Back to Obedience Dog Training
Classical Conditioning

Fort Wayne Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Fort Wayne, IN.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Fort Wayne, IN

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

See Training Packages

Dog Training Elite Northeast Indiana

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Northeast Indiana NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Fort Wayne, IN 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 Fort Wayne classical conditioning dog trainers.

Fort Wayne Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

Positive Reinforcement Vs. Punishment

Read More
Read Less

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 Northeast Indiana 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 Fort Wayne, IN 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 Northeast Indiana - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Fort Wayne, IN

Positive Reinforcement Training

Dog Training Elite Northeast Indiana - Puppy Obedience Training in Fort Wayne, IN. DTE

Puppy Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite Northeast Indiana - Off Leash Dog Training in Fort Wayne, IN. DTE

Off Leash Training

Dog Training Elite Northeast Indiana - Dog Agility Training in Fort Wayne, IN. DTE

Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

A women playing with her service dog in Fort Wayne, IN.

The Dog Training Elite Northeast Indiana Difference


Read More
Read Less

Dog Training Elite in Fort Wayne, IN uses modern dog training techniques and methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite Northeast Indiana 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 Northeast Indiana’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 Fort Wayne, IN, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it. The unique techniques of Dog Training Elite Northeast Indiana 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!

Get Your Free Assessment

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!

