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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 Central Nashville dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning and rely on positive reinforcement to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Central Nashville trainer , your dog will become conditioned and develop those “automatic reflexes” to commands such as sit, stay, and so on.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Central Nashville location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Positive Reinforcement Vs. Punishment
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 Central 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 Central Nashville trainer to help your dog be more obedient will help you create a deep, loving relationship with your dog built on trust.
Training With An E-Collar
As mentioned above, Dog Training Elite Central Nashville NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite Central Nashville 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.
Behavior Training Vs. Obedience Training
If you are in the market for dog training, you may run across a few terms like "behavior training" or "obedience training." But what's the difference between the two? And which one is best for your dog? We break down the difference, and how to know which one is right for you and your dog. Whatever kind of training your dog needs, Dog Training Elite is here to help.
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Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Empowering Owners
We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
Supportive
We support owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
Involved
We work with all members of the household.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
The Dog Training Elite Central Nashville
Difference
Dog Training Elite Central Nashville uses modern dog training techniques and methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite Central 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 Central 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 Central Nashville, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it. The unique techniques of Dog Training Elite Central 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 assessment!
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We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Izabel has been amazing! Great with me and my dog. She has been patient and has greatly improved my dog's behavior.— Elizabeth Jacobs
Posted April 8th 2024
i love elite so much!! we’ve seen so much progress in our dog and i just know he’s going to be a great service companion. we love izabel and everything she’s done for us— partygore
Posted March 30th 2024
What a difference a well behaved dog is to take in public areas! Thanks to Dog Training Elite my 3 year old Cavapoo heels and does not tug on leash, lays quietly under table without begging for food, greets people at my command on all four paws no more jumping on visitors. I would suggest if you are dealing with behavior problems and need an obedient dog then grab your dog and leash and RUN DON't WALK to your first training session with Dog Elite Training. You and your dog will not be disappointed!!— Gail Petty
Posted March 3rd 2024
The dogs they've trained are the most well-trained dogs I've ever seen!— Katie Gurney
Posted February 20th 2024
Parker’s training saved my dog’s life. I feel very comfortable with him again and he does commands that I never thought I would be able to get him to do. Highly recommend and worth every penny.— Erik Halbig
Posted February 13th 2024
I am so so grateful for all of the trainers at Dog Training Elite. My dog, Penny, started puppy training around 12 weeks, and started Service Animal training at 6 months. I cannot even imagine having trained her to do everything without the trainers at DTE. She's an 11 months old German Shepherd and she's impressively well-behaved. A couple weeks ago, she passed her Public Access Test, and now she's starting Task Training. The best part of all this is that she and I got to do it together, thanks to guidance and tools from the trainers. It may seem expensive, or inexpensive depending on your presumptions, but this is the best possible place to get your companion trained.— Lizzi Riordan
Posted January 22nd 2024
After just a few sessions of training I was able to take my Laszlo to our local dog park on my lunch break or before a meeting, due to finally being able to recall him and leave the dog park rather than embarrassingly chasing him or bribing him. The trust built between us now after learning and practicing basic commands is priceless. We both look forward to the weekly group sessions.— Jennifer Dalton
Posted January 13th 2024
Superb training session today with Parker. Both dog and owner were smiling at the end of an intense hour of learning— Nikki Dalton
Posted January 11th 2024
I cannot express how grateful we are to have used Dog Training Elite Nashville. From day one of training with Izabel, Sam, our Border Terrier, has been learning so quickly. She evaluated Sam’s strengths and weaknesses along with me and my husband to find the best way to train all of us. We can take our dog anywhere in any situation and he’s extremely well behaved.— APRIL MCVAY
Posted January 2nd 2024
Wonderful staff and fun and engaging learning skills!! Can’t recommend enough!— Mary Davis
Posted December 19th 2023
Izabel was the most patient and amazing trainer I have ever experienced! Super knowledgeable on everything she does!— Jolene Fredrich
Posted December 15th 2023
Izabel is such a wonderful trainer! My fur baby Toothless would just get overly excited and with her help she really was able to give us both some calmness and a better understanding of each other! He’s a pitbull mix and although I love breed I haven’t owned one myself so I’m thankful for her skills and education with us both! Thank you Izabel!— Emily Cooper
Posted December 9th 2023
Amazing staff and care, my pit mix was the most stubborn pup and now she is the most well behaved girl.— Timothy Ochoa
Posted December 9th 2023
We love Izabel and the Elite team. Our daughter and pup are thriving and we document be happier.— Kami Harold
Posted December 8th 2023
Izabel Gray is a caring and knowledgable trainer, and her dog Rubie is proof that she knows what she's doing. This company's service is top notch and well worth your time. Request Izabel for sure! :)— Chris Galloway
Posted December 8th 2023
Izabel Gray really knows how to make dog owners feel confident, Her knowledge is so helpful when learning how to have a well behaved dog.— Jennie Galloway
Posted December 8th 2023
My dog, Tucker, was lucky to have Isabella from Elite for his training. We have learned so much and look forward to continuing with our training so Tucker can be the best dog ever. I would recommend both Isabella and Elite for your training. Thanks! Ginny Johnson— Ginny Johnson
Posted November 28th 2023
Our cockapoo has grown so much with dog training elite. Barley needed some commands to keep him safe when off leash. Our trainer helped him know all the commands and allowed my husband and I to feel safe with him while outside the house. He knows when to come, knows what to stay off of, and is a much safer dog being trained by dog training elite!— Jaryn Jones
Posted November 27th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Central Nashville, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite Central Nashville works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.