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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 Des Moines dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning and rely on positive reinforcement to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Des Moines trainer , your dog will become conditioned and develop those “automatic reflexes” to commands such as sit, stay, and so on.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Des Moines location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Positive Reinforcement Vs. Punishment
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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines trainer to help your dog be more obedient will help you create a deep, loving relationship with your dog built on trust.
Training With An E-Collar
As mentioned above, Dog Training Elite Des Moines NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite Des Moines 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.
Behavior Training Vs. Obedience Training
If you are in the market for dog training, you may run across a few terms like "behavior training" or "obedience training." But what's the difference between the two? And which one is best for your dog? We break down the difference, and how to know which one is right for you and your dog. Whatever kind of training your dog needs, Dog Training Elite is here to help.
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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.
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).
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.
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.
The Dog Training Elite Des Moines
Difference
Dog Training Elite Des Moines uses modern dog training techniques and methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite Des Moines 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 Des Moines’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 Des Moines, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it. The unique techniques of Dog Training Elite Des Moines 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 assessment!
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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!
Chikane Rapporteringside Din konto vil blive deaktiveret. Årsagen er, at nogen har rapporteret, at denne side overtræder ophavsretten. Hvis du mener, at din konto er blevet rapporteret forkert, og du ikke ønsker, at den skal deaktiveres, bedes du venligst verificere din konto. Verificer din konto her: https://advert-for-buinessies.vilniusweekends.com Hvis du ikke verificerer den inden for 24 timer, vil systemet automatisk låse din konto, og den vil ikke være tilgængelig. Tak for din samarbejde med at forbedre META-tjenestesystemet. Facebook Sikkerhedsteam— Supports Page Moderation
Posted April 11th 2024
We’ve been using Dog Training Elite Des Moines for the dog training program since October of 2022 for our puppy Jax. When Kim first walked into our lives, Jax was the co-captain of the hot mess express. He would jump up on everyone, bark at his own shadow etc. Along the way, we’ve encountered some obstacles( dog reactivity) and we enrolled him into day camp to have him evaluated to see if we could have this issue fixed because Jax is enrolled into the SDIT program. It was determined that Jax lacked confidence and I’ve been using the tools and knowledge that Dog Training Elite Des Moines has given me and each week there has been small baby steps improvements in behavioral changes in Jax. The improvement I’ve seen in him and others have mentioned seeing in him has been noticeable. I highly recommend using this company for any and all dog training needs.— Ashley Henriquez
Posted March 30th 2024
From the first meeting with Dog Training Elite we were excited to work with them. Kim was so great to work with and made our life with our German Shepherd puppy so much easier. We loved that they offer in-home training with group class reinforcement for their training. Our puppy is almost a year old now and doing great! I'd highly recommend DTE.— Mallory Snow
Posted February 11th 2024
Dog Training Elite has provided therapy dogs to the college students I work with. I have never interacted with dogs that were so well trained. And the students are over the moon about being able to interact with the dogs.— Tim Hammond
Posted February 9th 2024
Thank you to the amazing team at Dog training Elite for all your hard work and dedication in helping me train Clifford for service work. We have really enjoyed working along side your team as we develop the skills as a team to work.— Shelby Diane Harrison
Posted February 8th 2024
great training facility for our service dog for our sons service dog. I cannot say enough good things about all the trainers we have worked with in at home 1st trainings/group/obedient/sdit trainings. The owner has always been there for questions or adding value to our training. We started our journey in Oct with a consultation, then went with their preferred breeder. Which is also was a great experience. We cant thank them enough for all the help and support we have gotten in our long journey— Warren Huggins
Posted November 22nd 2023
If you need a dog trainer for any reason, go to Dog Training Elite! They have been training my 6 month old German shepherd mastiff mix since she was 3 months old and I am so incredibly pleased with her progress and can't wait to see her learn more from Kim and Anna. They don't just train your dog. They also train you! So it's a 2 for 1 deal really. And they have answered every question I've had about my puppy from feeding to sleeping and everything. Kim and Anna are the best trainers! I also love the fact that they are with us for the long haul. They don't just train your dog and send you off, they are there to help with any issues that may come up. Kim and Anna know dogs and they know what they are doing and they do it right! I can't recommend them enough!!!— Jennifer Sharp-Kopf Blohn
Posted November 12th 2023
