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Classical Conditioning

Murfreesboro / Spring Hill Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, TN.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, 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 Greater Nashville dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, TN to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville 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 Greater Nashville

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, 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.
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Murfreesboro / Spring Hill 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 Greater Nashville 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 Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, 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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The Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville Difference


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

  • Taylor Leigh
    Dec. 23, 2025
    Top 3 things I loved: 1) Knowledgeable and patient instruction from the trainer, 2) Reliable and empathetic support that put us at ease, 3) Experienced and effective training methods that helped improve our dog's behavior. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville! We absolutely loved Brad our trainer!
  • Ethan Holden
    Dec. 22, 2025
    My wife and I adopted a sweet, 1.5 year old Shih Tzu from a local animal rescue. We both owned dogs growing up, but this was the first dog that we could truly call ours. Consequently, Rizzo was also the first dog we were 100% responsible for training and taking care of. The first few days were ok, but then we quickly ran into major issues with crate training and serious separation anxiety. Every night and every time we left for work, Rizzo refused to go in her crate. When we placed here in there, she always withheld some pee, despite frequent walks and a watering schedule. Soon we found ourselves in a cycle of soiled crates, constant baths, and a permanent sense of anxiety and stress for everyone in the house. We reached out to Brad, who scheduled a free in-home consultation with the whole family. Out of the eight trainers I reached out to in the Middle Tennessee region, he and one other were the only ones who responded promptly and positively. Brad impressed us during the consultation because he did not try to upsell us on the most expensive plan, instead picking one that he thought was best for us and Rizzo. We ended up going with a plan that featured five total one-on-one, in-home sessions. There was notable improvement after the first session. Brad didn't rush us to schedule the second session, instead encouraging us to take our time working on the principles he established during that first visit. He also encouraged us to text and call with any isses we had during the week. I took full advantage of this, sending multiple emails, videos, and texts while we worked together. Brad always responded promptly and with action steps I could try implementing then and there. By his second visit a couple weeks later, we were able to get Rizzo to go in and out of the crate on her own. By the fourth session, we had solved the crate-soiling issue. We made so much progress that we were able to spend the last two sessions working on basic obedience. All of us are so much happier than we were before! I fully recommend working with Brad. If you listen to what he says, take notes, pay attention to how he is training your dog, and faithfully do your homework, I don't see how there wouldn't be an improvement in your dog's overall behaviour. Actively engaging and being a participant in the dog training process is key: my wife and I worked with Rizzo every night, thirty minutes a night. Just like with a personal trainer, you can't expect to see results if you aren't willing to put in the sweat equity. We do not regret our decision at all, so if you are on the fence or in a similar situation, you can't go wrong contacting Brad!
  • Tammy Keylon
    Dec. 18, 2025
    Brad is an amazing dog trainer! He is incredibly kind, patient, and very personal in the way he works with both dogs and their families. Our dog Daisy absolutely loved him, and we could see how comfortable she felt right away. Brad took the time to work with our whole family, making sure everyone understood the training and felt confident continuing it at home. We are so grateful for his patience, knowledge, and genuine care. Highly recommend Brad to anyone looking for a wonderful dog trainer!
  • Shannon Williams
    Nov. 18, 2025
    We found Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville while searching for dog training near me and were impressed from the start. Brad’s knowledge and patience made every session clear and easy to follow, and his expertise shone through in how he understood my dog’s needs. We appreciated his calm, understanding approach that helped our puppy learn good habits without feeling rushed. Overall, the experience was seamless and left us confident that we were working with the best dog trainer in the area!
  • Katie Lee
    Oct. 22, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville exceeded my expectations. Top 3 things I loved: 1) Their patience with my dog – never rushed a lesson. 2) Their experience and knowledge of dog behavior – every session felt professional. 3) Their kindness and understanding – made the training feel supportive and fun. I found them easily when looking for dog training near me and would recommend them to anyone seeking obedience training for dogs.
  • Dillon T
    Oct. 14, 2025
    5/5 stars – I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite. Brad was extremely knowledgeable and made it easy for us to understand each step in the training process. He was extremely dedicated to the training and answering any questions we had. He was appropriately firm but equally caring and affectionate with our Toast. We have seen a great improvement each week with Toast in regards to the commands but also in her overall confidence.
