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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY

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 Kentuckiana dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY and rely on positive reinforcement to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana 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 Kentuckiana

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY 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 Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN classical conditioning dog trainers.

Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN 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 Kentuckiana 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 Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY 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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A women playing with her service dog in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY.

The Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana Difference


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Dog Training Elite in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY uses modern dog training techniques and methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana 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 Kentuckiana’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 Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it. The unique techniques of Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana 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

  • Jennifer Comings
    Oct. 14, 2024
    Marlene and Joe have been amazing to work with. They reinforced what I knew and gave me confidence in training my girls. I definitely learned some needed skills and how to read their language and behaviors. My girls had lived together for over a year and after one of them sustaining an injury and surgery the aggression and fighting began. I didn’t know how to acclimate them. After working with Marlene and Joe I picked up on some behaviors that had likely started before then but I didn’t know I should have corrected them at the time. Not all stories may end up like mine, each dog is different. But I wanted someone to come to my house and work with me and the girls in their own environment. I didn’t want to go elsewhere. I would highly recommend them if you are in need of training. Be prepared to put in the work though because it won’t work if you don’t . But well worth the time spent with them!!! Here’s a pic of the girls back to being BFF again
  • Graci Arias
    Oct. 13, 2024
    When we rescued our dog Pancho (Cane Corso/Boxer mix) we knew he’d need training. While we don’t know his past, his scars tell us that he wasn’t treated kindly and is very reactive to other dogs. Marlene and Joe have done an incredible job both teaching us and working with him to show how smart and sweet he can be. Group training has been immensely helpful in reducing his reactivity. Marlene and Joe are compassionate, patient, professional and kind. Highly recommend them.
  • Adalyn Atilano
    Sep. 3, 2024
    mar and joe have been amazing with my dog. they’re not only great with my dog but with me as well. they are respectful and patient, and always put my dog as a priority. i couldn’t have wished a better trainer in my life. couldn’t recommend them more ❤️
  • The Andersons
    Sep. 2, 2024
    I cannot say enough positive things about Marlene and Joe. Our Boy is 4 and a half months old any strangers often are SHOCKED that he is so young because of his behavior. Bodin has been working with them since he was 12 weeks old and i can’t wait to see who he is after all his trading is completed. I will recommend Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana to anyone and everyone! Thank you for all that you have taught baby boy Bodin and us!
  • LaVar Quarles
    Sep. 2, 2024
    Marble is a completely changed GSD from the first day we started. Marlene and Joe were so amazing! Everything I wanted to have them train Marble on, they did that and so much more! I think the best thing about everything is the in-home experience and the ability to observe what's going on where most places have people drop their pets off and never really experience the process. Marlene and Joe were very helpful and for me, it speaks volumes when Marlene would request updates on the homework she gave us during the week. This was an investment that was WELL WORTH IT! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
  • Sandra Lopez
    Jun. 22, 2024
    My dog and I had such a great experience with Marlene and Joe. After only four weeks of training with them I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my dog. We both learned so much, I could not recommend Dog Training Elite and Marlene and Joe enough.