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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.

See Training Packages

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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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Corey McCrae
    Mar. 29, 2026
    Josh is a pillar when it comes to dog training in Northeast Ohio, he’s one of those trainers that can truly train and connect with the human, often the most difficult and overlooked part. Josh helped me immensely with my German Shepherd, and I recommend anyone in the 216 that is looking for dog training to hit this man up.
  • Emily West
    Mar. 27, 2026
    Elijah did a great job of explaining the various packages to me and answering all my questions. You could tell he’s a real dog person. He even brought his own dog which has been trained using CDT’s methods to show me how my dog will be trained!
  • Kristina Ly
    Aug. 29, 2025
    Never in a million years would I think I could bring my dog Tofu into public places. Tofu had such bad fear aggression. She would bark constantly, lung, and drag. After, the training with Bob, there has been huge improvement with Tofu. I use to fear having guest over to my place or would be anxious going to public places with Tofu, but now it’s super simple and she’s obedient, confident, less fearful, and actually can enjoy herself in these places knowing that her owner can give her guidance and trust that the training had provided.
  • Claudia Silva
    Mar. 28, 2026
    We had a wonderful experience with David and Nicole at Dog Training Elite. They are knowledgeable, patient, and truly passionate about what they do. They not only helped train our dog, Angel, but also taught us how to better understand and communicate with him. The biggest gift from this experience is that they made us love our dog even more. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for caring and effective trainers.
  • Vett B
    Nov. 22, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Huntsville have extraordinary trainers!!!
  • Patrick Smeeding
    Mar. 28, 2026
    I cannot speak highly enough about our experience with dog training elite. They have been amazing to work with. Specifically Marshall has really blown us away. His understanding of dogs has been top notch and his ability to read and train dogs has our friends asking who trained our dog all the time. We are so grateful to DTE and specifically Marshall. 10/10
  • Michele M Smith-Martin
    Mar. 28, 2026
    The class was very informative and professional. This eased my tension as a first timer in group.
  • Leah Tate
    Mar. 28, 2026
    I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for Jeremy and Kristi. My oldest son (9) has PTSD and I had been looking to get a dog trained for him. So I did what any mother would do and Google service dog training in my area. Dog Training Elite of Springfield was the first option when I Googled it. Upon meeting Kristi for the first time I knew they were going to be a good fit and no nonsense. We did the 2 week day camp then group class and now Sharky is in the service dog track. They have been so patient with us. I learned first and now we are all working together to teach my son how to handle his own dog. I feel like I have been able to get part of my life back because there is less anxiety with my son when Sharky is around. Thank you Jeremy and Kristi. You both have become like family to us.
  • Emma Fleisig
    Mar. 21, 2026
    The entire dog training staff is incredible, and I truly trust them with my only child. It is evident how deeply they love dogs, and how skilled they are at what they do. My dog has learned so much and has such a positive attitude around commands and learning. I am so grateful!
  • tricia meyer
    Mar. 28, 2026
    Ramiro was great to work with! It was so convenient that he came to our house for training sessions. Our dog Gordy has made amazing progress—he’s tackled his fear of floors and is now getting along so much better with my husband. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Tania Nevarez
    Mar. 28, 2026
    Great trainers with a lot of experience.
  • Jay Williams
    Mar. 28, 2026
    Loved the in home training I got for my crazy pit mix! Moving onto group sessions and excited for that. Alex, my trainer, was great and customized what I needed for my dog.
  • Amack
    Mar. 28, 2026
    Ramiro was great to work with. We called and set up consultation and we were on schedule the next week. We did 8 week of training and Gordy our dog has improved incredibly.
  • Abigail Baggarly
    Feb. 19, 2026
    Excellent experience!
  • Sandra Fredette
    Mar. 19, 2026
    Kayla was very knowledgeable about training and getting a positive outcome. Within minutes my dog was responding to commands without a struggle.
  • Malynnda Witkauskis
    Mar. 28, 2026
    So many WONDERFUL things to say about DTE and Stephany and the crew. They’re always so kind and attentive to the dogs needs and are very helpful with any struggle that you and your dog needs to overcome. It’s always a fun time going to group classes and doggy day camp! Thank you guys for being so great!!!
  • Jennifer Maas
    Mar. 28, 2026
    We have been working with Dog Training Elite Suncoast for the last three months as we are working toward service dog level for my daughter. We have had only a great experience. The Elite Suncoast team have all been super kind, flexible, professional, adaptable, knowledgeable... I have only postive things to say and will continue to recommend them to friends and family! Five stars!
  • Tim Holsather
    Mar. 28, 2026
    Katy was great. Max (as well as us) has made leaps and bounds. Highly recommend Katy and Dog Training Elite
  • Codi Spencer
    Mar. 27, 2026
    Larissa was such an amazing help from day one! She really understood our boy Lewis and allowed him the space to gain comfort and confidence. He was previously very reactive, and still has improvements to make, but Larissa gave us the tools and the knowledge to improve our bond and our dogs life!
  • Ryan Gregory
    Mar. 27, 2026
    We had a great experience with Dog training Elite for our rescue dog. He was recently rescued and has trouble with other dogs. And the team was fantastic at understanding his individual triggers and making a tailored training regiment with care. They show a lot of care and love with their work, and were always great at factoring in our feedback on areas our dog was still struggling. They were very collaborative and effective and we’ve seen strong results with our pup. Highest praise to our trainer Dominique who was fantastic. Highly recommend this service for your dog!