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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Lancaster

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Lancaster, PA.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Lancaster, PA

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 Lancaster dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Lancaster, PA and rely on positive reinforcement to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Lancaster 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 Lancaster

Training With An E-Collar

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

Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster, PA 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 Lancaster, PA.

The Dog Training Elite Lancaster Difference


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

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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Richard Lanci
    Dec. 5, 2024
    Jaime was awesome- 1st lesson was very informative and in just one lesson we realized he is a great dog trainer and also a great dog owner trainer. We are looking forward to our next lesson.😁
  • G C
    Nov. 27, 2024
    Jamie is very knowledgeable! Both firm and kind, he worked with me to correct poor behavior when passing other dogs . By the end of the lesson, my dog was passing other dogs without incident. Thank you, Jamie!
  • Emma Cooper
    Nov. 7, 2023
    We had the best experience with Elite Dog Training! I could not be happier! Our trainer, Toni, was amazing to work with. We have seen great improvement in our dogs behavior. Worth every cent!!
  • Rachelle Storm
    Oct. 16, 2023
    I can not say enough about Toni and Betsy! I have had dogs all of my life and this is the first time that I am so Proud to have a really well behaved dog. I get compliments about my dog Sadie all the time. She is our first service dog that we trained through dog training elite and we are very pleased with their program! I now have the tools for life! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Philadelphia/Lancaster! Thank you so much Toni and Betsy! Rachelle and Bryan Storm
  • Ramona Lunger
    Aug. 21, 2023
    I contacted many different dog trainers in the Lancaster area, but none of them was willing to work with dogs that had aggression issues with the exception of Dog Training Elite! I was afraid I would have to give up Lizzy my GSD because of her aggression toward children and other dogs. Then Betsy and Audra showed up at my door, assessed Lizzy and agreed to take her on!! Lizzy is doing so well with the commands and her confidence level has grown so much that she was playing with our grandson for the first time! These trainers are professional and know what they are doing!! And they love the dogs they train! I am no longer worried about losing Lizzy! All I can say is thank you for saving my dog!
  • Ramona Lunger
    Aug. 21, 2023
    My GSD is aggressive with other dogs and children. The only dog training company I could find to work with her was Dog Training Elite! Lizzy is flowing the commands that were taught to us in our one on one sessions, has now started group sessions and did so well in her first session and climbed up and sat with the grandson for the first time! The trainers are so knowledgeable with dog training and they care about the dogs and families they help!! The best investment I ever made!! I highly recommend Dog training Elite with Betsy and her trainers!! All I can say is thank you for saving our dog!!!
  • Brittany Ritter
    Jul. 23, 2023
    This was one of the best investments I’ve ever made. I have a Bernese Mountain Dog who used to pull on walks, wouldn’t come, would only listen to commands when he wants to, he is now public access certified and we get compliments all the time on how well behaved he is for a one year old puppy. Not only is he a well trained dog, I feel like my relationship with him is so much stronger because we worked and still work together on training every day. I tell everyone with dogs about Dog Training Elite. Could not recommend this company enough!
  • Samantha Ortolano
    Jul. 10, 2023
    I rescued my hound (we live in Philadelphia) about a year ago and it had been a rollercoaster with behaviors, anxiety and scary runaways. Choosing Dog Training Elite has greatly improved all of these issues. With Rubies patience, knowledge and guidance I can whole heartedly say that my girl is better than I could have ever hoped for. She has so much more confidence, the mental stimulation from training and having a job makes her happy and tired, and I feel like we have developed a stronger bond based on trust and obedience. In just a couple of months my once runaway can be trusted off-leash and is hyper focused on me and my commands. The e-collar has been incredible. When I put it on my dog in the morning before we walk she immediately understands that is it time to “work” aka listen. I could not be happier with our training experience or more grateful for Rubie!
  • Kristen Kovacs
    Jul. 4, 2023
    These trainers are absolutely amazing! Toni worked with Teddy our station dog and now he serves his community! Thank you ladies!!
  • Zak Adams
    May. 5, 2023
    Betsy and Audra have been incredible. We are working with them to train our young husky as an autism service dog for our daughter. Their professionalism and kindness is beyond compare. They go the extra mile for their clients, even calling us “family.” They incorporate all of us in Layla’s training and makes sure we are comfortable before moving onto the next phase. We are so thankful for them and would recommend them to anyone!
  • Kristin Witbeck Lee
    Apr. 20, 2023
    We are training two of our dogs to be service dogs, one of whom is a complex guy. Betsy has done an outstanding job with them. She is highly knowledgeable, sensitive, intuitive, friendly, super responsible, and works with our specific needs. We have seen instant and dramatic improvement, which makes our lives so much easier and enjoyable with the dogs. And they are having fun, too--they just love her, and so do we. We all look forward to training sessions! We're so grateful to Betsy for this huge improvement in our lives.Highest recommendation.
  • Rubie Nathanson
    Apr. 20, 2023
    I highly recommend training with Dog Training Elite Lancaster! Betsy has an incredible knowledge base on dog behavior and how to train them with a caring attitude. I had such a hard time getting my dog to listen to be in public, but with Betsy’s methodology, we were able to have my pup listen to me 100% of the time! On top of advanced obedience training we went through the service dog training package. Her empathetic and strategic approach to successfully train my dog to do the tasks I need was incredible. Seriously life changing and I am so grateful for her help!!! 10/10 recommend!!!!
  • Rachael Morinelli
    Apr. 16, 2023
    I adore Betsy and Dog Training Elite ! She has trained our pitbull mix. When we started , she was an out of control pup that was driving me crazy !!! After the training, I can keep her under control - fabulous manners and comes every time I call her ! Sounds minor - but this has been a total life changer. I plan to train with Betsy with my next pup and all future ones. Thank you Betsy !!!!