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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

  • Jason Goodson
    Jul. 5, 2026
    Mr. Robert is the best trainer around. Our Bernedoodle was only 3 months old when he started working with him and us, and you can see the difference. I wouldn't hesitate to ask for Robert when you call as the training is worth every penny!
  • Paige Molitz
    Sep. 23, 2025
    Craig has been absolutely amazing!!! We adopted our dog who is a 3 part, German Shepard, Dutch Shepard and Belgian Malinois, in December of 2024 at 6 months old from a rescue shelter after being found abandoned. He came with a lot of challenges- not potty trained/crate trained, lots of anxiety, reactivity, leash pulling, barking, and aggression. We were determined to give him a second chance and with Craig our dog has pulled a complete 180. Our dog is obedient, very well trained (he’s complimented all the time in public), he knows basic and advanced commands, patience, and very much improved reactivity. Craig has also helped us as humans better understand our dog and what’s best for his breed and training. We are very fortunate and blessed to have found Craig! He is the absolute best!! As previously anxious new dog parents, we can’t thank Craig enough, we recommend him to everyone !
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  • Robin Gordon
    Jul. 3, 2026
    Hey any one that is looking for a dog training facility this is the place to go.These trainers are amazing.If I could give a 10 star rating I would.
  • Lisa Bailey
    Jun. 28, 2026
    Aidan is absolutely awemazing!!!! Miss Saffron has always been beautiful in spirit, now in just a couple of sessions she is much more” bourgeois “ than before. Very refined 🤣🤣🤣
  • Amy Schulte
    Jul. 4, 2026
    I called Kristi the day after we got our Golden Retriever puppy. For the first year, we did some intensive service dog training, which was equal parts dog training and owner training. This included several public access visits to places like Costco and Menards. The result: I have the absolute best dog I've ever owned, and I can take her anywhere with confidence. Kristi and Jeremy taught me how to be a "dog whisperer" to my dog's behavioral nuances, and to correct the unwanted stuff effectively. I have such a special bond with this dog because we've done the work together and have mutual trust. She knows that obedience gets her a seat under the table with us at a nice restaurant, a shop around Home Goods (her favorite), or hotel stays with us. Yes - this is possible for a 2 year old Golden! We still attend weekly group classes, and appreciate the ongoing support and training. The investment we made with Dog Training Elite is worth every penny for our Penny!
  • Grant Shuler
    Jul. 4, 2026
    I’ve worked with Scott for about a month now, and it’s been time well spent. He’s a great trainer: calm, patient, and a fun personality dogs really respond to. We’re three sessions in, and it’s already made a big difference in my anxious GSD’s confidence, which is a huge relief to me. Excellent training philosophy!
  • Sheila Wallace
    Jul. 3, 2026
    Josh came to our home to meet our Ozzy, and he was wonderful ! Answered all our questions and had some good ideas for things we could do at home now !!
  • Dori Colwell
    Aug. 1, 2025
    Scott and Jen are AMAZING to work with. When they came to the house to meet us and evaluate my Neko, they took the time to get to know her, her personality, and listened to my concerns about Neko's behavior and my expectations about her training. Scott gave me a couple of tips and things to do with her that I started on following their initial visit. I could already see a change in her behavior. I was nervous about how Neko would act at our first group session, but her behavior had changed so much (for the better) that I actually cried tears of joy when it was over. I cannot thank both of them enough and am extremely grateful to them for their understanding, help, and support. You cannot go wrong with DTE!
  • Elizabeth Ingram
    Jul. 3, 2026
    Elite dog training is great and Aden and all of the trainers are wonderful!! Great experience
  • alan martinez
    Jun. 27, 2026
    Great explanation and answers all my questions
  • Jason Boyce
    May. 26, 2026
    They are the real deal, and know what their doing. I recommend them.
  • Laura Lorenzo
    Jul. 3, 2026
    DTE has proven to be the right choice for our GSD. Jason has put us on the right path for this training to be successful. Coraggio responds well to Jason. We actually feel like proud parents. This was money well spent. Stratford ,CT
  • Vicki Stephens
    Jul. 2, 2026
    We contacted them . We had lost hope of our dog being trained. The dog ,was displaying what we considered aggressive behavor . However that was not the case .The dog had way too much energy and he was being confined to much . Meaning he was on a leash ,and crated at night . The company came to make an assessment . We was assured the dog trainable . Austin ,came .what a transformation ‼️‼️‼️ We call. Austin The Dog Whisperer. The dog loves Austin . We highly recommend Austin . .
  • Lydia Edwards
    Jul. 2, 2026
    I adopted a dog with a high prey drive, so finding the right trainer was extremely important to me. I chose Dog Training Elite Huntsville because I wanted not only one-on-one training but also the opportunity to participate in their group sessions, which we’ll be starting soon. My private sessions with JB have been incredibly valuable—not just for my dog, but for me as well. He takes the time to explain the “why” behind each training exercise, making it easy to understand and continue practicing at home. I especially enjoy when he brings his own dog to our sessions. Having a well-trained dog there provides real-world learning opportunities and adds so much value to the training experience. JB is patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging. I’m already seeing progress and look forward to continuing with the group classes. I highly recommend JB and Dog Training Elite Huntsville to anyone looking for professional, effective dog training.
  • Katie Kropko
    Jul. 2, 2026
    We have had an incredible experience with this team training our pup, Hershey, to be a service dog. From day one, they have been exceptionally patient with her as she learns and adapts to her training. They don't just train the dog; they provide fantastic coaching to help her grow, mature, and succeed, while also helping me learn to communicate with her and meet her exactly where she is at. On top of that, their flexibility with scheduling has made balancing everything so much easier for our family. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for dedicated, thoughtful, and professional dog training!
  • Antonio Banuelossanchez
    Jun. 18, 2026
    This was our 3rd week with Austin training Murry and he has been so amazing and patience with our dog that I would highly recommend him to anyone that want their dog training, the expertise and patience with our dog has been nothing but fenomenal.
  • Patty Presta
    Mar. 3, 2026
    Are you kidding me? I wouldn’t trade him for the world!!!
  • MM Miller
    Jul. 1, 2026
    Bob made a positive impact in our lives during our training with our goldendoodle Willow. He taught us the best way to train Willow to become the more obedient dog we were wanting. His confidence in us meant the world and he was always respectful and encouraging. Not only is Willow now an even better dog, but we feel like we are better dog owners going forward. Thank you so much Bob for being willing to come to our area and improve our lives!
  • Molly Hilliard
    Jul. 1, 2026
    Kim from Dog Training Elite is terrific. She has a very compassionate manner with dogs and people alike, and her guidance helped strengthen my relationship with my dog. Additionally, the ongoing group classes are such a nice option for continuing the work after the individual training is over. We have seen nice progress in our dog's reactive behavior, and we are hopeful that we will see continued change as we implement the techniques were were taught. We view this as a very worthwhile investment in our dog's future.