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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Nashville, TN.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Nashville, 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 Central Nashville dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Nashville, TN 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, down, heel, break, and more.

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Dog Training Elite Central Nashville

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Nashville, 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.
A dog owner playing with his german shepard, learn more about our Nashville classical conditioning dog trainers.

Nashville 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 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 in Nashville, 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 Central Nashville Difference


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Dog Training Elite in Nashville, TN 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 in Nashville, TN, 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 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

  • Dawn McDonnell
    Feb. 8, 2025
    Montana is wonderful! She truly changed the dynamic of our relationship with our dog Ryley.
  • Amanda Goins
    Feb. 7, 2025
    Montana did a fantastic job helping with our new puppy, Lucy. She worked with Lucy and us on how to get her to stop nipping at our fingers and toes and it worked perfectly. Helping me work on basic obedience and making Lucy know I was the one in control and not her. She really set us up to having a happy, healthy pup! I would recommend her to EVERYONE! She went above and beyond!
  • Fred Goins
    Feb. 7, 2025
    Montana did an amazing job helping me get my crazy, high energy dog under control. I can now go out on walks and have him off leash and know that he will come back to me 100%. A+!
  • Tyler Dowdy
    Feb. 6, 2025
    I recently had the pleasure of working with Montana Goins to train my support dog, Saddie, and I am beyond impressed with the results! From the very first session, Montana demonstrated a deep understanding of dog behavior and a calm, patient approach that immediately put both me and Saddie at ease. Montana took the time to get to know Saddie’s specific needs as a support dog, and tailored the training to address her unique challenges. The progress we’ve made in just a few sessions has been incredible. Saddie is now more focused, responsive, and calm in situations that used to overwhelm her. Montana’s training methods are effective, compassionate, and easy to follow, and she provides clear guidance on how to reinforce what we’ve worked on during each session.
  • Matthew
    Feb. 5, 2025
    DTE took such great care and patience to help us with training our new black Lab puppy Bruno! Of course being a labrador puppy he was always jumping on everyone and nipping at whatever he could get his teeth on, now he is very polite and sweet and hasn't jumped on a single visitor! It was a truly amazing difference and our little puppy Brun is now so well behaved!
  • Ethan Douglas
    Feb. 5, 2025
    Munchkin is much less anxious around strangers, and was super crazy around the house. Now she is perfect around others. Thank you Dog Training Elite! :) A++++++++++++++++++++++++
  • H F
    Feb. 4, 2025
    Montana is a great trainer. She will work with you on your desired commands, but also has the ability to work on behavioral corrections, whether or not other dogs are around. She helped Frosty with food aggression and dominance issues, I haven’t had an issue since!
  • Sharon Goins
    Feb. 4, 2025
    Montana has completely transformed my Belgian mal x. In just one session Luna went from pulling me on our walks to a perfect heal. It was like night and day!!
  • Melissa Hatten
    Feb. 4, 2025
    I can't express enough how thrilled I am with Montana's dog training services! Montana Goins worked wonders with Eli, my 2-year-old miniature Australian Shepherd. From the start, Montana was so patient, understanding, and insightful in her approach. She tailored the training to Eli's unique personality and needs, which made all the difference. Not only has Eli learned new skills and commands, but his behavior has improved significantly. He’s more focused, calm, and eager to please now. I’m so pleased with the progress Eli has made, and I can't recommend Montana highly enough to anyone looking to train their dog. Truly an exceptional experience!
  • Isabella Barker
    Feb. 2, 2025
    Dog training Elite has changed my life. My dog was crazy before! He jumped on people, and pulled me on a leash. Now I can have people over, and walk him through the neighborhood no longer stressed! Parker is so knowledgeable.
  • Brady Haslam
    Feb. 2, 2025
    Parker was a great dog trainer! He trained me how to train my dog! I have hired multiple dog trainers with no luck, but Dog Training Elite was able to help me with my dog’s terrible behavior. I now can walk him off leash!
  • Kennedy Esposito
    Jan. 20, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has been so amazing to work with! My dog was out of control!!! She jumped on people, pulled me on a leash, and constantly bolted out the front door! Parker was able to come over listen to my concerns and train my dog to be the best dog ever! Everyone that comes over constantly compliments how well behaved she is. Thank you dog training elite
  • Colton Atkinson
    Dec. 30, 2024
    My dog Sage was very unruly. She jumped, bolted out the front door, and would pull on the leash. She was such a head ache. I was hesitant about paying for dog training, but hands down was one of the best decisions I have ever made! She now listens to me when I call her back to me on hikes. She no longer pulls in a leash. My friends and family now love coming over to my house. Parker was an incredible dog trainer. He taught me and my dog how to have a better relationship. Dog Training Elite was amazing to work with.
  • Hetzel Family
    Dec. 18, 2024
    Cosima was awesome! Our dog Frankie learned so much! Cosima was always patient, soft-spoken and kind. We look forward to the group training and we know that Frankie will be the best-trained dog we’ve ever had!
  • Laurette Carle
    Nov. 19, 2024
    Cosima has been wonderful training our rescue pup! 3 of 5 lessons in, our strong-willed, often stubborn puppy has been maturing well, improving her behavior and attention to us. She loves Cosima and is she certainly tired after her brain works so hard learning new things! Adding after lesson 5: so impressed with Cosima’s patience and skill as she finished the fifth lesson today with our Bella! Our puppy has responded well to this method of training and we look forward to group lessons now!
  • Maryanne Hoemann
    Dec. 17, 2024
    Excellent!!!
  • Sara Turnquist
    Dec. 11, 2024
    Reina from Dog Training Elite Central Nashville came to do an in-home evaluation of our 4 month old puppy. She was extremely knowledgeable, courteous, concise, and transparent about the training options, what the sessions would be like, and answering our questions. As well as being personable. We are very excited to start working with this group!
  • Elizabeth Rutan
    Dec. 10, 2024
    Carol is great! I was nervous to spend so much money and afraid it wouldn’t work, but the training has been incredible for our big guy.
  • Diana Kersey
    Dec. 10, 2024
    Cosima did a great job training my dog! I highly recommend dog training elite!
  • jankeT31
    Dec. 4, 2024
    Carol was pleasant and seemed knowledgeable through her experiences.