  • Stephanie Ring
    Oct. 11, 2025
    I was looking for dog training near me and found Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville. I appreciated the personalized approach and would definitely recommend them.
  • Hannah Weatherford
    Oct. 9, 2025
    5/5 stars - excellent expertise, endless patience, clear communication, real understanding, and genuine kindness. The trainers at Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville helped my nervous puppy become well behaved in just a few weeks. I appreciated their personalized approach and the way they explained each step. Highly recommend if you are looking for dog training near me or any obedience training for dogs. They truly are the best dog trainer in the area.
  • Mariah Strike
    Sep. 20, 2025
    5/5 stars – each star for patience, professionalism, communication, expertise, and value. I chose Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville after searching for dog training near me and was impressed by the trainer's incredible patience. Every session felt calm and supportive, and my dog responded positively. The trainer took time to explain each step and never rushed the process. Highly recommend for anyone looking for patient and effective dog training.
  • Brynn Aiello
    Sep. 10, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville was incredibly patient, kind and knowledgeable. The trainer was very professional and experienced, and helped my dog with basic obedience in a calm way. I felt the whole process was friendly and effective. I highly recommend them for anyone looking for dog training near me.
  • Taylor Andrews
    Sep. 6, 2025
    Brad with Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville far exceeded our expectations with his expertise! We felt so defeated with our dog’s behavior, and we had even had some tough conversations with our vet. After our initial in-home consultation with Brad, our hope had been restored. It was so rewarding to see the week-to-week improvement after each in-home training session, and I feel that we finally have our dog back! He is a much happier and WAY calmer dog now, and we are finally able to take him out in public again. Over all, I don’t think you’re going to find a more knowledgeable, patient, or experienced trainer in our area. Thank you, Brad! We are forever grateful for you!
  • Ted Salyers
    Aug. 20, 2025
    Our experience with Brad at Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville was exceptional, from the professional approach to the responsive communication, we couldn't ask for more. Brad was knowledgeable and explained everything to us during the private obedience training sessions.
  • Scott williams
    Aug. 14, 2025
    Parker has started helping us with Oakley our new golden retriever and we can already tell a huge difference in his behavior! he stopped, chewing on our couches and obeys simple command so far. We are extremely impressed and even more excited about the future. We highly recommend dog training elite in Nashville and surrounding areas.
  • Karin Price
    Aug. 1, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville provided top-notch services! Brad really honed in on our dog’s needs. To be honest, I was very nervous that our dog’s reactivity would never get better. Marcus is a rescue that was found as a stray and was around 2 at the time we got him (Aussie). He is a total love bug with us but started resource protecting us, our home and the yard. He reacted extremely toward other people and dogs on walks and definitely when they visited our home. It was uncontrollable. The difference from the first private training session to the second was remarkable but on the last personal session at Lowe’s, he didn’t react to anything. We are now in the group classes and my worries have subsided. He still has tiny moments here and there but can be redirected quickly. The difference from this training is nothing short of miraculous. It’s only been 9 sessions so I know that after a few more group classes, all of Marcus’ reactivity will be gone. His is all fear driven and he is more and more confident with each session. If you have a reactive dog, don’t give up on them. Call Brad at Dog Training Elite!
  • Cathy Oakes
    Aug. 1, 2025
    Brad at Dog Training Elite was EXCELLENT!! He turned out super-hyper, headstrong dog unto a manageable and enjoyable pet!! It's a process and we're still working at it. But Brad gave me the knowledge and skills to be able to do that - not only with Java, but with our new puppy, as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and worth EVERY penny!!!
  • Hannah Biagi
    Jul. 24, 2025
    Brad is great!!! He’s friendly, upbeat, and most of all, great with dogs. He worked with us to tailoring our lessons to the behaviors we wanted to correct - especially aggression! In-home lessons were a great start (thank you, Scout!) and we’re excited to be starting group lessons next, something I wasn’t sure would be possible with our Pyrenees-Lab Mix!
  • Melinda Kellams
    Jun. 7, 2025
    Excellent puppy training from Brad. Brad was very patient with Archie snd clearly knew what he was doing. Archie has learned so much and is well behaved and pleasant to be around
  • Staysee Lynn
    Jun. 6, 2025
    We were impressed with Brad’s comprehensive understanding and expertise on dog training. He provided valuable insights and effective techniques that greatly enhanced our knowledge of dog behavior and how they react to training. He is funny too. During the training process we always looked forward to our session. We highly recommend Brad and Dog Training Elite.
  • Brad “Buckeyebradley” M
    Jun. 6, 2025
    Brad did an amazing job training our puppy. In just 5 training sessions our dog will come when called, sit and stay until we release him, lay down when we tell him to, and go to his bed when we give him the command. If you need a dog trainer, this is your guy.
  • Cheryl Freeman
    Jun. 5, 2025
    Brad was amazing! Noticeable improvement in our puppy’s behavior within the first week.