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Classical Conditioning

Connecticut Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Connecticut.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Connecticut

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 of Southern CT dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Connecticut to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite of Southern CT 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 of Southern CT

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Connecticut 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 Connecticut classical conditioning dog trainers.

Connecticut 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 of Southern CT 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 Connecticut trainer to help your dog be more obedient will help you create a deep, loving relationship with your dog built on trust.

Additional Obedience Training Info

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Connecticut

Positive Reinforcement Training

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Off Leash Training

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - Dog Agility Training in Connecticut. DTE

Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

A women playing with her service dog in Connecticut.

The Dog Training Elite of Southern CT Difference


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Dog Training Elite in Connecticut uses modern dog training techniques and methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite of Southern CT 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 of Southern CT’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 Connecticut, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it. The unique techniques of Dog Training Elite of Southern CT 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

  • Joanne Rocco
    Nov. 13, 2025
    Dog Training Elite and trainer Justin have been terrific to work with and I have seen very positive results with my dog. My dog and I have worked with Jason over several 1-1 sessions and his training is clear and easily applied. His feedback to me has been very helpful in addressing issues such as barking, reactivity, leash pulling and basic obedience. In addition to 1-1 sessions, the group training sessions have been great opportunities to expose my dog to other dogs in a controlled environment. These sessions also reinforce the training received in individual sessions. My dog loves Jason and responds very well to him, and I appreciate his patient approach to me as I learn to address issues with my dog. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite and Jason to receive positive results with your dog!
  • Lucas B
    Nov. 13, 2025
    So glad I choose these guys, from private sessions at my house (or even at a public place if I choose) to the group sessions they offer at various locations, it all helped my dog with everything she needed! They are knowledgeable, consistent, considerate, and very kind!
  • Vanessa Rodrigues
    Nov. 12, 2025
    Great training in home and group training. Saw improvements in my dogs leash walking.
  • Doreen Sudol
    Oct. 29, 2025
    Our Raina did so well. Jason was awesome he really tunes into a dogs personality! Raina is a 125 adopted malamute so she can be a lot😃 She has learned all her commands and can now go in public and behave like a lady😃
  • Sophie Michels
    Oct. 22, 2025
    I was impressed by the patience, knowledge, professionalism, and consistency of the team at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT. The service dog and medical response training sessions were clear and effective, and the trainer always took the time to explain each step. I appreciated how consistent the approach was, which helped my dog make steady progress. Highly recommend them as a professional dog trainer in Greenwich, CT
  • Angelo Trimarchi
    Oct. 2, 2025
    I would like to provide a five-star review to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional training program offered by Dog Training Elite of Southern CT. My dog, Khloe, underwent training in Norwalk, CT, where she required obedience training prior to her service dog training. Jason, the trainer, demonstrated remarkable professionalism and expertise, effectively guiding my dog to successfully complete all necessary tasks for this process. The transformation in my dog’s behavior and performance has been significant. I am truly grateful for my decision to choose this company for my dog’s training, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. Thank you, Jason, for all that you have done for my dog.
  • Joell Pine
    Sep. 22, 2025
    I am very happy with Dog Training Elite of Southern CT. Top 3 things I loved: 1) Their knowledge and experience made every session effective. 2) Their patience and consistency built real confidence in my dog. 3) Their professionalism and friendly communication made the whole process smooth. I highly recommend them for dog obedience training and puppy training classes—they truly are the best dog trainer in the area.
  • JoAnn Sullivan
    Sep. 22, 2025
    Wonderful experience working with Jason. Our dog, Ruby, learned quickly and looked forward to seeing Jason each week. He explained everything very clearly and made sure we were comfortable with the training to be done on our own during the week. In addition, he always says to call with any questions or concerns so you fell completely confident as you guide your dog to living their best trained life. We Thank Dog Training Elite for a great training experience for us and our dog!
  • Kierra Parlagreco
    Sep. 15, 2025
