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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Salt Lake City, UT.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Salt Lake City, UT

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

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City classical conditioning dog trainers.

Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City, UT.

The Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City Difference


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

  • Athena Poole
    Feb. 12, 2025
    Jeff and yaga are amazing they know their stuff. Our little pup It’s always so exciting to work with Jeff and Yaga.
  • CYNDE ROW
    Oct. 1, 2024
    Meggie is always so informative and an excellent dog trainer! She everything FUN!
  • Emily Fintak
    Feb. 11, 2025
    I highly recommend Dog Training Elite! We’ve had the best experience!
  • Tj Franks
    Jan. 28, 2025
    Meggie is doing such a great job with both Dexter and myself. She’s extremely knowledgeable and supportive. Meggie is a fantastic trainer. Thank you so much for your support and help!!!
  • shannon perry
    Dec. 28, 2024
    Meg is a fav! She literally speaks dog!
  • Tayja Goettsche
    Feb. 7, 2025
    Absolutely recommend. We got our black German shepherd early and were nervous about taking him into puppy classes so young. Our at home visits are perfect for us until our puppy is big enough to attend puppy school from them! He is already learning so much, We can't wait to see what he can become
  • Ice Bear
    Jan. 17, 2025
    10/10 made my day 🫡
  • Lindsay Shawcroft
    Feb. 4, 2025
    We love Dog Training Elite! Our little Luna loved it too! She fell in love with McCall and would get so excited to see her everyday! It was so comforting knowing she was loved and snuggled by everyone there. We have seen a huge difference in Luna’s behavior since she graduated from her two weeks with McCall. McCall took her time with us, answered any questions we had, and explained what they had worked on each day. Luna’s confidence continues to grow, as we work on things at home. I’m really looking forward to group classes, and am so excited to see Luna continually learning, and progressing! Thank you so much McCall!! We couldn’t be more pleased!!
  • Paige Riggs
    Feb. 2, 2025
    Meggie is great to work with. Our dogs respond very well to her.
  • D
    Jan. 30, 2025
    Jeff and Dog Training Elite are Amazing. He is such a help I’m not just obedience, but having a working relationship with my service dog. His instructions are clear and he gives us goals To work toward. I Highly recommend working with Jeff.
  • Priya Chidambaram
    Jan. 29, 2025
    Been doing PTSD service dog training with them for almost a year and it's been nothing short of amazing! Everyone is super friendly and caring and it's been a breeze to work with them! I started on the gold star training program when my pup turned 1 and suddenly forgot all the training I taught her(aka turned into a stubborn teenager). They helped me navigate and understand her body language and behaviors and it's the best investment I made! We've enjoyed the group classes at Fairmont Park too!
  • Tyson Clay
    Jan. 24, 2025
    We've worked with McCall, Dallen, and Jeff at Dog Training Elite for several months. First for puppy training when our puppy was 11 weeks old, then for obedience training, which we are finishing up today. It's been a great experience, and they are all so good at what they do! We purchased a training program that has lifetime support, which we plan on using often. If you're on the fence, use DTE. They won't disappoint.
  • Wesley Gerber
    Jan. 22, 2025
    Even just with the free consultation they were really good and explaining things to me and we're already happy spending time with my puppy and taking my issues seriously
  • Ben Harrison
    Sep. 24, 2023
    Incredible service, training and especially trainers. Jake and Mcall were superb and Moses (golden retriever) looked forward to training and came away a better pup
  • Anelise Gardner
    Oct. 24, 2024
    Amazing job!
  • Ruby
    Jan. 16, 2025
    SO KIND!! and very helpful and efficient with the dogs
  • Liz Stone
    Jan. 15, 2025
    Dallin was very helpful in sharing the options for service dog training. We’re looking forward to working with him and the other trainers for our dog.
  • Melinda Pugh
    Nov. 12, 2024
    Jeff did a great job!
  • Subie Shaves
    Dec. 14, 2024
    We loved meeting our trainer!! We are 100% confident after meeting with Dallin that we can become better dog parents - and new born parents as well. Dallin helped instill confidence in crate training, and gave us valuable insights before we get our facility time. We need training as much as our dog, and we are beyond thankful to be apart of your program! Thank you guys! Edit 1: 3 days of classes later - Sophie is a different dog all together. She listens, she isn't reactive to little kids, and the best part is our walks are bliss. No pulling, no anxiety, no jumping at other dogs. It's magic! Our golden-doodle at 7 years old is everything we had hoped for. This company KNOWS how to train both YOU and the dog so you can work together. I was worried I was going to lose my best friend due to her being so reactive - these guys kept my family together.
  • Kelly Collinson
    Dec. 9, 2024
    The difference in our dog’s behavior with their training was amazing. McCall was so amazing with him. He loved going there every day too, and was so excited to run in the dog to meet McCall and other doggie friends. I would totally recommend elite to everyone!