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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Asheville

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Asheville, NC.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Asheville, NC

Classical conditioning is a learning process also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. Discovered by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov, classical conditioning involves developing automatic reflexes to specific conditions. This leads to creating behaviors.

Pavlov is considered to be the father of “classical conditioning.” As a matter of fact, he originally tested his theory using dogs. In an experiment, Pavlov observed dogs began to salivate not just when they received food, but when the people associated with feeding them arrived. Pavlov began to ring a bell when the dogs were presented with food. Over time, the dogs learned to associate the sound of the bell ringing with food. Their mouths would salivate whenever the bell rang.

Dog Training Elite Asheville dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Asheville, NC to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Asheville trainer , your dog will become conditioned and develop those “automatic reflexes” to commands such as sit, down, heel, break, and more.

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Dog Training Elite Asheville

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Asheville NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Asheville, NC does make use of an electronic collar. The use of an electronic collar is vastly different in two main ways.

The electric collar does not shock your dog. Instead, it generates a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash.
The electronic collar is never used to punish a dog. It is used to simply gain the attention of a dog and help them focus on the task at hand.
Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective.
A dog owner playing with his german shepard, learn more about our Asheville classical conditioning dog trainers.

Asheville Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

Positive Reinforcement Vs. Punishment

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Traditional dog training methods rely on punishment for errors and “low value” rewards, such as praise or petting, when a dog performs a desired behavior. Dog Training Elite Asheville never resorts to punishing a dog to make them unlearn bad behavior.

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 - but where the owner can’t find them.

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. The difference between a dog who has been exposed to dog training techniques used to obey out of fear vs. a dog who learns to obey through a positive, loving bond with their owner is huge.

Positive reinforcement works with dogs because they are inherently eager to please. Rewarding your dog for good behavior as you work with a Dog Training Elite in Asheville, NC trainer to help your dog be more obedient will help you create a deep, loving relationship with your dog built on trust.

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A women playing with her service dog in Asheville, NC.

The Dog Training Elite Asheville Difference


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Dog Training Elite in Asheville, NC uses modern dog training techniques and methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite Asheville 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. Dog Training Elite Asheville’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature.

After proper conditioning and working with Dog Training Elite in Asheville, NC, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it. The unique techniques of Dog Training Elite Asheville ensure training is a success no matter what your dog’s behavior.

Get started training your dog today. Find a trainer near you and schedule a free in-home consultation!