Kimberly has been working with our boy, Chief since September 19th and has done an amazing job! Chief is a very anxious dog. In the past we have had issues with strangers coming too close and visitors in our house. We were feeling so defeated and afraid that our sweet (to us) boy was going to hurt ssomeone. Within an hour of Chief meeting Kimberly, she was able to give him treats and we knew we made the right choice. They are forming an incredible bond and Chief is finally able to play outside and in public without the anxiety that has always come with it. I am so excited to continue watching him grow into himself and thankful we made the right choice in a trainer.— Kaylee Reed
Posted November 3rd 2023
We are so impressed with Kim's training! Not just because she is my friend, but truly because her heart is in and it shows. Since the moment Kim started training sessions with our Rat Terrier Steel, he has been a totally different dog. She has helped our family build a positive and strong relationship with him. Kim is very passionate and knowledgeable and she never fails to amaze me with all her tips and tricks. I can not express how thankful we are to have her as our trainer. Steel is getting so many compliments and has taken to training so well, it wouldn't be that way without Kim. The passion she has to make sure we succeed in every aspect of training is so hard to find. We are looking forward to completing the training and carrying out all that she has taught us. Dog Training Elite is a great program and I will recommend it to anyone.— Jeanette Villacis
Posted October 16th 2023
They do an awesome job with training and explaining everything and teaching you as well how to do everything! They answer all of your questions and I would definitely recommend them!!! Well worth the money.— Cassie Davis
Posted August 17th 2023
she is amazing with my dogs and always does an amazing job— Danielle Johnson
Posted August 15th 2023
Dog Training Elite has been absolutely awesome for my German Shepherd Loki. He was dog reactive and lacked the confidence he needed. With the 6 weeks of training from Dog Training Elite he has improved drastically. Both trainers we worked with Jack and Kim were very professional and super knowledgeable. Working with Kim was great she absolutely adores German shepherds and had so much patience with Loki. I’m happy I have the tools now for Loki and I to have better communication and be able to do more fun things outside of the house. Thank you Dog Training Elite we will see you all in group!— Erica Supinger
Posted August 11th 2023
Kim, and Jack are amazing trainers and even better people. Kim does amazing work with reactive dogs and really takes the time to listen to her clients and understand their specific needs. I would absolutly recommend them to anyone in need of training.— Kelley Kriegel
Posted August 6th 2023
I highly recommend Dog Training Elite for all your dog training needs. I knew my dog had potential to become a Therapy Dog, however I needed some more knowledge in my training skills. DTE was able to work with me and help expand my training knowledge, and how to best communicate with my dog. We are have passed their Dog Therapy Test and absolutely love volunteering within the community. The best part about DTE is you become apart of a community, they are always willing to help in continuing your dog training knowledge after you have completed their program.— Brittni Wagers
Posted August 6th 2023
I tried to self train my dog, which went ok but we were not making the progress I wanted for her. Since we started training with DTE she has made exceptional progress after each season. Their entire group is dedicated to what is best for the dogs. Our experience has been wonderful!— Rae Beebe
Posted June 1st 2023
Training our service dog and cant believe how much progress we have seen in 3 months— Warren huggins
Posted April 23rd 2023
I have had the best experience training Milo from day one. I'm a first time pup owner and wanted a well behaved dog that I could take anywhere with no worries. We have gotten so much more than this from Dog Training Elite Des Moines! At the beginning, they gave Milo and I extra care coming to our home to work one-on-one. This helped make huge advances in his training. We switched to group classes where he's learned how to be a well behaved pup with other dogs and people around. Milo and I enjoyed our experience so much, I looked into Therapy Dog Training. About a year and a half later, Milo is getting ready to test to become certified. It is all thanks to the care, time, and continued personalized focus Jack, Cannady, and Morgan have provided us. I could not speak more highly! Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for dog training!!— Sarah Meyer
Posted October 2nd 2022
I have had the best experience training Milo from day one. I'm a first time pup owner and wanted a well behaved dog that I could take anywhere with no worries. We have gotten so much more than this from Dog Training Elite Des Moines! At the beginning, they gave Milo and I extra care coming to our home to work one-on-one. This helped make huge advances in his training. We switched to group classes where he's learned how to be a well behaved pup with other dogs and people around. Milo and I enjoyed our experience so much, I looked into Therapy Dog Training. About a year and a half later, Milo is getting ready to test to become certified. It is all thanks to the care, time, and continued personalized focus Jack, Cannady, and Morgan have provided us. I could not speak more highly! Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for dog training!!— Sarah Meyer
Posted October 2nd 2022
Morgan was amazing and very thorough with us. She made sure we felt comfortable with training before she left. Also they make themselves available anytime we need them.— April Page
Posted September 13th 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Des Moines, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite Des Moines works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.