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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training

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 dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite 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

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite 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 classical conditioning dog trainers.

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 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 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 - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training. DTE

Positive Reinforcement Training

Dog Training Elite - Puppy Obedience Training. DTE

Puppy Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite - Off Leash Dog Training. Dog Training Elite

Off Leash Training

Dog Training Elite - Dog Agility Training Through Basic Obedience. Dog Training Elite

Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

A women playing with her service dog.

The Dog Training Elite Difference


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Dog Training Elite uses modern dog training techniques and methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite 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’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, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it. The unique techniques of Dog Training Elite 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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Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Vicki Mead
    May. 11, 2026
    We’ve been working with Red on Bernie’s therapy dog skills. We always benefit from his professional and knowledgeable teaching. Plus, he makes it fun!
  • Aleyah Lyman
    May. 10, 2026
    Dog Training Elite and Larrisa have been amazing! I tried a few different trainers and felt disappointed. My puppy is fearful of people and we were having issues with excessive barking, but Larissa helped him become way more confident and far better mannered. I plan to keep working with DTE to hopefully help my pup become a service dog, and will work with them with any dogs I have in the future.
  • Giselle Castro
    May. 10, 2026
    Mr.Craig is a great trainer. I found the company using google search. I did not regret my decision. My dog begin training at 5 months and he has work hard to get we’re his at. Group class every weekend is great opportunity for any dog to get socialized. I loved my experience here.
  • Paria Abbassian
    May. 10, 2026
    My husband and I wanted a well-trained, well-behaved dog from the start, and choosing this training facility has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our puppy. The results have been amazing, and he absolutely loves going there. A huge thank you to Matt, Emma, Alex, Alecia, and everyone at the facility for all of their hard work, care, and loving Bear! It’s clear how much they truly care about the dogs and their progress. The training has absolutely been worth the investment, and we plan to continue with more classes in the future. We can’t recommend them enough to anyone looking for an amazing training experience for their dog!
  • Karen Foland
    May. 10, 2026
    Anna did a great job helping to make our dog, Archer make a transition from being a stray on the street to a loving, well mannered and obedient dog. We highly recommend and are very happy with the instruction we received!
  • Reegan Koppelman
    May. 9, 2026
    Cheyenne and Chelsea are amazing, sweet, kind and patient. We have been looking for a service dog for our son for a while. They have helped and considered us every step of the way, offering every option possible to meet our needs. We cant thank them enough. There genuine and actually want to help families and people with disabilities. We recently acquired our service dog Jake, through them and they were fantastic the whole way through. When they say unlimited support they mean it. They helped me build confidence in myself to make sure I was ready for the job. If you need help connecting with a future service dog look no further they will help you every step of the way. They got your back and their training help is excellent, professional and ethical.
  • Daniel Harvey
    May. 9, 2026
    Rhett has been awesome to work with. They had a trainer that didn't work out for our first lesson but they didn't count that against us and since then he has been amazing. He is great not only getting the dog started on the commands but also teaching me and my family how to handle the different situations.
  • G Lam
    Jul. 21, 2025
    We did the training camp and are now starting the group lessons. The arrangements are not cheap, but the instructors are very helpful and always willing to listen. McCall helped us with additional requests for other commands, especially drop it. We're comfortable with the investment because for the price, we're buying a lifetime of support. ADDENDUM: Meggie came to our house today and did our first in house visit today. She was fantastic - very calm, unrestrained, and our dog took to her quickly. We really alleviated the home visit and will need to work on the homework to ensure things stick.
  • D Coombs
    May. 9, 2026
    Awesome place. Great Training. Very friendly staff.
  • Jodi Buchanan
    May. 9, 2026
    I definitely went with the best when it came to dog training. I couldn’t possibly be any happier. Both my pup and I felt loved and supported.
  • Jodi Buchanan
    May. 9, 2026
    The staff were so kind and supportive. My pup was excited to see them every morning and they were very understanding and patient with my own needs. I’m very excited for our future. Here’s my fella resting near me inside a restaurant for the first time!
  • Paula Bran
    May. 9, 2026
    Elite Dog Training has been such a positive experience for both me and my baby Manon as we begin her service dog journey. Rhett, Kaitlyn, Reina, and even the few lessons I had with Jaime and Parker have all been incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and supportive. What I appreciated most is how they truly listened to my concerns without judgment and always made me feel comfortable asking questions. Their guidance, patience, and encouragement have made a huge difference in helping us build a strong foundation. You can tell they genuinely care about both the dogs and their people. I’m very grateful for their help and would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for thoughtful, compassionate, and effective dog training.
  • Holly Paine
    May. 9, 2026
    We are so happy with the progress our dog has made. The training process is very good, highly recommend
  • Robert Price
    May. 9, 2026
    They are the best... Annie has been helping me. I am so grateful!
  • Leticia n James Bollinger
    Apr. 28, 2026
    Absolutely amazing! So patient with all my questions. Very clear with directions and helpful with proper training.
  • Kyle Denton
    May. 9, 2026
    My wife and I entered our boys into the 2 week program with DTE. We have 4 Great Danes and our oldest boys have stopped getting along, it got so bad that our 3 year old, Jasper, attacked our 4 year old, Kronk. They are both about 150lbs each and very hard to control but they are our children, so we came to DTE as a long shot to hopefully keep our family together! It is currently the end of week 1 of our 2 week training and our boys were in the same room today! Jasper tried to be mean to Kronk but within seconds my wife was able to get him under control and refocused on her. This is an absolute testament to the work the DTE team does with them during the day because on day 1 Jasper was so strong, big and determined that it took 2 trainers to even try to control him, by day 2 it only took 1 trainer, by day 3 Jasper was walking and not pulling on the leash at all! A 90 year old grandma could have walked him on day 3!!! Kristi, Jeremy and the rest of the team at DTE are amazing and clearly know the minds of dogs! They are knowledgeable, caring but keep good calm boundaries, and really know how to teach the dogs what to do and how to listen! It’s been amazing to watch and to be a part of and I can’t wait to see how week 2 goes!! So before you give up your baby, go talk to Kristi and let her and her team help your pup understand how to have manners! They gave us our family back! It’s worth it!
  • Shaun KMc
    Apr. 24, 2026
    I am very happy that my dog and I are learning so many great things from Dog Training Elite of Utah County! It is very exciting to see my 6 month old puppy learn so many new things! Our trainer today was Meagan and she is amazing! In a matter of minutes my puppy learned to “Place” And I also learned how to reinforce what she learned today. It’s a fun and rewarding experience to watch my puppy learn all these wonderful lessons! Thank you Meagan from Dog Training Elite! Shaun M
  • Brigitte Arango
    May. 8, 2026
    The process was a challenge for Pluto and for us, but we are very happy with our service dog. Without you, it wouldn't have been possible. 100% recommended.
  • Jamie Oliva
    May. 8, 2026
    He was kind, and sweet to the dogs. Knowledgeable and caring, patient and friendly.
  • Amira Kurdi
    May. 8, 2026
    dog training elite was amazing to my dog and I. The trainer was very knowledgeable and the receptionist was very sweet on the phone. They understood hard circumstances and worked really well with my family and I. I will definitely be coming back for any dog needs in the future