    Dog Training Elite of Southern CT was amazing. Jason, our trainer, was very knowledgeable and patient, working with each member of the family to make sure we understood the obedience training methods and psychology. The whole team was great when our dear puppy broke his leg and we had to work around his healing process. I also really appreciate how Jason would respond to texts and give us some extra things to try, like when our puppy regressed and started pooping in the house. Thankfully, Jason helped us turn that around within a few days! Kepler, our puppy, looooooves Trainer J, too. And he is a very happy, (mostly) obedient seven month old pup now after working Elite! We all look forward to some upcoming group sessions with Elite!
  • Karen Brudney
    Sep. 9, 2025
    Jason was beyond superb. He never became annoyed or irritated by my failure to get my dog to do as instructed, even when I needed 6-7 times before the dog obeyed. He never made me feel incompetent-in fact, he instilled me with confidence that I could get the dog to obey. And I did! Cannot recommend highly enough.
  • Lucineide Da silva
    Sep. 9, 2025
    Dear Dog Training Elite Team! I just wanted to say that, I really enjoyed working with you all.You trained my dog so well, and I absolutely recommend you to others.Also,Jason is an excellent professional!Thank you so much for your kind.😊😊
  • Heather Cabral
    Aug. 20, 2025
    Our experience with Dog Training Elite of Southern CT was nothing short of amazing! We originally sought out their help here in Newtown for diabetic alert training for our dog, Lucky, but we got so much more. Thanks to the dedication and personalized training from Jason, Lucky is now able to go everywhere with us, without any issues. ​We recently took a trip and received so many compliments on how well-behaved Lucky was. He was incredibly responsive to all his commands, including come, heal, sit, and lay. He stayed right by our side, even in new environments. Lucky was able to join in on all of our family activities, including going to restaurants, the beach, and even an arcade center! He laid patiently at my feet during meals and relaxed on a yoga mat at the beach. Dog Training Elite has truly given us the gift of being able to take our dog everywhere we go while knowing he is taking care of his responsibilities as a diabetic service alert dog. We are so grateful for all the work Jason put into training Lucky and for all the support provided by the entire team. We highly recommend them!
  • Reese Ramponi
    Aug. 9, 2025
    Loren and Jason went so above and beyond. From the actual training, to making accommodations when our pup got sick, I couldn’t recommend this organization more. Please bring all your dogs here!
  • Evelyn Rodriguez
    Aug. 4, 2025
    The expertise of Dog Training Elite of Southern CT's professional dog trainer was exceptional, providing constructive guidance and personalized attention that effectively addressed our pet's needs in fields like anxiety training for dogs and obedience training. From the results we've seen in our dog's behavior, it's clear that their expertise in areas like puppy training classes and in-home dog training has made a significant, positive impact.
  • Caela Daly
    Jul. 29, 2025
    My dog trainer at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT is encouraging, knowledgeable, and friendly and provides exceptional guidance and support throughout our experience with puppy training classes, and we saw significant improvements in our pet's behavior over time. Her expertise in dog obedience training has ensured we received the very best training and attention for our Bernese Mountain Dog!
  • Amanda DAngelo
    Jul. 16, 2025
    Cannot say enough good things about DTE of Southern CT. Loren is prompt and courteous and Iliana shows a true love and commitment to dogs.
  • Lisa Puglia
    Jul. 15, 2025
    I adopted a dog that resided in a shelter for 6 yrs. Roy came from an abusive home and has many fears, anxiety and mistrust of people. I researched training facilities and chose Dog Training Elite of Southern CT. I liked the several levels of programs offered and the write-ups on the trainers. I've worked with Jason for the in-home sessions and have been very pleased with all the information and exercises he has provided to decrease the anxiety/fear/mistrust level. Within a few weeks of training my neighbors started noticing a difference in Roy. I'm looking foward to the group training sessions to continue my dog's journey on learning how to be a dog in the real world. The team at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT provided top-notch training classes, delivering expert guidance and encouragement that will help my pup thrive with a seamless transition into correct canine behavior. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite of Southern CT
  • Katt Luke
    Jul. 9, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT is excellent. My dog showed amazing improvements from the first session. Jason is great at explaining her behaviors and how to quickly and easily correct them. I had a good dog, now I have a great dog. I would recommend them to everyone (and I do!).
  • Patricia Albanese
    Jun. 24, 2025
    Our experience with Dog Training Elite of Southern CT was exceptional, thanks to their clear instructions, empathetic approach, and professional demeanor, which made the Puppy training classes a delightful experience for us and our new furry family member.
  • Kaitlin Stewart
    Jun. 18, 2025
    Dog Training Elite of Southern CT's staff is exceptional, offering patient, friendly, and supportive guidance that eased my concerns and helped my furry friend thrive in the pet trainingand obedience classes. Jason was fantastic, he was patient with me traibibg my shepherd, and making sure Penny and I were completing and understanding the training plan. I appreciated his input and experience. I’d recommend him!!