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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 and rely on positive reinforcement 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 -
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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The Malionois Foundation logo.
The Malionois Foundation logo.

Proud Sponsor of
The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite works with The Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.

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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Joseph Schafer
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Great experience very thorough and knowledgeable. Very detailed made our experience and handling our dog a breeze
  • Nicole Scholl
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Josh and his team of trainers are absolutely the best. Their professionalism, caring and knowledge made our family and dog training a breeze. In 2 weeks we had an amazing obedient dog!
  • Nathan Wendland
    Dec. 20, 2024
    The training Mochi and I received from George has provided me with a new life. I began my training journey with Dog Training Elite when I knew that something was wrong. Symptoms of my service-connected PTSD surfaced after years and began cut away at me. But Mochi has been going through that with me, all this time. I unexpectedly lost my job in September. George has continued to supply the consistent training and support I needed to complete this journey regardless of the personal challenges I was facing. Today is graduation day. One year to the day I brought Mochi home from Hidden Valley Doodles. Today is also the day I was able to find help at my local VA mental health clinic. I have made it this far for one reason. Mochi. The training provided by George has led us to a place where I know I have a battle buddy with me, even though I have just gone through the darkest days of my life. Thank you, George, for this gift. I will try to pay it forward.
  • Ilene Holman
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Marcus was great!
  • Ilene Holman
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Matt’s guidance was great. Chester responded well with him, he is in the right hands. So happy I signed him up.
  • Rick Busch
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Many, many thanks to Dog Training Elite and especially to our Trainer/Owner, Michael Billedo. My wife and I checked out several dog training programs in the area for our Cavapoo, Cali, prior to contacting DTE. We were both very pleased and impressed with Michael and with the information he provided on that first phone call and felt very comfortable setting up an in-home introductory appointment. That first appointment went very well and Michael was very friendly and informative and there was absolutely no sales pressure. He made an immediate connection with Cali and with us and we comfortably selected the program we all felt would best meet our needs. Michael far exceeded our expectations as both a friendly and personable instructor and an expert dog trainer (and passionate dog lover!). We enjoyed working with Michael immensely both personally and professionally and highly recommend DTE and Michael for a great dog training experience. Our training goals were met and we now possess the tools and techniques we learned for a lifetime!
  • Simon Tv
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Reina helped us train our golden retriever puppy. She was excellent and a complete professional. We are looking forward to seeing her again at our group sessions! Highly recommend Reina!
  • K Nimbus
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Working with Shawn and Sharon has been an amazing experience. It taught me how to communicate with my dog and provide leadership for him. I’ve gone through a few dog training programs before, but none have compared. Shawn takes his time with every lesson, and I never felt rushed. The support through texting that I’ve gotten has been outstanding. I can text with questions or updates anytime and I always get a very quick response. If you’re willing to do the work, you’ll 100% get the results. Without hesitation I would recommend Elite Dog Training - Charlotte to anyone looking for dog training or to build better communication with their dog.
  • Kenneth Jongsma
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Always patient, works to solve behavioral problems from multiple angles. You can tell he likes what he does. Excellent trainer.
  • Hannah Baker
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Matt gave so much information and I appreciated it.
  • Kiera Sadernas
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Boba and I started training with DTE in 2022. It took me quite a while to decide on which training company to go with in the Springfield area, but what stood out the most to me about DTE was the fact that they taught me how to train my companion. I didn’t just drop Boba off for a three week program and come pick up the perfect pet, or leave him at a facility for two months and come home with a fully trained service dog. They spent time with me and Boba in one on one sessions, teaching us together how to be a great team. They helped us work through issues, build a great foundation for communication, develop trust as a service dog and handler, and they continue to provide support even after Boba has passed his exams and graduated from his program. I can’t stress enough how amazing this team of trainers is and how much they care about their clients (both human and animal). They teach everything from basic obedience to personal protection, and I will always, always, ALWAYS recommend DTE to anyone who asks!!
