Back to Obedience Dog Training
Classical Conditioning

Salt Lake City Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

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.

See Training Packages

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

Read More
Read Less

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.

Additional Obedience Training Info

Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Salt Lake City, UT

Positive Reinforcement Training

Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City - Puppy Obedience Training in Salt Lake City, UT. DTE

Puppy Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City - Off Leash Dog Training in Salt Lake City, UT. DTE

Off Leash Training

Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City - Dog Agility Training in Salt Lake City, UT. DTE

Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

A women playing with her service dog in Salt Lake City, UT.

The Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City Difference


Read More
Read Less

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!

Get Your Free Assessment

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!

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Bria Mertens
    Nov. 17, 2025
    We had a fantastic experience taking two dogs through the program. McCall was an outstanding trainer and made great progress with both our adult dog and our puppy. We are really looking forward to sending our other two doggos through the program soon!
  • Katie Burton
    Nov. 16, 2025
    Always a joy working with Jeff. Out dogs love him and we are learning a lot about training our pups.
  • Laura Smith
    Oct. 16, 2025
    Jeff was great with our dog Sera, she loved him and his dog. We are really excited to start training with him. Had our 3rd lesson with Meggie and it was very good she have us great advice.
  • Andrea Boyle
    Nov. 13, 2025
    Jeff is the dog whisperer! First day went well! Coco is progressing nicely!
  • Curtis White
    Aug. 5, 2025
    Wow, Jeff arrived and quickly put our dog Delilah at ease. He showed us how to make the training session fun using lots of small treats for Delilah. Command, Mark, Treat and repeat. It’s us needing the training not our puppy.
  • Julie Alverson
    Sep. 24, 2025
    I have loved working with Jeff and his dog. Our dog loves him too. He has a great way to teach and connect with us.
  • Pamela Aizad
    Oct. 14, 2025
    These trainers are amazing !! They are so knowledgeable and patient! They know their stuff!!
  • Alan Rigdon
    Oct. 30, 2025
    Meggie did a great with our one on one appointment today. She put extra effort into the training session
  • shontae Vowles
    Oct. 30, 2025
    Jeff is amazing with his techniques and lessons not only teaching your dog but also teaching you. He’s very knowledgeable and explains everything well so you understand it, Titus and I are excited to work with him and the rest of his team
  • Angelica Panlaqui
    Oct. 12, 2025
    McCall did an incredible job training our 4-month-old doodle, Peaches! She taught our pup all the basic commands, sit, come, lay down, off, and up, and our favorite, “place”! Peaches now knows how to stay in her place, even when we walk away, until we give the release command, “break.” It’s been a game-changer! McCall also introduced “calm stops,” helping Peaches learn how to regulate her emotions. I can’t say enough about how much she taught not just our dog, but us as owners! Every day, she provided clear breakdowns of what Peaches learned, what to practice, and always asked, “What else? What else came up? What else do you need help with?” She’s incredibly attentive, thorough, and supportive. We’re so excited to continue with in-home sessions! Peaches has learned so much, and so have we!
  • Erin Kerr
    Oct. 23, 2025
    Meggie took amazing care of me and my pups!
  • Erin Rooks
    Oct. 23, 2025
    Meggie took such good care of me and my pitties! 😍
  • Kirstie Savage
    Oct. 17, 2025
    We've loved our experience with Dog Training Elite! We've done the majority of our in home trainings with Meggie and she is such a delight to work with and our pup just loves her so much! The in facility training was also so awesome! Definitely recommend.
  • Adam Fox
    Oct. 16, 2025
    Jeff was fantastic. Easy to talk to and professional. Presented the information in a natural way without beating around the bush. Displaying his dogs skill and training was fun to watch. You can tell he loves what he does!
  • Joyce Ferrone
    Jul. 31, 2025
    Meggie was great. Came to our home, met our puppy and answered our many questions. We are looking forward to teaching our darling puppy to be a great dog. She taught us how to calm our over activated puppy!!!! So helpful
  • Kathy Nelson
    Oct. 4, 2025
    Meggie was very informed and very nice. I look forward to working with her and the rest of the team.
  • Ginger Utley
    Oct. 1, 2025
    Jeff is so knowledgeable about dogs, their needs, and their interactions with humans. He put us all at ease. Clearly, our family and dog are in great hands with him and we’re excited to start learning what he has to teach.
  • Kara Smith
    Sep. 30, 2025
    Meggie is awesome! Our first in home session was amazing!
  • Ada Prins
    Sep. 28, 2025
    He was very personable and good with my dog. Very knowledgeable
  • Tori Raphael
    Sep. 10, 2025
    Meg was amazing! So patient and showed us a few tricks just in that 30 minute evaluation. We are definitely signing up for more and we are excited to work with her!!!