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Classical Conditioning

Sarasota Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Sarasota, FL.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Sarasota, FL

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 Southwest Florida dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Sarasota, FL to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida 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 Southwest Florida

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Sarasota, FL 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 Sarasota classical conditioning dog trainers.

Sarasota 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 Southwest Florida 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 Sarasota, FL 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 Southwest Florida - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Sarasota, FL

Positive Reinforcement Training

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Off Leash Training

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A women playing with her service dog in Sarasota, FL.

The Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida Difference


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

  • Doug S.
    May. 27, 2026
    Jessica is awesome Great trainer
  • Mary Jo Linscott
    Aug. 18, 2025
    Jessica just came over for a refresher with me and my dog Beasley. She is so patient and encouraging. She is a great teacher and Beasley loves her. I feel so much more confident after she leaves! Thank you Jessica 😍
  • Noel Falbo
    Apr. 28, 2026
    Kelsie is truly outstanding. Enzo and I could not ask for better support and intuitive training. Enzo is learning and loves her!
  • Jennifer Marshall
    Jun. 30, 2026
    Jessica is awesome and has helped us tremendously with our puppy, Weezie! She is professional, knowledgeable and helpful. I cannot speak highly enough about her.
  • Cynthia Arcaro
    Jun. 27, 2026
    We have an 8 year old poodle who constantly barks if someone comes over to our home unless we shout "Rosa Stop Barking". Denise spoke with us which was supposed to be a 20 minute free session which I believe was closer to 30 minutes and told us to say "QUIET" and then praise Rosa (Denise suggested some dog devices too). Denise was VERY PATIENT and must have a psychology degree because she was explaining in professional terms not only for Rosa but for us as the pet parents. When the time comes for us to have a new puppy we will ABSOLUTELY contact Denise for training. Denise deserves 10 stars. Cynthia Arcaro
  • Teri Wilson
    Jun. 15, 2026
    Kelsie is wonderful and very patient with both my dog and me! Highly recommend.
  • MICHAEL DE ARMAS
    May. 19, 2026
    Just always a good experience! Thank you.
  • Marsha Minor
    Jun. 23, 2026
    What an amazing place. Marlan had a great day, and that staff was so sweet and so good with him. We can’t wait to continue training with them!
  • Marianne Paiva
    Jun. 15, 2026
    Our second dog lesson went extremely well! Kelsie explained the collars used very patiently and trained both our dog and us! We had a well behaved walk today.
  • Maria Cancel
    Jun. 18, 2026
    Jessica is an amazing dog trainer. She will listen to your situation & your concerns with your fur baby. We have seen an improvement in our dog’s behavior & we have learned to respond appropriately to his behavior. I definitely recommend EDT - you won’t regret it. It’s worth every penny.
  • shari jansen
    Oct. 27, 2025
    Excellent morning of training. She gave us confidence that 3 1/2 year old dogs could be trained ( finally ) to be polite and obedient.
  • Andrea Marlow
    Sep. 4, 2025
    Our evaluation/assessment visit today with Denise was outstanding. She explained everything with no pressure applied, answered our questions, and encouraged direct access for any later questions. She is very tuned in to reality with our dog, maintaining his personality while being very clear about how goals are to be accomplished with necessary behavior changes. We very much look forward to the training and seeing what we are certain will be great results. Update: 11Nov2025: started training and Renee is awesome!!! Thank you for helping our boy Rudy! Update: 12Nov2025: training this week has been amazing. Renee is outstanding and we appreciate the structure, details and the daily videos so much! Update 20Nov2025: Rudy completed his in-facility training today. It's been a great 2 weeks, and we highly recommend Dog Training Elite. This training has exceeded our expectations and we see positive results already. We know we will need to be diligent about our continued training but the foundation has been so well provided for Rudy and us. Can't say enough about how excellent, patient and knowledgeable Renee and Jessica are. Our boy is a very friendly and exuberant guy, and thanks to the tools provided to us by these outstanding trainers, we know he will be an even better version of himself. Update June 1, 2026: Had a great visit with Renee today for a little training tune-up. Excellent training as usual. Very helpful!! Thank you!
  • Rodney Shapard
    Apr. 28, 2026
    In speaking with Denise I felt that she already knew my dog. She projects a deep understanding, and knowledge of the business. I have engaged her company to train our dog and expect great results.
  • Debbie B
    Jun. 10, 2026
    Just finished week three with Kelsie and she is absolutely fantastic to work with. My Goldendoodle Yankee responds to everything she’s teaching (and so does his mom most of the time.) Kelsie is very knowledgeable in dog training, it’s undeniable. Thank you DTE for helping me tame my baby. You have shown me just how smart he really is. I highly recommend DTE to anyone considering training for and with your pup!
  • Carole Rooney
    Jun. 9, 2026
    I generally don’t do online reviews. However, Kelsie goes above and beyond. She is personable, professional, articulate and obviously loves dogs. She has been hugely helpful to us and we feel fortunate to work with her.
  • Dana Monachello
    Jun. 6, 2026
    We hired Dog Training Elite to help with our Maltese, who had severe barking issues triggered by almost everything—the doorbell, delivery drivers, other dogs on walks, and separation anxiety. Kelsie Johnson has been absolutely incredible. She customized a plan specifically for our small dog's big personality, teaching us how to handle each separate trigger without feeling overwhelmed. We are only partway through our 5-session package, but the transformation is already noticeable. Kelsie is patient, highly knowledgeable, and fantastic at explaining dog behavior. If you are struggling with a vocal Maltese or barking in general, I highly recommend asking for Kelsie specifically!
  • Ruben Gonzalez
    Jan. 31, 2025
    Thank you, Renee, for another informative great training lesson for Sailor and myself today. Going to DTE South Florida training center was very easy and cool for these hot summer Day's.
  • Angel Snyder
    Jun. 1, 2026
    Kelsie from Dog Training Elite was outstanding! She came to our home for the first training session with our long-haired Mini Dachshund, London, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. Kelsie was knowledgeable, patient, and did a great job understanding London’s abilities and attention span at his young age. She tailored the training to where he is developmentally, making the session both productive and enjoyable. We were amazed by how much London learned during just the first visit. She clearly explained the exercises and homework for us to work on throughout the week, and we feel confident continuing the training between sessions. We’re excited to see London’s progress over the next four weeks and are already encouraged by the foundation Kelsie helped establish. If the first session is any indication of what’s to come, we’re well on our way to having a well-trained dog who listens to commands and enjoys learning. Highly recommend Kelsie and Dog Training Elite!
  • Tracy Springman
    May. 27, 2026
    Jessica is an amazing trainer! We are just two sessions in, but she’s getting great results out of both me and my dog😜 She clearly communicates the reason behind each command and methodically builds on the previous session, creating the foundation for long-term success.
  • Cassandra Craig
    May. 27, 2026
    Although Denise was not able to help with my specific situation, she was prompt, friendly and informative. Thank you, Denise!