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Classical Conditioning

Lowell Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Lowell, MA.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Lowell, MA

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

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Lowell / Chelmsford NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Lowell, MA 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 Lowell classical conditioning dog trainers.

Lowell 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 Lowell / Chelmsford 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 Lowell, MA 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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Dog Training Elite Lowell / Chelmsford - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Lowell, MA

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A women playing with her service dog in Lowell, MA.

The Dog Training Elite Lowell / Chelmsford Difference


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

  • Jessica Echevarria
    Oct. 30, 2025
    Rich was very helpful! Gave me a better understanding of what dog training elite does and helps with.
  • DRBlaster
    Oct. 25, 2025
    We are so happy to see the progress of us as a pack leader and our Zeus in just 3 clases. Can't wait to learn more. Thanks Richard!
  • John Conor
    Oct. 25, 2025
    Rich is great as usual I love working with him he really has the drive for the job and gets things done.
  • Ingrid Figueroa
    Oct. 11, 2025
    Great experience!
  • Jon Fawcett
    Oct. 8, 2025
    Richard has been helping Louie and I for a couple sessions now, and we’re big fans. He’s a great teacher, for dog and human alike. He’s quick to not only convey the correct method if you, as the handler, get it wrong, but also the rationale behind it, which helps glue the lesson in your mind a bit better. Louie has taken to his positive and genial personality. His tail wags a million miles an hour at Richard’s arrival, and then he has to deliver a few sloppy goodbye kisses on Richard’s way out the door.
  • Daxton Tarantino
    Oct. 5, 2025
    Our meeting with Rich was great. He was very knowledgeable. Took his time and explained everything we need to know. Thank you!
  • John McEachern
    Sep. 11, 2025
    Richard is very easy going , stays on point and is working on our training as well as Phins ! I think we’re behind 🤣
  • Jenny Valentine
    Oct. 1, 2025
    All of the trainers have been great! We have been working a lot with Laydon and Jocynia. They both have been super kind and patient with us. Today we were at Home Depot with Laydon. Teddy is building up his confidence and has been improving a lot since working with Elite!! Laydon is really nice and is very reassuring which helps us stay on track. We were working on place & navigating in a social setting. Teddy has been learning lots of new skills throughout the training process. Each trainer has taken their time to explain thoroughly and answer any questions that I have. Thank you for the patience and teachings.
  • Denise Amirto
    Sep. 22, 2025
    I had my initial consultation for my Rescue pup, a SATO, with Rich today. I’m just starting out. My dog absolutely adored him. I loved his ways with her, I also was so happy hearing him state, “Good Sit” Bailey, as I have one online person I follow and he does the same. He was extremely helpful, loving with my dog, she stole his Entire Treat stick, he was thorough, he was patient with my Mom and myself, as we are exhausted from our management writing about taking her. He had my mom test the e-collar and brought the Hermspringer for my Baby Girl. I asked him if he could ask, X, y & z to the office and when I called he’d already done it. He was a pleasure to work with and Bailey was very saddened when he left. I would Recommend speaking with Debbie, as she’s very knowledgeable and professional, as well as patient with others. She is why I decided to go with. Rich sealed the deal. He helped me through the payment process, had my dog sitting and staying without a word and asked her for some kisses. Calling Debbie afterwards was a very easy process and she is just excellent at what she does. BTW I got my third letter today, apparently when Rich was here, hand delivered, stating Bailey has until the 26th. Debbie’s words of encouragement today are what’s getting me through that. Rich’s Example of what a professional Trainer is, a dog lover and kind man, has me feeling like, going forward with my Sweet little Girl, is All going to be filled with joy and a Happy, Confident pup, with us understanding each other. Thank you 🙏
  • Lyn Quarti
    Sep. 22, 2025
    We've been really happy working with Rich! In addition to great training, he's given us tips on various issues to help Misha reach her potential!
  • Matt Smith
    Sep. 18, 2025
    Rich did an amazing job!!! I’ve had him multiple times and he always does great with my dog Fergie, giving me great training exercises to do with her and showing me how to do them properly. He also gave me tips on how to help her and my girlfriends dog get along better!!!
  • Timothy Hall
    Aug. 6, 2025
    Richard, Belle Amie and I had a great time working with Belle. She is a smart gsd and Richard is a smart and patient trainer.
  • Luann Smith
    Jul. 8, 2025
    Dog Trainer Tiffany, of Dog Training Elite, came by today for our hour long consultation. I was very impressed with her knowledge level and with the plan she made to address my one year old dog Pumpkin's (and my) training. With a plan in place and some things we can do before our next in house session I am very confident that we'll reach our goals. Pumpkin loves learning and practicing new things and she had an enjoyable time interacting with Tiffany.
  • Sandra LaPerche
    Jun. 13, 2025
    Tiffany came on time and explained the program very well. We are looking forward to starting with the Platinum Program. We want our dog to become a good dog citizen, and we have committed to doing the work. Thank you.
  • Holly Haines
    Jun. 11, 2025
    Excellent first visit with Tiffany! Can’t wait to get my pups 🐶 on track!
  • Deborah Karson
    May. 29, 2025
    Excellent initial consultation with Tiffany. She assessed our dog as well as our needs and provided a clear plan for training. I look forwsrd to building a successful working relationship.
  • denise ramsey
    Mar. 5, 2025
    Tiffany helped us with a new command word of heel to our puppy and the introduction of a prong collar for light corrections.
  • Shelly Killian
    Apr. 21, 2025
    Tiffany was great again in training session with my German Shepherd Karma. She made the session interesting while teaching Karma new behaviors and I always learn something as well. Highly recommend.
  • Judith Philbrook
    Apr. 15, 2025
    This my second session with Tiffany. She was very encouraging and some new tips that was fun for me and my dog Jake. Looking forward to the next session at home Depot
  • Francesca Izzo
    May. 7, 2025
    All of the trainers at Dog Training Elite have been wonderful, especially Tiffany who we have worked with the most. My puppy has made so much progress under their guidance.