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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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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Kim Archambault
    Jan. 29, 2026
    What a fun week. This week was "down" which seems highly acheivable and can be added with other commands. Kurtis answered every question and was knowledgeable with canine behavior; mentioned situations we didnt even think of.
  • Melissa LaLonde
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Our 5-month-old puppy, Piper, just completed her in-facility training at Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland, and we truly could not be more grateful for this experience. From day one, the staff has been absolutely amazing — knowledgeable, patient, supportive, and genuinely invested in Piper’s success. Piper learned so much during her time there — and honestly, so did we. The team not only worked with her, but made sure we understood the training process and felt confident moving forward. The communication, consistency, and care they provided exceeded our expectations. We’re excited to now begin in-home sessions and group lessons as we continue preparing for her certification test. We know we still have a ways to go, but it’s incredibly reassuring to have Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland by our side every step of the way. We are so thankful to be partnering with such an outstanding organization. If you’re considering training for your dog, we wholeheartedly recommend them! — Melissa, Lori, and Piper 🐾🐶
  • Bryann-Rose Arnold
    Feb. 11, 2026
    This place is great! I have, or rather, had, a very reactive heeler. She would bark at everything and everyone. Snapping, nipping and if it weren’t for her muzzle maybe even biting. I did a consultation and the woman they sent out was great. Very friendly, understanding and overall very welcoming. My dog even stopped growling in her presence which I was amazed by. A few weeks later we had our first session with Kayla C. and she is now one of my favorite people! She has a great, warm personality. She did great with my dog and even now my heeler lets Kayla touch her. 8 weeks of one on one training with Kayla and I now feel SO comfortable taking my dog out in public. She had a dog get in her face the other day and she was unbothered by it. She’s had random people come up and have conversations with me, and now people are able to get closer than 20 ft. I’m so amazingly proud of the progress my dog has made and I’m grateful to Kayla for her help in guiding us through this. There was no judgment, just understanding. I definitely recommend this group of trainers.
  • Sharon
    Dec. 31, 2025
    Logyn was empathetic with challenges experienced with our now 22 week old Lab. We visited Lowes to expose our puppy to different noises. I had so much anxiety. Not knowing how she would react to the environment. But she did well. We worked on commands. Very good training, we have homework. Thanks Logyn!
  • Riley Stanley
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Del is a great teacher and very thorough in teaching the lesson and answering all of my questions. My dog is learning very quickly, and I’m excited to see how he’ll end up once the lessons are complete!
  • Barbara Philson
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Our training today was amazing with immediately responses from our dogs. We are so pleased with the training. 😊
  • Lynne Vendetti
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Kayla and Kristen were great! Made great progress with helping with my dogs issues in the first visit. I am very happy and I know my dog and I will benefit from their help greatly
  • Jon Kristof
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Outstanding trainers who truly value your time and expectations.
  • Anika Pekarcik
    Feb. 11, 2026
    We love working with Dog Training Elite! Alex has helped our household so much. I highly recommend this training program.
  • Jeremy Sanders
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Julia was fantastic and you can tell that she really cares about the dogs and building the foundations so their quality of life is improved long term. Great session. Thank you!
  • Sadie Schuman
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Jason and Syanne have been amazing and I couldn’t ask for a better experience. They are working with my family and I to train my puppy Finn to be a psychiatric service dog. I’ve been with them for about a year now. They both never fail to make me laugh and make training fun. As someone with a lot of anxiety, they do such a great job at making a fun and safe environment. Jason is always available to answer questions and always answers in such detail and I have learned so much from him. Jason is extremely knowledgeable and very kind. I’m so grateful my family and I chose this training with them and I would highly recommend them for any training with your dog! It’s always so fun to see everyone and their dogs at group class too!!
  • Megan Shero
    Feb. 11, 2026
    We started our training journey in Tampa. Josh and crew welcomed us with open arms and fine tuned our skills while teaching us some new ones as well. Highly recommend.
  • Carmen Brown
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Jason and Syanne are the best, been with them for 3 plus years. Kobe loves and I mean loves Syanne. Can’t wait to see you guys this weekend.
  • Claire Avant
    Feb. 11, 2026
    I love training sessions with Joe and Kim at Elite Dog Training. Pax and Boomer are both excelling, and after just four weeks of training, I’ve already seen a big difference in my reactive pup. She’s becoming more confident and much more comfortable around visitors in our home. I really appreciate how clearly they break down each command step by step. They make it easy for me to understand and confidently practice on my own. The in-home sessions have been incredibly helpful, and I feel like I’ve gained the tools and guidance I need to prevent her reactive behavior from holding her back. I truly feel like I’ve become a better dog parent through this process, and I can’t recommend Elite Dog Training enough. The sessions are top tier, and I’m so grateful for the support. I cannot recommend them enough!
  • Claire Avant
    Feb. 11, 2026
    I love training sessions with Joe and Kim at Elite Dog Training. Pax and Boomer are both excelling, and after just four weeks of training, I’ve already seen a big difference in my reactive pup. She’s becoming more confident and much more comfortable around visitors in our home. I really appreciate how clearly they break down each command step by step. They make it easy for me to understand and confidently practice on my own. The in-home sessions have been incredibly helpful, and I feel like I’ve gained the tools and guidance I need to prevent her reactive behavior from holding her back. I truly feel like I’ve become a better dog parent through this process, and I can’t recommend Elite Dog Training enough. The sessions are top tier, and I’m so grateful for the support. I cannot recommend them enough!
  • Alpha Survival
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Very professional organization. Each member seems to go way above and beyond what I expected and that I was truly satisfied. The trainer I was assigned ( Anna) is a dream come true. She works well with dog and he enjoys learning from her. She deserves 5 stars all on her own.
  • Teresa
    Feb. 10, 2026
    Jocynia is amazing and we are so thankful for her. Our little pup is learning so quickly and responds so well to Jocy's approach. We are so happy to have gone with this service!
  • H Ry
    Feb. 10, 2026
    The staff at DTE is amazing! Everyone is so sweet and caring! My dog was so excited to see the staff for not only the group classes but also the in-house visit. Thank you DTE TEAM!!!!!!
  • Maria W
    Feb. 10, 2026
    Marcus was very nice, respectful, and treated me and my dog really well. He was patient. He answered my questions, clearly making it easy for me to understand. He did a great job!
  • Jean Young
    Jan. 7, 2026
    Wow, once again an incredible class with Elijah teaching my Birdie how to stay in place. Cannot recommend more highly if you want to consider virtual training for your dog from your own home! Elijah makes it easy and seamless. I can’t believe my fantastic results!