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Classical Conditioning

Cleveland Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Cleveland, OH.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Cleveland, OH

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

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Cleveland, OH 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 Cleveland classical conditioning dog trainers.

Cleveland 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 Northeast Ohio 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 Cleveland, OH 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 Cleveland, OH.

The Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio Difference


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

  • Barbara Barresi
    Sep. 22, 2025
    Kevin and Andrea at Dog Training Elite, plus their team, helped us reach our goal to have Tucker become a therapy dog!
  • Margaret Sohnlein
    Aug. 21, 2025
    Our puppy Charlie had an amazing experience at Dog Training Elite! We can’t believe how much he learned in his two week training camp. Thank you to all of his wonderful trainers!!
  • Laycee Wojo
    Aug. 15, 2025
    Loved this experience and getting to learn more about my dog and train her the correct way, working with Dog training elite has brought me closer to my dog and understanding the correct methods on how to train them without hurting them. Thank you Dog training elite for a wonderful experience!
  • Colette Bukowski
    Jul. 25, 2025
    This team is amazing. I can’t say enough about Kevin, Andrea, Dennis and the rest of the crew. I first worked with them with my puppy and was so pleased, I had them work my older dog. They take a personal interest in your dogs and your family, really wanting you to achieve your training and behavior goals. They build a positive relationship with your dog and really get to understand them. They are so much more than dog trainers. The group classes are so helpful, providing some structured time for skill reinforcement and help you continue to gain confidence handling your dog in a variety of situations. 100% recommend if you are looking for some training.
  • Robin Strong
    Apr. 24, 2025
    My three year old Aussie went through their in person Platinum Elite Training Camp, she is dealing with a lot of reactivity and aggression and the whole team has made such an impact on her. Kevin, Andrea and Dennis were all so helpful with my dog Nova’s training, and mine! Nova is very selective with the people she likes and she gets excited whenever she sees any of the team from Dog Training Elite. I know we will have support when needed in the future and really look forward to ongoing group classes to help keep Nova properly socialized, obedient and happy.
  • jen
    Apr. 20, 2025
    We can’t say enough about this training facility. Catie and Louie loved attending class daily- and we were so impressed by both the facility itself and the training staff. We would highly recommend. Money well spent! - Barbara and Ron Sherman
  • Barbara
    Apr. 19, 2025
    A huge Thank You to Kevin, Andrea and Dennis of Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio for what they were able to accomplish in training my 5 month old pup Trace. In a very short amount of time all of my serious concerns were addressed. Their expertise was evident but more importantly to me was the kindness and care showed to both Trace and myself. I am so happy to have found them!
  • Guido Carbone
    Mar. 25, 2025
    Guido and I are So happy we chose Dog Training Elite. It's Amazing how 2 weeks of Dog Training with our 4 or 5 month old boxer mix. Andrea, Kevin, Dennis, Agent K....everyone there love their profession and are Great at it! 🩷🩵🩷🩵 And their support doesn't end there. Do you And your Pup and learn these methods! Jody
  • Jennie Eckenrode
    Mar. 15, 2025
    I can’t say enough good things about the Dog Training Elite program! The trainers were patient, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. They didn’t just train my dog—they taught me how to communicate better with him, which made all the difference. Before training, Rolo really struggled with reactivity around other dogs. Taking him in public was unpredictable, stressful, and honestly kind of embarrassing. I couldn’t take him anywhere that had dogs that he didn’t know. He would bark, growl, lunge, and completely lose focus any time we saw another dog. I felt overwhelmed and didn’t know how to help him. That all changed when we started this training program. The trainers immediately understood Rolo’s behavior and worked with so much patience and care. They gave us practical tools and techniques that made sense, and more importantly, they worked. Throughout the training, Rolo became more calm, focused, and confident—and so did I. Now we can pass other dogs on walks without chaos, and I finally feel like I can enjoy time outside with him. It’s been an incredible transformation. I’m so proud of Rolo, and so thankful for the team that helped us get here. If your dog struggles with reactivity, don’t give up—this training truly makes a difference!
  • Jennifer Morelli
    Mar. 2, 2025
    The staff and trainers were great to work with. Very knowledgeable! Highly recommend!
  • Candice Parr
    Feb. 4, 2025
    Elite training is top-notch. I interviewed several facilities before we decided on Kevin & Andrea and their incredible team. We have been through a few trainings so far and see such a difference in our Brutus already! After we committed to Elite we mentioned it to a friend and she said her Pup had gone through the training and went above and beyond praising Elite and their caring staff. If you want someone with years of experience and treat both yourself and your Pup(s) with respect you want Elite. I procrastinated too long so as they say, just do it, and you will never look back!! A+++++++
  • david silberstein
    Feb. 2, 2025
    David my German Shepherd Zeke would highly recommend Dog Training Elite Kevin , Andria are awesome really are compassionate about training Zeke is really making amazing progress very satisfied highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Sean Hartnett
    Jan. 20, 2025
    Kevin was an incredible trainer for my dog, very patient & kind. Learned my dogs temperament fast & adjusted training for his personality which worked great!
  • Veronica Issac
    Jan. 18, 2025
    Great team of trainers! I have been skeptical of the use of e-collars for training but we needed something different to help with reactivity. The owners are wonderful. They come to you. They sat with me during our evaluation to understand what my pup needed. As a single person with a job with long hours, the yrainers have been very flexible with scheduling. They have been so patient with our training, working through real world scenarios. My pup has made such progress. And best of all, we have access to training for the life of my pup. I'm so grateful to have found Dog Training Elite Northeast OH. It has been such an enjoyable experience.
  • Michael Conley
    Jan. 10, 2025
    I'm am so happy that we found DTE. The Johnsons treat every dog like they are one of their own. They go above and beyond to cater to your training needs. Having used other trainers in the past, DTE far exceeded my expectations and highly recommended them. Thank you Kevin, Andresla, Jimmy and Dennis!
  • Ryan Savage
    Nov. 28, 2024
    Dog Training Elite is AWESOME! The owners are the nicest people, they really know what they're doing. If you need dog training, DTE is definitely the way to go. They offer service dog, therapy dog, and obedience training. Great guys overall.
  • Lynn Dutsch
    Nov. 22, 2024
    We were at our wit's end with our puppy but Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio changed our lives for the better from the very first lesson. We have truly enjoyed our experience and have even been able to use the same techniques with our 5 year old dog. We absolutely recommend Kevin, Andrea, and the entire team for any dog or puppy that needs training. It has been such a pleasure to go from one semi-behaved dog and a crazy puppy, to 2 very well behaved dogs with happy owners! Thank you Kevin, Andrea, and the entire team.
  • dominick lesinski
    Nov. 14, 2024
    Thanks DTE Northeast Ohio!
  • kim pintar
    Nov. 12, 2024
    Kevin and Andrea were amazing with our very anxious and nervous Louie. They helped him work through a lot of his fears with an extreme amount of patience and reassurance. They also taught us how to train our dog in a way that was the best for him and build our confidence. What meant the most was how Kevin and Andrea cared when we lost our other dog, Margo. Great dog trainers!!
  • Abby Atkins
    Nov. 12, 2024
    I am so grateful for Kevin, Andrea, and Jimmy! They were so patient as we navigated training two dogs. My pitbull has skin issues so they worked with me on making sure the collar we used didn’t affect his skin. They were all so encouraging and gave my pups so much love. It was a great experience and I’m looking forward to continue the training with the pack walks.