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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

  • Debbie Love
    Mar. 3, 2026
    I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Palm Beach County! My 4 year old Yorkie, Brisco, had tried training at local pet stores but we never had any luck. I knew personalized in-home training was my only hope. Then I came across Dog Training Elite / Josephine at a home show a few months ago and requested a free in-home evaluation. During the evaluation she asked questions about Brisco, me, and our home that I didn't even realize were pertinent to training but they really were. In just a few months Brisco has changed for the better. He is much more relaxed, he really pays attention to me, no more crazy and long term barking when someone comes in the house, will sit/lay calmly while I'm talking with others, and he's still learning. I have changed with the training, too, because I'm much more relaxed with him since he's better behaved. We are both still learning but I feel very confident knowing that Josephine is working with us and will be available to help with anything during Brisco's entire life. This is one of the best decisions I've made in a very long time. :-)
  • Pat Stath
    Mar. 3, 2026
    Nathan is a kind, knowledgeable trainer. I appreciate his skill with my dog and teaching me how to follow through!
  • Patty Presta
    Mar. 3, 2026
    Jeff is the best!!!!!!!! Sooo knowledgeable and he has transformed my dog to where I never thought she would be!!!!!!!! I love the folks here!!!!!!!!!
  • Thomas Rusk
    Mar. 3, 2026
    I enrolled my dog in the flexible program at Dog Training Elite Chattanooga and could not be happier. The teaching style was clear and easy to understand, which helped my dog make rapid progress. I saw noticeable improvement in behavior after the first session and the results have been tremendous. Rod always explained each step in the training and made sure we understood . I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Chattanooga for anyone looking for effective dog obedience classes and reliable training.
  • Bettina Roberts
    Mar. 2, 2026
    My husband and I cannot express enough our deep appreciation for the tremendous support we have received from the entire team at DTE Western Chicago over the last year as Bentley, our miniature dachshund, has gone through his training to become a certified service dog. From the very first day on March 17th, 2025, the expertise and incredible knowledge demonstrated by Tim, Katie, Grace, Pauline, and Jamie convinced us we had found just the right place for Bentley’s training (and ours as well!). We’ve gone through all three two week intensive sessions (These are awesome one-on-one training experiences by the experts.), numerous group sessions (We recommend you attend these whenever possible. These sessions are so interactive and fun and provide a great platform for ongoing training.), several camps (These are great opportunities to refresh skills and manners and for your furry friends to just have fun!). Bentley loves the training team at DTE and gets so excited when we go to the training facility. Bentley has passed all three levels of the AKC Canine Good Citizen Tests, thanks to the ongoing patience and guidance from the DTE Team who are AKC certified as evaluators. Tim and Katie have continued to expand and grow the training experiences they offer along with their training team and most recently, Erik joined the DTE Team. He too has brought tremendous knowledge and support for our ongoing training journey and his group classes have been both fun and educational. We tried another dog training group before finding the DTE Team and wow, what a difference. The professionalism, experience, and entire program at DTE is well worth your investment of resources, most importantly, your time commitment with your furry best friend. All our love and gratitude to the DTE Team! Richard, Bettina, and Bentley
  • LoneWolf Moonboy
    Jan. 22, 2026
    Absolutely fantastic!! Jeff was very thorough and extremely informative during the assessment and Meggie killed it for our first session. I can’t wait to continue with the process!!
  • Lynne Vendetti
    Mar. 2, 2026
    Kayla has helped my nervous dog so much! His behavior has improved greatly!
  • Mallory Wylie
    Mar. 2, 2026
    Brad with Dog Training Elite was incredible! He listened to all my concerns and tailored training specifically for my English Bulldog(stubborn!!) I saw amazing progress every single week. Brad was timely, professional, and very knowledgeable when it comes to the way dogs process info in order to learn. 10/10 Would recommend to any family or friend!!
  • chelsea moses
    Mar. 2, 2026
    Tiffany came to our house to do a consultation. She was very professional very well informed and I felt very comfortable with her.
  • Michele Roland
    Mar. 2, 2026
    Blaize was knowledgeable and really listened to our concerns with Hugo. She was supportive and encouraging.
  • B. Yates
    Mar. 2, 2026
    I walked in unsure about how to help my high‑energy puppy, but left feeling hopeful and supported. The trainer was incredibly patient, taking the time to understand my dog’s personality and showing me simple, clear steps. Each session felt catered to my and my dogs needs. I especially appreciated the gentle approach during our private dog training sessions, which made my nervous dog comfortable and eager to learn. After a few weeks I’m finally seeing good manners at home and on walks. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville for anyone looking for a caring and effective dog behavior specialist.
