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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

  • Julie Burns
    Dec. 11, 2025
    Henry is a Chihuahua with lots of personality who also has a rebellious side. I have never used a training service before and was very apprehensive about it. During assessment Kristi helped calm those fears showing the compassion of helping Henry. Henry attended the two week camp and after the first couple of days his behavior started to change. While Henry was learning new commands us parents were being taught how to talk / help him with life long skills. I am very appreciative and grateful for the team.
  • Jeff Martin
    Sep. 16, 2025
    Knowledgeable and understanding of the needs of different dogs. Knows when to train and when a dog is done. Happy to have her training my feral rescue and training me. Over the course of all the lessons, she has helped me understand how to train Cole and the results are a dog who initially was scared of everything and now is more confident and understanding of what is asked of him in various commands.
  • clyde baughman
    Dec. 11, 2025
    Alaina was fantastic. I actually learned more than the dog. She was very good. Fancy didn’t want her to leave. All you guys are great.
  • Laura Smith
    Oct. 16, 2025
    Jeff was great with our dog Sera, she loved him and his dog. We are really excited to start training with him. Had our 3rd lesson with Meggie and it was very good she have us great advice. Meggie and Happy were awesome to work with and she is very positive. Finally went to a puppy socialization class with Jeff. It was really good for my puppy and really showed me what I still need to work on. Seraphina did really well and I was super pleased. I definitely have my work cut out for me though cause she could careless about treats. She just wants to play. She was definitely ready for bed last night and she's still tired this morning..LOL Jeff was out today and he was excellent with Seraphina. She is a very stubborn alpha puppy and he really helped me to understand how to handle her stubborn side. She is already listening better, but i am working on being the alpha in or relationship. I had to tie her to my desk cause I told her to stay and she kept leaving. Eventually I was able to untie her and she stayed and fell asleep 😴 💤
  • Ray Scott
    Dec. 11, 2025
    Very knowledgeable and easy to work with!
  • Dave Ohlson
    Dec. 11, 2025
    I was at odds with my Dog Dexter. I was glad or should I say lucky that I found dog training elite emerald coast! They know how to teach your dog to do whatever you request them to do! I am so happy I went with their service! You won’t be disappointed!!!!!!!!!
  • Caitlin Bogue
    Feb. 11, 2025
    Had a follow up this afternoon because we've had a break from group sessions. I got great pointers on picking up where we left off and found out that we were better off than we thought which was encouraging. DTE does great follow up to ensure success.
  • Michael Kamens
    Dec. 10, 2025
    He did a great job explaining how they train
  • Erin Sanford
    Dec. 10, 2025
    Soooo helpful and patient
  • Matthew Dean
    Dec. 10, 2025
    Have a 5 yr old hound that had regressed and was super stubborn - after a week of camp and two home visits she’s well on her way to being a model dog. Ears are no longer for decoration but she listens and responds better than before, manners have improved, and she’s more focused.
  • Thomas Weaver
    Dec. 18, 2024
    Another great training session. Very happy with the DTE process and the progress in medical alert training.
  • Davina Martin
    Dec. 10, 2025
    Started with a dog that was all over the place! NOW he's calmer and the commands learned helps keep him this way!
  • Elena Stout
    Dec. 10, 2025
    I've had a great experience with Dog Training Elite Upstate SC. My dog, Riggins, has always been an anxious guy but since we've been working with this team his confidence has grown. Investing in this program has been one of the best decisions we've made for Riggins.
  • Shane Van
    Dec. 10, 2025
    Jan was a wonderful trainer and patient with Jolene. The training has given Jolene more confidence and she has become a fun pup to be around. Would highly recommend!
  • Edward Brey
    Dec. 10, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has been an incredible experience for us. Our trainer, Marshall, is outstanding—not only in training our dog Abby, but also in guiding us as owners. In just a month, we’ve seen a substantial difference in Abby’s behavior and confidence. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite and Marshall to anyone looking for effective, supportive training.
  • Stephanie Cisek
    Dec. 10, 2025
    McCall (and everyone else at DTE) was absolutely incredible—it truly felt like she treated Gunner like her own!! She took our dog—a well-known trash goblin—to a certified good boy. Gunner is seriously the most well-behaved and obedient boy now! He LOVED going every morning, and would even start whining in the car as soon as we turned into the parking lot! We’re excited to start the group classes to keep up on Gunner’s training!
  • S Saal
    Dec. 10, 2025
    Very hard to explain in few words how wonderful this dog training company is. You have to understand that not only the dogs are trained we, the owners, have to be trained too and all the trainers have the ability to communicate with both, remembering that dogs are easier than us parents!☺️I got all 3 packages starting from puppy to service dog. Max is 9 months old now and the difference since he started at 2 months old is amazing. Every single class Max and I learn something different, never boring. The group classes are fun because these dogs are alike having the same training and service dogs that already graduated are always present in these classes showing our babies the right behavior .
  • Bethany Hillman
    Dec. 9, 2025
    Megan is amazing. She has been super patient as we are learning how to train our puppy. She knows a lot about dogs and how they communicate with us. She has lots of ideas and solutions to our specific asks as well.
  • Debbie Ellen
    Dec. 9, 2025
    Jessica has been a God send for me and my boy! it is incredible the amount of knowledge she has. I am so grateful and so happy to have her as our trainer!
  • Joyce Ferrone
    Jul. 31, 2025
    Meggie was great. Came to our home, met our puppy and answered our many questions. We are looking forward to teaching our darling puppy to be a great dog. She taught us how to calm our over activated puppy!!!! So helpful