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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Knoxville, TN.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Knoxville, TN

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

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Knoxville NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Knoxville, TN 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 Knoxville classical conditioning dog trainers.

Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville, TN 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 Knoxville - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Knoxville, TN
Positive Reinforcement Training
Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Puppy Obedience Training in Knoxville, TN. DTE
Puppy Obedience Training
Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Off Leash Dog Training in Knoxville, TN. Dog Training Elite
Off Leash Training
Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Dog Agility Training in Knoxville, TN. DTE
Agility Through Basic Obedience Training
A women playing with her service dog in Knoxville, TN.

The Dog Training Elite Knoxville Difference


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

  • Sam Rapp
    Feb. 6, 2025
    Parker is reliable, consistent, extremely competent, and professional. He mixes all of these traits with a level of empathy and caring that makes him very effective. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my thumbless child. It’s just too bad y’all don’t have a ten-star rating, because I would give him 11.
  • Tayler Wallace
    Jan. 31, 2025
    We loved working with Reina and look forward to more sessions with her!!
  • Bobbie Krag
    Jan. 8, 2025
    We were so happy with Parker, and our experience with Dog Training Elite Knoxville. Thank you so much for your continued support in training Roxy!!
  • Dannie Harris
    Jan. 14, 2025
    Another wonderful session! I highly recommend this program. The knowledge and experience of Reina is very helpful. She is very responsive to my dog’s behaviors and needs.
  • liam ross
    Jan. 22, 2025
    Carol was so great in helping us understand the process and making a decision that was right for us.. She was very knowledgeable and professional! Thanks again!
  • David Doucette
    Jan. 20, 2025
    Great job today. It was a hard one to learn but patience and perseverance got the job done!
  • Jon Wasmund
    Jan. 15, 2025
    Reina is an amazing dog trainer. What she's accomplished with my dog has truly been life changing.
  • Maryanne Hoemann
    Jan. 15, 2025
    Great info--easy to follow directions--enjoyed!!
  • Karly Kramer
    Jan. 15, 2025
    Bolt has been through tough times recently! His trainer Reina is amazing! A couple months down the road, and Bolt is doing amazingly compared to how he was with his reactivity! I am very satisfied with the progress, and how it is obvious progress! He now can calm himself down when people come to our house, and his place command helps him tremendously with his anxiety. Reina and I finished at the dog park today! I never would’ve expected being able to take my boy there. He used to pull and bark towards everything, but today, Reina showed me exactly what I should do if Bolt focuses on dogs, and how to calm his inner crazy! I’ve personally been afraid to bring Bolt to the dog park, but Reina showed me Bolt CAN do it! I am scared but excited for his Mall trip in a couple weeks! I am ready to show everyone the growth my dog has experienced. Also, Bolt absolutely loves Reina! He gets excited when she is around, and loves her positive vibes! I am very happy I decided to go with Dog Training Elite! I highly recommend if you have a reactive dog(human, dog, children, etc)!!! Thank you for everything you’ve done to help Bolt work through his emotions!
  • Sara R. Turnquist
    Jan. 15, 2025
    The training was with Reina. She was great. Clear instruction, good with the dog, and firm with training. A wonderful experience! Amazed at how quickly the training is shaping behavior and how solid their methods.
  • Jarissa Loy
    Jan. 2, 2025
    Carol was very thorough with laying out everything they offer. She was very understanding and nice about everything
  • Ben Connell
    Dec. 30, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been great to work with. They have taught me to have a better relationship with my rescue dog. My dog Wyatt was traumatized and abused. Dog training elite helped him gain confidence, and start to trust people again. He has gone from being reactive on the leash to walking nicely in my neighborhood. Best investment ever!
  • Kristen
    Dec. 28, 2024
    Carol is a phenomenal trainer! Her expertise and professionalism stand out, and she clearly has a natural ability to connect with dogs. She is also able to teach me as an owner practical and effective techniques for training and help me understand the bc “WHY” behind it. My dog Knox’s behavior, recall, and obedience has drastically improved since working with her…and in just a short amount of time! I highly recommend Carol and Dog Training Elite in Knoxville for anyone looking for a skilled, convenient and passionate dog trainer!
  • Simon Tv
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Reina helped us train our golden retriever puppy. She was excellent and a complete professional. We are looking forward to seeing her again at our group sessions! Highly recommend Reina!
  • Hetzel Family
    Dec. 18, 2024
    Cosima was awesome! Our dog Frankie learned so much! Cosima was always patient, soft-spoken and kind. We look forward to the group training and we know that Frankie will be the best-trained dog we’ve ever had!
  • Donnie Womble
    Nov. 25, 2024
    Jennifer was great help in the office.
  • Melissa Ball
    Nov. 22, 2024
    Jen and the office are super helpful! Thank you!
  • Evan
    Nov. 22, 2024
    Staff was very kind and flexible, Jen in the office was very knowledgeable and helped me find the plans that suited my training needs, 10/10 would recommend.
  • Taya Fillmore
    Nov. 6, 2024
    I loved my experience with Dog Training Elite. Parker has helped my standard poodle Kaiser blossom into quite the gentlemen. He used to jump on people and pull on the leash but now he is a model citizen. Thank you Parker and DTE
  • Bennett Moody
    Oct. 28, 2024
    Carol was such a sweetheart! She was so nice and was so great at making my dog obey! She taught me well how to train my dog! I really recommend!