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Classical Conditioning

Madison Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Madison, WI.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Madison, WI

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

Training With An E-Collar

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

Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison, WI 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 Madison, WI.

The Dog Training Elite Madison Difference


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

  • Sheryl Krause
    Nov. 21, 2024
    We chose DTE because we needed training for our sweet but overly protective German Shepherd in her own environment. Mary was knowledgeable and provided helpful guidance for every situation. We had a great experience and the results exceeded our expectations!
  • Emily Bonikowske
    Jul. 29, 2024
    Mary has made a world of difference for us with our dog, Pippin. Pippin has fear and anxiety induced reactivity which made it hard to have new people visit our home, and she would growl/bark at other dogs on walks. With Mary’s help, we’ve now been able to work through a lot of Pippin’s fears. She still doesn’t necessarily like strangers, but she will sit next to us as we talk to people she doesn’t know, and will ignore their dog. She also now allows us to have new people over through the use of the Place command, which Mary taught us. Mary was extremely patient with all of us as we learned, but also pushed us to focus on the training. She took her time with Pippin and genuinely cares about all the dogs she works with, which is obvious during our group classes. There aren’t a ton of other dogs at our group class (4-5 currently) which is perfect for us. Each class combines some consistent activities and something new usually. Pippin actually now loves going to group class where she used to be nervous. Mary also encouraged us to consider an anxiety medication for our dog, which we talked to our vet about who strongly agreed. Overall, Mary is extremely knowledgeable, fun to work with and has helped us so much!
  • Karen Noonan
    Feb. 23, 2024
    100 percent happy with Dog Training Elite Madison