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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Naperville

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Naperville, IL.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Naperville, IL

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

Training With An E-Collar

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

Naperville 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 Naperville 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 Naperville, IL 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 Naperville, IL.

The Dog Training Elite Naperville Difference


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

  • Meghan Grzetich
    Feb. 22, 2025
    Amazing! Wonderful , caring staff and very effective training
  • Macie Samek
    Dec. 27, 2024
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite Western Chicago Facility are the best and most reliable people I have met! Everything is well communicated and easy on my side. The facility is so clean inside and out. DTE hosts also amazing activities themed after holidays! Overall they are an amazing experience! Pauline is Benny main trainer and let’s just say me and Benny both love her. She has made such an amazing impact with Benny basic obedience and I can’t wait for our next step with DTE and start service dog training! Thank Pauline and Grace for helping Benny get to wear he is now!
  • Antonia Tienda
    Dec. 23, 2024
    Grace and the team were so patient with our Lab Puppy Duke. They took their time with him and kept a consistent tone to keep him engaged and listening at all times.
  • phil kotas
    Dec. 18, 2024
    Grace at Dog Training Elite Western Chicago Facility demonstrated exceptional patience, reliability, firmness, encouragement, and knowledge throughout the training process, helping my dog master various commands and behaviors. Grace's expert guidance and personalized approach made Dog Training Elite, and of course Grace, the perfect choice for my puppy's in-home dog training needs.
  • Kelly N
    Oct. 14, 2024
    DTE is incredible. They have helped my dog and I develop a deeper bond and trust, all while teaching her how to be a good listener!! Grace and Pauline are super experienced, make group classes fun, and truly love what they do which the dogs can tell! The owners, Katie and Tim are so knowledgeable, I have seen them help dogs and owners come into their own (myself included). I simply cannot express how amazing DTE has been for me and my dog.
  • Carly Paluszek
    Oct. 4, 2024
    We chose Dog Training Elite because they do e-collar training, which is a really great communication tool for our stubborn Great Pyrenees. We did the 7-day training camp with trainer Pauline and noticed an improvement after day 1 in our dog’s recall. We’ve also been able to better manage her leash reactivity. The group classes are fun and engaging, and they host them at different locations around the area. All of the trainers are awesome - patient and sweet with the dogs and always willing to answer questions. We will 100% be using Dog Training Elite for any future dogs we get!
  • Gregory Long
    Aug. 22, 2024
    Our dog didn't play well with others. If another dog showed any interest she responded by lunging, barking, and generally being out of control. Not only was this embarrassing, it was unsafe. She nearly caused my son to fall as she dashed to get other dog. Prior to working with Dog Training Elite, we tried two different trainers. Both relied exclusively on positive reinforcement and neither was able to change our girl's behavior. While this approach works with a lot of dogs, it wasn't helpful for us. We found the combination of e-collar training coupled with treats and praise to be very effective. I couldn't be happier with the results.Also, I'm a fan of the Saturday morning group classes. The opportunity to interact with other dogs has made ours much more relaxed. Although she's still a work in progress, she's so much better and safer now.
  • Cindi Clark
    Apr. 8, 2024
    I am so grateful for finding Dog Training Elite Naperville, the owners and the rest of the team are off the charts amazing, kind, caring, knowledgeable and supportive. Ollie and I are forever grateful and will be their cheerleaders, we both highly recommend Katie, Tim, Pauline and the rest of the team! ☮️❤️🐾
  • Kizito Chibyke
    Mar. 25, 2024
    Dog Trainingin Naperville, IL Very interesting and good quiet place to relax,
  • Kathi Goveia
    Feb. 1, 2024
    I am so happy with the progress that my dog has made since starting at dog training elite! Pauline was absolutely fantastic in explaining everything thoroughly and I’m looking forward to seeing my dogs progress!
  • Janet Anderson
    Jan. 17, 2024
    Tim and Katie are the ultimate dog trainers! My Quinn’s behavior has improved dramatically since we trained there. They came to my home annd eventually we did location tests at various stores and locations. And this is a Western Chicago location but I love that now, no matter where I move, I can find another location and join them for weekend group training for free. My dog is now my certified service dog. She knows when she’s “on the job” and is so excited to wear her vest. Thank you Katie and Tim!
  • Nadine Stanley
    Dec. 30, 2023
    Dog Training Elite has been amazing every step of the way with my son's service dog. From assisting us in finding a dog/breeder for autism service dogs, preparing our family prior to the arrival of Scout, working with us in defining Scout's service skills, to helping us refine my son's understanding of how to be the main handler! We consistently get compliments on his manners, gentle mannerisms (he's a 95lb sweetie!), and the support others see him providing my son. Thank you Dog Training Elite!!!
  • Ana M
    Dec. 10, 2023
    Ms Katie and Ms Pauline are absolutely incredible! So much care and love in their work. They transformed my crazy pup to a manageable good girl! Of course still a puppy but now I have an amazing foundation of obedience to work with. Ms Pauline your amazing walking us through the day. Thank you so much and we will see you soon for more! BB sends hellos to Russo!!
  • Samantha Reimann
    Nov. 15, 2023
    Pauline did such a great job with Harlies (my dog) training! She makes you feel so comfortable when discussing your pups progress and you can tell she genuinely cares about the success of your dogs training. I love that we went with them for our dogs training and cannot wait for the group classes!!
  • Chelsea Ochs
    Sep. 27, 2023
    If I could give more than five stars I would! My experience with Dog Training Elite has been incredible thus far. Katie and Pauline have been incredibly kind, thorough and helpful throughout our entire training process! Every morning and evening Pauline has walked me through specific training focuses and how Hendrix,my two year old Newfie,has responded each day. Not only that, but she puts very detailed effort into training write ups & videos so that I can apply what’s been taught each day! They have been so helpful to reference for continued training at home. It can be challenging trusting others with our pets, but Hendrix loves training and spending time with Pauline. I can tell she’s so loved by your team and we are forever grateful for the hard work and help. Can’t wait to continue with group training & additional courses. :)
  • Diana Kassel
    Sep. 12, 2023
    Drop off days not helps reinforce their training, but for the young pups that need more activity when moms at work it’s great!! Money well spent
  • Karen Vetrovec
    Sep. 12, 2023
    Kate and Tim very effective. Social dog sessions beyond our home just not close to where we live like we thought.