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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

  • Mary-Kate Wilson
    Sep. 1, 2026
    My dog and I LOVED our experience at dog trailing elite. Not only does my dog get excited for the training sessions but it has really made her more calm and obedient. I wish I did this sooner. Highly recommend them! The trainers are so nice and reply to my messages so quickly. I'm so pleased with their services!
  • Bianca Santiago
    Aug. 31, 2026
    We’ve had such a great experience with DTE! My dog Hera is a Pom and she has learned SO much since we started training. She used to be very reactive whenever we came across other dogs in our neighborhood, which made our walks pretty stressful at times. With the at-home training, the trainers gave me the right tools and commands to understand how to handle those situations and redirect her attention. The difference has honestly been huge. Hera is so much calmer and easier to redirect around other dogs now, and our walks have become way more enjoyable for both of us. She’s also much more attentive to me, and her recall has improved tremendously! I feel like I understand her better and know how to communicate with her instead of just getting frustrated when she reacts. We’re still always working on things, of course, but seeing how far she’s come makes me so proud of her. Definitely recommend DTE and the girls! 🐾❤️
  • Michelle Ramie
    Aug. 31, 2026
    I would not hesitate to recommend Dog Training Elite for both their training and daycare services. Training techniques are personalized to your dogs needs/personality. Tina has been effective with our somewhat stubborn Boston Terrier. Well worth the money.
  • Kristin Shantz
    Aug. 31, 2026
    We adopted a black mouth cur hound about a year ago when he was not quite 2 years of age and had been in a foster home. After having him in our home for a few weeks, although he was a great fit with our kids there wasn't a ton of consistency in his past training. He has a strong prey drive and can be reactive at the fence. He is very loyal to his people but has days he can be selective. About 6-8 weeks after adopting him, we were able to get started with DTE. I have never been a huge fan of e-collars (also didn't understand how to use them) and though we've had dogs all our lives, never had such a strong pup. He pulled both of my older sons down to the ground on a leash when walking to chase animals. The team at DTE was very clear about the 2 week training program and expectations (from both dog and owner). We kept up with homework and we continue to take him to occasional day trains and group classes. My older kids can walk him alone now, he has learned recall even with distractions , and even my 4 year old can handle him on a leash with supervision and give him certain commands with ease. We were skeptical of the cost, but it has been the best training to build both skills for our dog and confidence for our family in handling him. We are always getting compliments on how well he listens and how calm he is out in public. We also know how to read him and give him a break when needed. Some of this is personality, but we built a trust between us and I'm glad we did it early on in his start with our family.
  • Jake Taylor
    Aug. 31, 2026
    I had an amazing experience with my dog doing service dog training here. They come to you for training and every session I am shocked how quickly my dog, Puzzle, was listening to commands. My dog went from pulling on a leash on every walk to walking right beside me in 1 session.
  • Debbie Richardson
    Aug. 31, 2026
    Consultation appointment went really well with Aiden. He explained things throughly.
  • Lee Foster
    Aug. 31, 2026
    When I signed up for classes I wasn’t sure if anything would work or help me and my dog. She was impossible to walk on a leash comfortably or to have a leisurely walk. Very reactive when a person or dog would walk by. She was way too crazy. Hard to just walk by anyone without wanting to jump up and pull toward them. Just overly excited. But it really has made a HUGE difference. It’s actually amazing to me the difference, even in the first 2 days. From being dragged into the building by my dog the first day to an easy walk to the building the next. We are both much happier now. It’s been a great experience.
  • Ashley Murphy
    Aug. 30, 2026
    We had a great experience with Nathan! He did an awesome job training our puppy and us! Our puppy now has manners when guests visit and stays with us on walks. We appreciate all that you did!
  • Matthew S
    Aug. 30, 2026
    I highly recommend Dog Training Elite (DTE). Truman is my 25 pound Mini Bull Terrier that was extremely reactive to other dogs on the other side of fences or on a leash with their owners. Walks would get stressful and needed a lot of active avoidance of situations where another dog could get within 10-12 feet of Truman. Not a good life for a dog or fun for me. After two weeks of focused doggy "boot-camp" and homework, Truman's behavior was an order of magnitude better. His first hour long outdoor group class after "graduating" involved about twenty other dogs and their owners. Truman kept his cool (ie., making good doggy decisions), with Truman and numerous other dogs walking or weaving by. That would have been literally impossible with even one dog three weeks earlier. He is much, much better with the basics like recall, sit, down, heel, door manners, etc.. Truman and I still have a lot of work to do to get all his much better behaviors solid, but I think DTE has given us the tools we need to be successful at getting Truman to his best life as a well behaved little dog in the outside world.
  • Tamela Giroux
    Aug. 30, 2026
    First meet was great. My pup loved meeting the “dog whisperer”. I look forward to learning from him!
  • Alexandria Sandoval
    Aug. 29, 2026
    John did an amazing job with our pup. Our pup started showing reactive tendencies and would ignore any recalls. He would make people feel uncomfortable by his bark and appearance. After even a few sessions of just obedience trainings , our pup was starting to calm down. John really took his time and explained everything for us and was available whenever we had questions. Our pup is doing way better and is reactivity is way down. We will continue to go over the basics with him. Thank you to John and Elite Dog training for your time and guidance.
  • Sizzle Sizzle
    Aug. 29, 2026
    Aiden was able to come out and explain the dog training program. He entered every question that I have and brought his friend along to demonstrate some of the commands and things that we would be learning during training.. it was able to provide me with a reasonable quote and expectations for next steps. I'm looking forward to working with him.
  • nadira santiago
    Aug. 29, 2026
    Maggie is amazing, she goes detailed on how to properly train our dog. Before training she take time to observe and understand how our pup is. Highly recommend 👌
  • Amanda Anderson
    Aug. 29, 2026
    Our trainer Kim is fantastic! We have done four of our 5 in-home classes and one group class. Group class was amazing. Would recommend Dog Training Elite Kansas City to anyone with a dog.
  • Donita Covington
    Aug. 29, 2026
    good experience
  • beverly weiner
    Aug. 29, 2026
    JB brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his training. As an educator of both Zsa Zsa and myself, he adapts to our needs, explains tasks clearly, and corrects promptly. Working with JB is a pleasure and the results are gratifying.
  • Vicki Stephens
    Aug. 28, 2026
    This was our goal, to create a bonding with us ‼️
  • DEBBIE DIBBLE
    Oct. 22, 2025
    Chloe is great. You can tell that she enjoys her work, takes it seriously and is very good at it. I trust Chloe with my girl.
  • Dawn Slocum
    Aug. 28, 2026
    Chloe is the best with both of our pups. She helped tremendously when we were at our wits end.
  • Thomas Slocum
    Apr. 21, 2026
    The trainers are extremely professional and knowledgeable. It is a joy to see how far in just a few sessions our Lab has progressed.