  • Guillermo Cendejas
    Mar. 2, 2026
    We had a great experience working with Hannah Randall from Dog Training Elite. She was professional, knowledgeable, and very flexible with scheduling, which made the training process easy to manage. She explained things clearly and helped us feel confident continuing the training on our own between sessions. A good dog trainer doesn't just work with the dog but also teaches the owners how to be consistent and effective, and Hannah did exactly that. We saw real progress and would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a skilled and supportive dog trainer.
  • Amelia Corbin
    Mar. 2, 2026
    Brad was so patient, knowledgeable, and respectful when in my home. Much progress with 2 very ill behaved pugs. I would highly recommend him for your home training needs!
  • Stacey Blitz
    Mar. 2, 2026
    Jessica is the best! She's calm, direct, knowledgeable, encouraging, so sweet! Our dog Poppy loves her and we do too 🥰
  • Cheryl Button
    Mar. 2, 2026
    First session was very informative and went very well. Brennan is great! He truly understands your dog and Ziva just loved him! Super excited for our next session!
  • Bauer Sumpio
    Mar. 2, 2026
    What’s better than competent, knowledgeable and personable dog trainers? When they come to your home and give individualized bespoke training! Iliana and Jason have been training my 7 month old goldendoodle Lola and they are outstanding …we’ve utilized all the techniques including choke, prong and e-collar. Lola is now a more confident dog and a joy to walk around our town of Woodbridge. They also run group sessions with their client dogs which is really valuable in socializing Lola to other dogs and managing her behaviors. When I take Lola to the dog park, she is very comfortable with other dogs and plays well with them! I highly recommend this dog training program. It has given me the tools to properly communicate and interact with my dog.
  • Susenn Pike
    Mar. 1, 2026
    From Fearful Rescue to Confident Companion – Exceptional Experience in Frisco! I cannot thank Joseph and the team at Dog Training Elite Frisco enough for the transformation in my 1-year-old GSD/Lab mix, Lily. I rescued Lily at 4 weeks old, and despite my best efforts, she struggled with severe anxiety, leash pulling, and reactivity toward people and other dogs. At 50 lbs, she was becoming impossible to walk, and I was truly worried she’d never be able to enjoy the world around her. After an insightful evaluation with Tra, we decided on the 2-week Board and Train. As a nervous dog mom, I was worried she would shut down, but Joseph was a godsend. To ease my anxiety, he provided daily pics and updates on her progress, which meant the world to me. Joseph didn’t just "train" her; he matched her energy, recognized her sweetness, and built her confidence from the ground up through discipline and engagement. He used creative training environments—like walks in the woods and outdoor sessions—to meet her exactly where she was. It’s clear Joseph views dog training as an art and is his passion; he invested so much heart into her, and the bond they formed was great to see. The "hand-off" was seamless. Joseph spent significant time showing me how to transfer those skills at home. Austin then provided the "missing link" with in-home reinforcement sessions. He was fantastic at coaching me to ensure I was executing commands the "right way" so Lily and I could have long-term success. Between the board and train and the group classes, Lily has become a thriving, loyal family companion. I have zero hesitation recommending Joseph for any Board and Train needs and Austin for expert in-home coaching. They didn't just train my dog; they empowered me to be a better owner and Lily a thriving, loyal family best friend!
  • 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 😴 💤 We all went to Lowes with Meggie and had a great class working on sit for duration and not breaking with distractions. Seraphina loves running through the big blue flatbed carts. It was very fun. Thank you Meggie. Just start the advanced obedience training and it has been worth it. This next step helps hold me and my dog more responsible. I have done lots of training in the past and I have learned a lot from DTE. Thank you Jeff. Thank you Meggie for another wonderful lesson Sera is really coming along with this second phase of training.
  • Amy Pittsinger
    Mar. 1, 2026
    We have had a great experience with Dog Training Elite! The center based training with Austin was very helpful with necessary basic commands, and the in home sessions with Ali were amazing with specific needs in our home environment. Their office staff, along with their trainers are wonderful and truly care about your pups well being!
  • Crystal Vavra
    Feb. 28, 2026
    Our adopted pup had a very rough life in the beginning. We hired Dog Training Elite and worked with Bob and Mia. They helped Daisy learn how to trust people, be confident and learn many skills by command. It gave us a great start on how to continue with the training so we will have a well behaved pup and that in turn makes all of us happy!