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Classical Conditioning

Nashville Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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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

  • Matt Joachim
    Jan. 4, 2026
    I was hesitant about paying for dog training. But now I realize it was the best investment I could make for my dog. He has so much more freedom now that he listens to commands reliably and this was an incredible experience thank you dog training elite!
  • Kinzy Nabrotzky
    Jan. 4, 2026
    I am so grateful for Parker at dog training elite. My dog used to bark anytime we stopped petting him, but now he doesn’t bark at us anymore. He is an amazing housemate and I’m so glad that we decided to go with DTE for dog training.
  • Natalie Neuhaus
    Jan. 4, 2026
    I loved my experience with dog training elite! They helped me so much by taking my dog from being a menace to being a sweet girl! Millie is my micro golden doodle and I am so proud of where she is at now after dog training. The private lessons and group lessons were awesome!
  • Julia Lewis
    Dec. 20, 2025
    Wild willful puppy now much safer !!
  • Jaxon Hunt
    Dec. 8, 2025
    Thank you so much to Parker and his team for training our dog that was out of control! They made the training process easy and were always so kind and considerate. Thanks you for your amazing service!
  • Carson Stosich
    Dec. 8, 2025
    Awesome service. Awesome trainers. Couldn’t have been happier about the way my dog behaves.
  • haylie chase
    Dec. 8, 2025
    This is THE place to go for any dog training. Parker and his team are truly the BEST. They treat dogs and their owners with respect and kindness which can turn any feisty pup into a smart and reliable dog & friend.
  • Sage Bangerter
    Dec. 8, 2025
    I loved everything about dog training elite!! I finally started to see results when Parker and his team came in. I can tell the trainers really cared about my dog and it shows in their work. I would recommend to literally everyone!! Best experience
  • aubrey jones
    Dec. 8, 2025
    Before training, my dog struggled with leash pulling, jumping, and not listening when it mattered most. After working with this trainer, the difference is unbelievable. They were patient, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my dog’s success. If you’re thinking about getting your dog trained, do it. This has been one of the best investments I’ve made. Highly recommend!
  • Amanda Rowland
    Nov. 5, 2025
    Parker was great, he came in and evaluated our dogs. Very professional, and you can tell he’s had lots of experience training. Would recommend!
  • Francis LoGiudice
    Nov. 2, 2025
    Kenna, Montana & Parker all worked with our dogs and us to create an amazing foundation for us to train both our pups. We have experienced great progress with everything they taught us and them. It is worth the money as long as you are willing to put in the time with your dog. We are looking forward to the remaining group trainings. Thanks Kenna, Parker & Montana for working with us.
  • Steven Anderson
    Nov. 1, 2025
    Awesome experience with Dog Training Elite!!! They have been helping us with our Labrador and we have seen him make continual progress since day 1. They have been great with helping us address problem behaviors. The instruction we’ve received has empowered us to shape the behaviors we want our dog to display and stop the ones that have been a problem. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!
  • Benjamin Knight
    Oct. 9, 2025
    Dog Training Elite was awesome! Couldn’t recommend them enough. My dog would get super hyper/aggressive around the kids and other dogs. Now they are much more tame and their behavior improved greatly. Highly recommend for anyone looking for effective and compassionate training!
  • Tessa Tuttle
    Sep. 24, 2025
    I would 100% recommend these guys to help with your pup needs. They are so awesome, so very grateful for there help. Steve my dog, and I are so happy.
  • Taya Fillmore
    Sep. 24, 2025
    I am so grateful that I decided to do Dog Training with Dog Training Elite. My standard poodle used to pull on the leash all the time and jump on guests. Now he is the most distinguished gentleman, I am so happy with his progress and training!
  • Brooklyn Borgquist
    Sep. 1, 2025
    thank you so much to Parker at Dog Training Elite for helping me with my rambunctious Labradoodle. He used to bark at every thing outside our door. It felt like we couldn’t even have dinner and talk to each other without hearing Myers bark. Now he can lay down on his place and relax while we eat dinner. I’m so grateful that we decided to invest in dog training!
  • Sadie Eyre
    Aug. 27, 2025
    Thank you so much to Parker at dog training, elite for saving our sanity when it came to our dog. I was at my wits end with my dog, jumping all over everybody and pulling on the leash. Now she is so polite and walks like an angel. I loved my private in-home sessions with the trainers. Everybody was so amazing! Thank you, Dog Training Elite!
  • McKay Peery
    Aug. 27, 2025
    I am so grateful that I called Dog Training Elite! My dog was jumping on every guest that walked in the door and counter surfing. She would get sick and I would take her to the vet from what she would eat. Now she respects the boundaries of our guests that come over and no longer counter surfs. Thank you so much to Parker at dog training late for your expertise and help. I would recommend dog turning elite to everyone!!
  • Mark Hodge
    Aug. 26, 2025
    Thank you Montana and Parker for your patient endurance while training our very stubborn French Bulldog. Our dog Gideon has aggressive tendencies and Elite trainers has given us the tools needed to work toward a more obedient/well behaved pup. Still work to do, but making progress!
  • julie warren
    Aug. 18, 2025
    My insecure golden retriever lacked confidence and social skills! Elite did a great job of not only building his confidence, but helping me understand him.