programs — NePoPo® often succeeds where other methods haven't
Real Results from NePoPo® Training
At Paws & Applause, our NePoPo®-based board and train programs produce measurable, visible change. Here's what our clients consistently report:
Dogs who pulled, lunged, and barked at every dog on the street learn to walk calmly past distractions on a loose leash.
Dogs come when called — even at the dog park, even when squirrels are involved. NePoPo® builds recall you can trust.
Fearful dogs gain confidence through structured success. They learn the world is predictable and rewards come from engagement.
Door dashing, counter surfing, jumping on guests — these behaviors resolve because the dog understands the rules, not just the consequences.
With 197 five-star reviews across Google, Rover, and Facebook, our results speak for themselves. Clients from Maryville, Knoxville, Alcoa, Seymour, and across East Tennessee bring their dogs to us specifically because NePoPo® delivers what other trainers promise.
Meet David Van Fleet — East Tennessee's Only NePoPo® Graduate
David Van Fleet is the head trainer and co-owner of Paws & Applause LLC in Maryville, Tennessee. He is the only NePoPo® Graduate in East Tennessee — a credential earned through intensive study under Bart Bellon's system, one of the most respected training programs in the world.
David's approach combines NePoPo® methodology with real-world experience across hundreds of dogs — from anxious rescues to high-drive working breeds. Every board and train program at Paws & Applause is built on NePoPo® principles.
- NePoPo® Graduate (Bart Bellon System)
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
- IACP Member (International Association of Canine Professionals)
- Veteran-Owned Business
- 197 Five-Star Reviews (Google, Rover, Facebook)
Experience NePoPo® Training for Your Dog
Schedule a free assessment call to discuss your dog's needs and learn how NePoPo® can help. No obligation — just a conversation about what's possible.
Mon–Sat 7am–7pm · Closed Sunday
Frequently Asked Questions About NePoPo® Training
What does NePoPo® stand for?
NePoPo® stands for Negative-Positive-Positive. It describes the three-phase training cycle: a brief signal (negative reinforcement), followed by two layers of reward (positive reinforcement). The method was developed by world-renowned trainer Bart Bellon and is used by certified trainers worldwide.
Is NePoPo® training safe for my dog?
Absolutely. NePoPo® is grounded in operant conditioning science and prioritizes clear communication over force. Dogs trained with NePoPo® methods are calmer, more confident, and more willing to work because they understand exactly what's expected. The method emphasizes reward and motivation as the primary drivers of behavioral change.
How is NePoPo® different from positive-only or correction-based training?
Positive-only training uses rewards but can leave gaps when a dog doesn't understand what not to do. Correction-based training tells a dog what's wrong but may not clearly communicate what's right. NePoPo® combines both through a structured system that gives dogs complete information — what's expected, what the right response feels like, and what they earn by getting it right.
Can NePoPo® help with aggression or reactivity?
Yes — this is one of NePoPo®'s strongest areas. Because the method builds confidence and gives anxious or reactive dogs clear, predictable structure, it often succeeds where other approaches have struggled. Many of our board and train clients come to us specifically because their dog has reactivity or aggression issues that other trainers couldn't resolve.
Where can I find a NePoPo® trainer near Maryville or Knoxville, TN?
Paws & Applause LLC at 7337 Tomotley Road, Maryville, TN 37801 is the only NePoPo® Graduate-level training facility in East Tennessee. We serve Maryville, Knoxville, Alcoa, Seymour, Louisville, Blount County, and the surrounding areas. Call (865) 300-5988 for a free assessment or visit our board and train page to request a quote.
What does a NePoPo® board and train program include?
Our board and train programs include 24/7 care, daily structured training sessions using NePoPo® methodology, behavior modification, socialization, daily photo and video updates, and follow-up lessons after graduation. Programs range from 2 to 6+ weeks depending on your dog's needs and goals. Every program is customized — no two dogs get the same plan.