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Classical Conditioning

Fitchburg / Leominster Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA

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 Fitchburg dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Fitchburg NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA 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 Fitchburg / Leominster classical conditioning dog trainers.

Fitchburg / Leominster 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 Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg / Leominster, MA 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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Dog Training Elite Fitchburg - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA

Positive Reinforcement Training

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A women playing with her service dog in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA.

The Dog Training Elite Fitchburg Difference


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Dog Training Elite in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA uses modern dog training techniques and methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg’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 Fitchburg / Leominster, MA, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it. The unique techniques of Dog Training Elite Fitchburg 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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Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Mark Byron
    Oct. 28, 2025
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Laydon was awesome! Super knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about what she does. My dog’s behavior improved fast, and her training methods really work. Highly recommend Laydon if you want real results! Giuseppe appreciates your hard work too!
  • Jonathan Camacho
    Oct. 18, 2025
    Jocynia did a great job was very informative and I would refer her to anyone. Thank you for your patience thank you for your kindness. God bless you.
  • Stacy Frazier
    Aug. 7, 2025
    She was great! Very experienced, very friendly, patient with me and my dog. Explained everything, answered any questions I had. I will definitely request her going forward..
  • Raiquan Turner
    Sep. 16, 2025
    She was great and communication was excellent 💯
  • Christina Relacion
    Sep. 15, 2025
    Marcus and the DTE team (shoutouts to Matt F, Alaina, Josy and Laydon!) have transformed our rescue girl, Siri. We started this spring and have just seen her confidence blossom. Anytime we grab her e-collar, she gets super excited. Walks are much more enjoyable for us. She loves her trips to Home Depot. We look forward to continuing on in group classes as we further work on her socialization and desensitization skills in various environments. We also are considering certification in AKC’s Good Canine Citizen program as another goal because we also love doing this work with her to strengthen our bond as owners and handlers. We have worked with a handful of DTE’s trainers because we needed flexibility for crazy schedules, sometimes we would have hoped for more continuity between the trainers as we did get some weird conflicting info a few times. We also were grateful for them letting us expose her to their dogs and work through areas. Would love if there were even more group classes options in both days/times and locations. The outdoor classes could also benefit from having a mic with Bluetooth speaker as you can be pretty spread out and sometimes difficult to catch instructions.
  • Milagros Rodriguez Marin
    Aug. 11, 2025
    (Translated by Google) Very good experience with my beauty and Jocy is very good at explaining everything to me so that it is easy for us to extend. I recommend it. Good jobs and Thanks (Original) Muy buena experiencing con mi bella y Jocy es muy buena explicandome todo para que nos sea facil de extender se los recomiendo.,Good jobs and Thanks
  • Heather McCauleyl
    Sep. 4, 2025
    Our trainer did an amazing job the first session. We are so happy
  • Sheila King
    Sep. 4, 2025
    Josie was great with my Bella who’s very skittish and shy. It was our first consultation today
  • Alivia Sobey
    Aug. 18, 2025
    5+ Stars to the entire team at Dog Training Elite! From the very beginning, the staff has been professional, responsive, and reliable. Scheduling is always prompt and the guidance and support have been consistent every step of the way. After working with several trainers in the past and hitting a plateau with our fear-reactive shepherd/husky mix, we reached out to Dog Training Elite feeling borderline desperate. It has turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made for our dog. The expertise, especially with working breeds, has been incredible. The trainers not only helped us address reactivity toward people and other dogs, but also focused on building our dog’s confidence with new skills like placing in tricky spots and doing “doggy push-ups.” Training finally feels fun again (for all of us)! We were unsure at first about working with multiple trainers instead of just one, but quickly realized how consistent and supportive the whole team is. Special thanks to Marcus for helping us choose the right program and always being there with support, and to both Matts, who gave us a new level of confidence in how we handle challenging situations. Between one-on-one sessions and group classes, we now feel prepared to safely and positively bring new people and dogs into our lives (see picture with his new friend
  • Timothy Hall
    Jul. 10, 2025
    Very positive adventure. Jocy was very professional but also made it fun and interesting.
  • LBM Detailers
    Jul. 16, 2025
    She was amazing and very strait forward !! Definitely me and my partner loved her !
  • Nicole Signoretti
    Jul. 16, 2025
    Jocynia, explained the training tools clearly and I was able to continue training my pup after the session was over. Very kind and easily understood! Thank You!
  • Laura M
    Jun. 24, 2025
    I highly recommend DTE Central MA! My fiancé and I started lessons with them when my German Shepherd puppy, Rio, was around 3 months old. He’s now 8 months old, and working with DTE has helped shape him into the best young dog. We’ve done private sessions with Marcus, Matt F, and Matt K, and each trainer has provided a ton of knowledge and help. They come right to your home, or meet in public for real-life scenarios. Scheduling has been easy. They’ve covered obedience, shaping polite behavior, and even scentwork. We’ve also attended several group classes in several fun locations, and they structure the exercises really well.
  • Jennifer Stanton
    Jun. 14, 2025
    Patrick was very knowledgeable with a nice approach when evaluating our 14 week old pup Duke. He provided several tips on training with focus on positive reinforcement while creating a healthy bond. He also gave nice compliments about our boy and any parent just eats that up with pride. Thank you!
  • Sarah Gore
    Jun. 13, 2025
    Our puppy is one of the best trained dogs because of Patrick at Dog Training Elite. I love that the trainers come to our home and work 1:1 with the dog in our/his space. Less distractions and very practical applications. 10/10 would highly recommend.
  • Shreyas Jois
    Jun. 13, 2025
    Patrick was patient with our dog and took time to explain and answer all of our questions.
  • Kyle Gleick
    May. 30, 2025
    Patrick was very friendly and professional and answered all of our questions.
  • georgina jarvis
    May. 14, 2025
    Very informative and reassuring. Left feeling prepared for the next week of “homework” .
  • denise ramsey
    Feb. 19, 2025
    Great information in regards to our puppy training. In addition to the leave game, Patrick suggested to use a treat tray or lick it mat to help with engagement games as well.
  • Jane flink
    May. 14, 2025
    Very calm, concise with training. I can already see the changes in my pup and myself in training.