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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT

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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
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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

  • Alison Gold
    Feb. 10, 2025
    Oliver and I had an excellent training from both Jason and Illana. Easy to book with and always on time.
  • Claire Watson
    Feb. 3, 2025
    They are amazing! I have been working on making my dog Maddie a service dog and they offer personalized in home visits as well as traveling to areas near by. I live in Fairfield county and they don’t mind it at all!
  • oded Biran
    Jan. 30, 2025
    Jason was very patient with my dog and provided all the necessary information and tools to get our dog trained in the fastest way possible
  • Amy White
    Jan. 28, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT demonstrated exceptional patience, kindness, experience, compassion, and professionalism throughout our interactions, making us feel confident in their abilities to help us with our dog's pet training and obedience needs. Their professionalism was on full display during their dog obedience training sessions, which were both effective and enjoyable for our entire family.
  • Angela Deslauriers
    Jan. 23, 2025
    Jason, the owner/trainer is excellent! He came to my home in Bristol and helped us with obedience training for our newly adopted 4 yr old dog Max. Prior to Jason‘s arrival, Max had no formal obedience training-and it showed…literally within the week Max was heeling and walking politely on leash, instead of pulling and tugging!! Jason also worked with Max and gave us easy to follow instructions with all of Max’s basic commands-and they WORK! Jason is patient and personable and HE KNOW DOGS!! Worth every cent, and Jason’s always willing to take a phone call if you have a question. And the mobile service coming to your home is so convenient!!!!!
  • Jake Sturrock
    Jan. 15, 2025
    We have had our puppy Cooper for just over 9-weeks now, and puppy training with Illiana has been nothing short of perfect. She is very knowledgeable and shows us exactly what to do moving forward on any given training activity. She is very responsive by phone if we have any questions, and is overall very passionate about what she does. We will be moving forward with Dog Training Elite, and specifically Illiana for the next training program!
  • Francesca Roccia
    Jan. 10, 2025
    Excellent! Our experience with Illiana has been fantastic. She is really helpful and punctual, she gave us great advice and definitely helped us improve our relationship with our dog and the training help us to communicate with him in a perfect way. I recommend her to anyone who has problems with their pet. Thank you 😊
  • Jessica Zampedri
    Dec. 31, 2024
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT were exceptionally patient, knowledgeable, encouraging, and supportive, making the experience of working with them truly outstanding and effective for my furry friend's pet training and obedience. Their professional guidance and expert advice proved invaluable in helping my rescue pup acclimate and be his best self!
  • Emmett Ackerlund
    Dec. 27, 2024
    The team at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT displayed exceptional patience, empathy, encouragement, and clearness throughout the entire training process, making the entire experience seamless and effective for my family's pet training and obedience needs. Their consistency in providing personalized attention and tailored guidance was truly impressive.
  • Emily Brahms
    Dec. 17, 2024
    We were very happy with the company Dog Training Elite. Jason was excellent!! He was great with our puppy Oslo and very professional . 5 stars all the way!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Marco Guevara
    Dec. 13, 2024
    We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT. Jason is absolutely the best trainer we could have asked for. He worked with our pup, Rio, on recall and house manners, and the results were incredible. The personalized approach to dog training made a world of difference, and Jason's expertise in obedience training gave us confidence every step of the way. The transformation in Rio's behavior speaks for itself—highly recommend to anyone looking for professional, effective training!
  • Nate Indorf
    Dec. 10, 2024
    The team at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT demonstrated exceptional patience, professionalism, encouragement, kindness, and empathy throughout the entire training process, making what could have been a daunting experience for both my pet and me a truly positive and rewarding one. I was impressed by Jason’s expertise in pet training and obedience, particularly in their in-home dog training approach, which helped my dog feel comfortable and focussed.
  • Juliana Stabach
    Dec. 10, 2024
    The team at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT demonstrated impressive patience, expertise, kindness, and understanding, making our experience with their pet training and obedience services truly exceptional, especially in their puppy training classes and in-home dog training sessions. We were blown away by their professionalism, which gave us the confidence to know that our dog was in good hands with a professional dog trainer.
