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Classical Conditioning

Knoxville Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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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.

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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

  • Cristine Summers
    Oct. 31, 2025
    First training with Kenna went great! Our little Poppy loved it. We’re so excited to start this journey!
  • SHERMAN NETTLES
    Oct. 29, 2025
    Great
  • patricia bruce
    Nov. 6, 2025
    Very friendly and kind .
  • Marianne Waters
    Nov. 6, 2025
    Julia doesn’t overwhem the owner (or the dog) with training. She makes it common sense.
  • Mark S
    Nov. 6, 2025
    First day of training and already seeing improvments
  • Patricia Harris
    Aug. 5, 2025
    Julia did a great job. My dog learned a lot & so did I. My dog loved her.
  • Donna Hall
    Oct. 14, 2025
    Lulu had training with Julia today. Julia is so good with her and I feel like she is progressing. My husband and I are very impressed with Julia’s knowledge and especially her patience with our sweet baby. Looking forward to next week’s lesson!
  • Laura Vinson
    Nov. 3, 2025
    Montana came for a consultation for training. She was very thorough and answered all of our questions. I highly recommend, we are so excited to start our training for our dog.
  • Ashley Martinez
    Oct. 31, 2025
    Graci was amazing! Answered all my questions ☀️
  • laurene holcomb
    Oct. 27, 2025
    Wonderful experience today with Montana from Elite..communicates clearly, knowledgable, and she is a friendly, kind person. The training is best price I have found for in home and classes. They offer service and obedience. She works individually with the dogs abilities. I am excited to have my first training.
  • Adam Jarvis
    Oct. 24, 2025
    Great first training session! She was patient and knowledgeable. We are off to a good start.
  • Sam Rapp
    Feb. 6, 2025
    Parker, Montana and team are reliable, consistent, extremely competent, and professional. They mix all of these traits with a level of empathy and caring that make them 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.
  • Leandra Edringer
    Oct. 14, 2025
    Renia, is who I have been working with so far and she is amazing. Also the company worked with me on a payment plan, due to the Government shutdown and I have never been more grateful. I highly recommend them for any training needs, from basic obedience, to a service animal.
  • Beth Mouse
    Sep. 13, 2025
    Carol did a great job and my dog is starting to improve some of his difficult behaviors. I am anxious to see more improvement in the future.
  • Melissa Childress
    Oct. 9, 2025
    Carol did a great job with presentation, and was very friendly to me and my pet.
  • Renee Marks
    Oct. 9, 2025
    Montana with Dog Training Elite is fantastic to work with. We dog parents love her and her style of training; now our baby pup, Rado, well….he would appreciate her not visiting his home 🤣😇
  • Gail
    Oct. 8, 2025
    Carol is easily one of the finest trainers I have met. I would trust her completely to work with my dog and me. I cannot afford training at this time, however. I appreciate her time and skill.
  • Wendy Etheridge
    Oct. 4, 2025
    Montana is a lovely young lady and Lydia took to her right away! This is in Nashville, by the way. She explained everything about the training program very well. She listened to the things I would like to do with Lydia and what I would like Lydia to be able to do. I appreciated her spending the amount of time she did and I felt well informed about the program. Thank you Montana, for throwing that BALL!!
  • George Weber
    Aug. 13, 2025
    Met with Parker for assessment of our dog. He was professional and helpful. Had 2nd lesson with Kenna made great strides in our dog's training Thank you Montana trained today. Great job explained all the steps and reasons for them Thank you Kenna has been training us and we couldn't be happier. Our dog has made huge improvement in obedience and makes life much more enjoyable Thank you
  • Cathy Austin
    Oct. 3, 2025
    Gracie was sweet and very personable. She explained the program in detail ans provided a estimate for the service.