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Carly Turner
    Nov. 6, 2025
    We had a wonderful experience with Nathan! He came to our home and was so patient, knowledgeable, and great with our dog. He took the time to explain everything clearly and gave us easy, effective techniques that made a big difference right away. You can tell he truly cares about both dogs and their owners. We’re so glad we worked with him and highly recommend Nathan to anyone looking for a professional trainer!
  • Liz Kearney
    Oct. 27, 2025
    Nathan was awesome and really helped our puppy and us learn how to do the right commands at the right time. Our little Molly is now the best puppy and loving the learning process. So excited to keep the training going. Thank you Nathan and Dog Training Elite. Highly recommend!!!
  • Tom Tsuleff
    Sep. 8, 2025
    Dog training elite has a great program. They not only trained Tonka but our family as well in how to help us reinforce the training session throughout the week. By demonstrating the techniques and then empowering us to take over allowed us to go from not having people over to our house to having guests. Nathan was great with Tonka and you can see he wants the best for him. Great experience, especially if you do the homework.
  • Carl Park
    Sep. 2, 2025
    Clint has done such an Amazing job with our German Shepherd Puppy Jax. From the first session it's been so much better in our household. Jax being a puppy wanted to bite us all the time. We tried everything but he wouldn't stop. That was until we hired Dog Training Elite and Clint was the trainer. I Love the fact that the come to our house to do the training so you can see what and how they do the training. If you are having any issues with your dog, please reach out to them. Thank you Clint for all you do for our Jax and for us.
  • Aidan Sullivan
    Aug. 24, 2025
    We’re very pleased with our DTE experience. Through our private sessions we worked with Nathan, who did an excellent job at focusing on not only on our dog, but also teaching us how to be better handlers. Our puppy, Dazzle, has grown miles in confidence and handler focus, and we’re now able to take her on adventures without stressing about her anxiety! We’re super grateful for the relational benefit that training has given us, and excited to continue on to group classes!
  • Craig Blume
    Jul. 17, 2025
    We are SOOO impressed with Clint's skills and ability to understand how to train our dog. She is a totally new animal and we couldn't be happier. The training is worth every penny and will change our relationship with Tessa for the rest of our lives!!
  • Tami Brooks
    Jul. 16, 2025
    I had one on one sessions with Clint and he did a phenomenal job!! This experience has been worth every dime!! I am the Assistant Director of 911 and working on having a Therapy Dog in Dispatch and this has been a fantastic experience. It is so nice to have a dog that listens and does what you say!! Clint understands the dog and knows when she's "done" with training. I would recommend Dog Training Elite every time!! You will not be disappointed!!
  • Staci Lugar Brettin
    Jun. 11, 2025
    We adopted a Siberian Husky puppy from a shelter. She is full of energy and super destructive. When I learned that we would be using an e-collar for the training I was a little concerned at first that perhaps it would be harmful to our puppy. What I learned was completely the opposite - the e-collar does not hurt the dog and it's super effective. I honestly don't even know how we would train her without it. Clint is amazing! When he came to our house to work with both of our Siberian Huskies he was patient and thorough and used a discipline I have rarely seen. If you're worried about the e-collar - don't be. It doesn't hurt the dog and it helps them understand boundaries and commands. You should call Dog Training Elite. There is no other service you will need! They work with service dogs and hospitals and are trusted 100% in the community!
  • Joey Bushey
    May. 18, 2025
    I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Nathan and Clint. When we first started, Tucker wouldn’t let either of them come near him—he was reactive and nervous around strangers, and I wasn’t sure how far we’d get. But thanks to their patience, consistency, and expert approach, Tucker is now a completely different dog. They took the time to build trust at Tucker’s pace, and the results speak for themselves. I can now take him out in public, around new people, and he stays calm and under control—something I never thought possible just a few weeks ago. If you’re struggling with a reactive or anxious dog, I highly recommend working with Nathan and Clint. They gave Tucker the confidence he needed, and gave me the tools to support him every step of the way.
  • Samantha Pickett
    Apr. 24, 2025
    Clint and Nathan have been great with my dog Louie! Learning their training methods has helped Louie listen and helped me regain control! Thanks!
  • Alexandra Fitzwater
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Thank you to Nathan and Clint! Tripp made a complete 180 in his obedience from his first class to only his 4th class. We look forward to his future progress with DTE!
  • Erica Deathe
    Apr. 22, 2025
    We've been so pleased with the customer service. They are so easy to work with and make things so easy to understand and be a part of. We can't wait to see how our pup will grow and learn!
  • Natalie Knoblock
    Apr. 16, 2025
    Clint and Nathan were great to work with! I appreciate all their guidance and knowledge in helping me and my dog, Mika, become a certified therapy team!
  • Kris Grimmer
    Apr. 15, 2025
    I have had Clint and Nate come train my Grace. They are excellent at not only training Grace, but training me as well. I have had trainers before for other dogs and they no way compare to these two gentlemen. I would definitely and have recommended them.
  • patricia leazier
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Clint has been amazing, within the first visit I noticed a change in my puppy. With his knowledge and my practice she is showing great growth just within a few weeks. I cannot wait to see what the future brings. And to show her off!
  • Kim Myers
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Great group of people!! So knowledgeable!!
  • Meganne Smith
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Dog Training Elite NE Indiana has been an absolute godsend for me. I rescued a Staffordshire/Pitbull mix almost 2 years ago and only recently started seeing protective/aggressive behaviors that concerned me. My husband and I called and they set up a meeting. We ended up going with them, and I am SO grateful we did. I am ENJOYING walks with my dog (previously those were exhausting with pulling and fear of being able to control her). We can have people into our home and we actually worked through several of her unusual fear responses to different things in the home as well. I am SO proud of her, and SO THANKFUL that my husband and I made this investment into her for our family. I feel like these tools can be used for any other dog that we might get in the future, and having a lifetime of help with this dog is huge so that we can continue working on the commands that Dog Training Elite taught us.
  • Katie Steenport
    Apr. 14, 2025
    We had a great experience with Nathan and Clint. They are both very knowledgeable and really helped us with our pup. We are super thankful.
  • Justin & Kara Branock
    Apr. 14, 2025
    We LOVE dog training elite! Nate is so patient and explains things so wel. Diesel loves training just as much as we do. I highly recommend them to anyone who asks!
  • Woo Dannenfelser
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Our experience with our St. Bernard was amazing! Nate was great with our girl Elly. She progessed from a crazy puppy to a well-behaved dog. I was not a fan of e-collars before this but I'm a believer now after being trained in how to use them properly. I would recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone who wants a high quality experience with their dog.