  • ashley ryder
    Dec. 2, 2024
    My little one had some real behavioral issues and Jason is so patient and understanding. I’ve seen a huge change in her and my family is so happy with the results of this training program. I work for a vet and recommend this program to everyone that is struggling. We love Dog Training Elite!
  • Michael Pelaccia
    Nov. 12, 2024
    If you're looking for an outstanding dog trainer company, Jason, at Dog Training Elite New Haven, is your go-to expert! His knowledge, patience and personalized approach made all the difference. From the very first session, Jason was able to assess my dog’s behavior and create a tailored training plan that addressed both basic obedience and specific behavioral issues. What really sets Jason apart is his dedication to both the dog and the owner. He empowers me with the skills and confidence to continue the training on my own. Plus, Jason’s passion for dogs and genuine care for their well-being is a plus. My dog felt very comfortable around him, compared to other strangers. Working with Jason and Loren (Operations Manager) they made everything easy from the 1:1 at home training sessions, group sessions, customer service and scheduling assistance. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with them. I will 100% be a returning customer. If I could give them ten stars I would!
  • Marsha Schoenfeld
    Nov. 4, 2024
    We’ve had 4 sessions with Jason and each time we marvel at what a nice man he is in every way..He’s very knowledgeable about dogs and their behavior..their quirks and affection.. our Lab puppy has learned so much from him as we did..We throughly recommend him as a dog trainer and behavior specialist..Lucy the black lab adores him🐾🐾.
  • Chip Dean
    Oct. 22, 2024
    Illiana was incredible with our dog. You can tell right away how much she knows about training dogs and how much she loves them. We thought our dog was untrainable, she showed us he is not. He is much better mannered and more enjoyable for everyone Great Job and Thank You Kim & Chip
  • Lauren Shulman
    Oct. 22, 2024
    We got a new English Bulldog puppy (Penny) in October 2023, and started training as soon as possible with the end goal of her being trained as a support service dog in public areas (nursing homes, hospitals, etc.). We mostly worked with Jason who is patient, knowledgeable and easy to work with. We also worked with Illiana a few times who is creative, knowledgeable, and patient. Both are great! As Penny started to grow, we unexpectedly found out that she has a genetic disorder in her neck/spine that limits her activity and our training options. The team was very patient and understanding and always willing to help. They were flexible and creative with training ideas, tailored to work within Penny’s personal tendencies, and with her medical restrictions which is hard to come by with a special needs dog. I also love that they come to the house, making the training more realistic and personable to the dog and us, not to mention it’s easier on the work schedule! Penny has picked up on all of her training commands quickly, and now it’s on us to be consistent and see it through! I highly recommend this company and team for your training needs!
  • Dave Glover
    Aug. 28, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been an absolute game-changer for me and my 6-month-old German Shepherd, Jasper. From the very beginning, Jason's expertise and patience were evident. He has a remarkable ability to connect with dogs, and Jasper clearly felt comfortable and at ease around him. Jason's training methods have been instrumental in giving Jasper a solid foundation in obedience. He has made significant strides in his behavior, and I'm so grateful for the progress we've made together. Jason's guidance on using the e-collar has been invaluable. It's a tool that has proven to be a lifesaver in certain situations. One of the features I appreciate most about Dog Training Elite is their group sessions. These sessions have been fantastic for Jasper's socialization, allowing him to interact with other dogs and people in a controlled environment. Additionally, training in a busy park has helped him learn to focus and respond to commands amidst distractions. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone looking for a dedicated and effective training program. Jason's commitment to both the dog and the owner is truly commendable.
  • Laura LaFrancois
    Aug. 24, 2024
    Three weeks ago I contracted with Dog Training Elite and it has been an incredible and eye opening experience. Jason is our trainer and he is top notch. He has provided such valuable education that we have been able to train our 10 year old boxer and 18 month cane corso in this short time. Training as I’ve learned is about the owners showing consistency and following through. In just three sessions our dogs bark infrequently, walk on a loose lease (no more Mom drags), follow through on commands and don’t get on our furniture. The investment was well worth the exceptional outcomes. We wish we had done this years ago. Jason has proven techniques and a calming presence. Our dogs look forward to seeing him. We are excited to start group training next. Thank you so much Jason for helping our dogs reach their greatest potential (not to mention their humans)!!!