  • Barbara Hall
    Dec. 20, 2024
    5 Stars for the people at Dog Training Elite in Omaha. My dog and I moved from a large house to a one-bedroom apartment. Not being used to large numbers of strangers and activities, my dog became very stressed and barked constantly. I just finished the last of my 5 sessions and the change in his temperament is remarkable. I'll now start bringing him to the weekly group exercises, that are included in the training package, to get him accustomed to being around other dogs. Kudos to Bob and his dog training elite staff.
  • Jody Smith
    Dec. 20, 2024
    We have a great pyrenees who we thought would be a good therapy dog. During our first training session, we realized how helpful the training would be for us. He was a good dog but had some bothersome behaviors. A few lessons in and our home life has changed. Baeleigh has literally walked with us through his journey in becoming a therapy dog. He is extremely well-behaved. We highly recommend Baeleigh. She is creative, positive and committed to helping us achieve our goals.
  • Lilly Catherine
    Dec. 20, 2024
    My Golden Retriever went to Elite Camp and has learned commands such as sit, place, come and heel. Prior to camp, she struggled with these commands and had great difficulty walking with a leash. Today, we had a session with Danny at Conestee Park and my pup practiced heeling with distractions such as children playing, car horns honking and other dogs in the vicinity. With Danny’s guidance, she overcame her fears and could heel nicely. She also was able to “place” and sit on an uneven rock and later a bench. Danny was extremely patient and helpful. We will continue practicing what we learned at group lessons. The owner and all the trainers are excellent. I would highly recommend Elite to anyone who would like a well behaved companion.
  • Austin Christensen
    Dec. 20, 2024
    I couldn’t be more impressed with Dog Training Elite and their trainer, Dallin! From the start, their professionalism and expertise stood out. Clyde, my small golden doodle, has transformed into a well-mannered and confident companion thanks to Dallin’s incredible work. The training sessions were tailored to Clyde’s needs, and the progress he made was remarkable. Dallin not only trained Clyde but also provided me with the tools and knowledge to reinforce the training at home. The skills Clyde has learned—like leash walking, responding to commands, and managing distractions—have made daily life so much easier. One of the standout features of Dog Training Elite is their flexible service model. You can start at a basic tier and upgrade to a higher tier if needed, only paying the difference from what you originally would have spent. This flexibility gave me peace of mind and allowed me to invest in Clyde’s training at a pace that worked for us. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone looking for effective, professional dog training. Ask for Dallin—he’s fantastic! Thank you for giving Clyde and me such a positive experience.
  • Valerie Wheeler
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Whit is clear in his instruction and eager to help dog and owner work together for the best outcome. He has always been willing to schedule appointments that work with our home calendar.
  • Sally Jo Klokkert
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Carrie was so kind and patient with my girl Billy and I. I’m so happy and proud of the progress we have made and would HIGHLY recommend dog training elite west Michigan to anyone
  • Sally Jo Klokkert
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Carrie was so kind and patient with my girl Billy and I. I’m so happy and proud of the progress we have made and would HIGHLY recommend dog training elite west Michigan to anyone
  • sally klokkert
    Dec. 19, 2024
    I’m a 62 year old woman who rescued a beautiful black and tan on hound. She is as strong as a bull and sweet as pie. She pulled me to my knees to many times to count and when guest came over she would almost knock them over with affection.i needed help and a friend found elite training for me. I signed up and with some training myself and a little help with my dog my dog is a well behaved love who will stay put until I give the command. Carrie worked miracles at showing my pup and myself who we could be. 💜
  • sally klokkert
    Dec. 19, 2024
    I’m a 62 year old woman who rescued a beautiful black and tan on hound. She is as strong as a bull and sweet as pie. She pulled me to my knees to many times to count and when guest came over she would almost knock them over with affection.i needed help and a friend found elite training for me. I signed up and with some training myself and a little help with my dog my dog is a well behaved love who will stay put until I give the command. Carrie worked miracles at showing my pup and myself who we could be. 💜