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You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Sequoia Cheney
    Feb. 8, 2025
    Joy loves David and Nikki💜 their training methods are personal, efficient and comprehensive. Through their guidance Joy is taking the next step from basic training and soon be a certified therapy dog! We highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Amanda O
    Feb. 8, 2025
    This was exactly what our pups needed. Our family can now confidently enjoy taking our dogs out and about knowing that they will behave. We had tried other obedience training in the past with minimal success. Dog Training Elite gave us the tools we needed to successfully train our two young pups.
  • Jack Cheney
    Jan. 30, 2025
    Our dog Joy, a shih tzu, loves David and Nicki!! Through their caring approach and at home follow-up, Joy is making wonderful progress learning the skills and confidence to help her become a happy and effective therapy dog. Many thanks, Sequoia and Jack
  • Michael Lewis
    Jan. 18, 2025
    David and the Dog Training Elite team are truly lifesavers. Our dog struggled with aggression with other dogs, which prevented us from being able to take him out with us and give him the life he needed. After just two months our pup was completely changed! I cannot overstate how effective David and his team are, and they create a friendly and fun environment at every training session.
  • hannah clayton
    Jan. 18, 2025
    I truly couldn’t be happier with our experience with Elite dog training. When I met David, I was afraid to do anything with my dog, I was even afraid to walk him alone. Now, I am living with ease and my dog is so much happier. He gets to come everywhere with us and we have all the tools to ensure a safe experience for all. When I say it was miraculous, I’m not exaggerating. I wish we would’ve done this years ago! Plus, they are so kind and thoughtful which makes training feel less like work, and more like fun!
  • Beth Parrott
    Jan. 10, 2025
    David and Nicole are an excellent team. Their love of dogs is so evident. I wanted to fine tune some of my 3 year old Cavapoo s behavior. In 3 private in home sessions my dog learned how to hold place, heel to eliminate lease pulling and much more. They were very clear to make me understand that the tins collar was not painful or harmless to Vinnie. In fact, Vinnie is happy to have the collar placed each day. I highly recommend working with David and Nicole.
  • Ian O'Shaughnessy
    Dec. 5, 2024
    What a great experience for my dog and I! They worked with Kieran on his obiedence on the gold package and help solidify his fundamentals. He can now walk past the house with a ton of dogs with out barking and doesn’t pull on his leash making walks more enjoyable! 10/10 recommend
  • Dawn Marie Westmoreland
    Nov. 26, 2024
    Ainsley loves his dog trainer, David Webb with Dog Training Elite Asheville. He is a fast learner and I'm glad to be trained, too. What a difference three weeks of training makes. Ainsley is performing much better in all the commands he has learned. #Ainsley #DavidWebb #Dogtraining #resiliency #Asheville
  • Dawn Westmoreland
    Nov. 26, 2024
    Ainsley loves his dog trainer, David Webb with Dog Training Elite Asheville. He is a fast learner and I'm glad to be trained, too. What a difference three weeks of training makes. Ainsley is performing much better in all the commands he has learned. David and Nicki Webb are professionals with heart and the training has been invaluable. It's better than the original training we had with another company. Highly recommend Elite Dog Training!!
  • Bradley Archer
    Nov. 2, 2024
    I was diagnosed with Autism as an adult over three years ago. I've been trying to find a way to afford a service animal since then. I almost gave up... the dogs I was finding were upwards of $40k! I couldn't afford it... When I found David at Dog Training Elite, he offered training at a tenth of the price I was finding, I just had to acquire the pup on my own. I wanted to train a rescue instead of getting a dog from a breeder--David came with me to help me pick out a trainable pup at no cost! Been training with them for about 5 months now and my pup is excellently behaved in public and at work, at only 8 months old! I couldn't possibly recommend these guys any more strongly.
  • Deborah Sanders
    Oct. 30, 2024
    Dave and Nicole are the consummate trainers. In addition to training service dogs, they have done a great job of training our 7 pound Havapoo, Bailey. Although we are away from Brevard for the winter, we will definitely reconnect next summer. Deborah and Richard Sanders
  • kain jutras
    Oct. 30, 2024
    I cannot say enough amazing things about Dog training elite Asheville. Before starting training I had an extremely reactive German Shepard and now I have an unbreakable bond, a dog that trusts me, and listens without hesitation. If you’re thinking about another training option, DON’T! Book with Dog Training elite Asheville. You will not be disappointed.
  • Heidi Collins
    Oct. 25, 2024
    Exciting news! A couple of months ago, I started training my Saint Bernard, Gus, with Dog Training Elite. Gus was starting to train me with Treat training and I needed a better program for this big guy. With the professional guidance of David Webb, Gus has grown to be a well-mannered, manageable, attentive dog. And treats are optional. I am thrilled with his progress and grateful for trainers who really understand how dogs communicate, socialize, respond to stimuli, express emotions, and interact with people, animals, and their environment.
  • William Frady
    Sep. 24, 2024
    Had a great experience with DTE they went above and beyond to get my Rosie trained for service work. She has been everywhere with me since.
  • Pauline Minnaar
    Sep. 20, 2024
    We had a great experience! David and Nicole are very personable and you can tell how passionate they are about this work. They were great with our dog and we can already see a difference in his confidence. The best part is that they took the time to teach us how to train our dog so it felt very hands on and we learned a ton. We are looking forward to taking him to the group classes next to practice what we learned.
  • David Frady
    Sep. 14, 2024
    What a great experience they went through all the steps of being a service dog and in a few months my Rosie is now a service dog thanks 😊
  • Jill Goldie
    Aug. 25, 2024
    High Praise and Big High Fives to David and Nicki WEBB at Dog Training Elite! On Day one with them, they came inside our house and explained lots of how and what they do to train the wild new puppy (Laddie) who is in our life now. And then, we went outside to the back yard. And this is where it really began. They "broke" Laddie that day and I say this in the nicest and best way/meaning possible. They showed Laddie that he is not his own boss and that he must learn to listen and obey ME. This changed us and since that day Laddie is listening and learning every day. We just finished Day 6 of in home training, at Lowes, with all new stimulations and people and dogs. Laddie was confidant and comfortable in that brand new space. On we go with David and Nicki, next step is Group Sessions and we look forward to that. If you are looking for help with your current dog or are wanting a puppy, do not waste a minute and check out Dog Training Elite, I am so happy that I found them!
  • Chrissy Wilkof
    Aug. 13, 2024
    This technique allowed me to have an awesome relationship with my baby girl, Trixie. Elite dog training is fantastic, friendly and fun! We both learned the skills we needed to enjoy new trix and communicate skillfully. Nicole made it easy.
  • Lisa Sherlin
    Aug. 13, 2024
    If your dog needs a lot or a little, it is worth every penny to work with this wonder group. They are patient, kind and easy to work with. Thank you so much
  • mark fairman
    Jul. 12, 2024
    My wife and I loved working with David and Nicole in training our Springer Spaniel. They were both wonderful to work with, they met all our expectations and goals, were extremely knowledgeable, and you could tell they loved what they do. We highly recommend them.