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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Utah County

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Utah County, UT.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Utah County, UT

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 Utah County dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Utah County, UT and rely on positive reinforcement to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Utah County 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 Utah County

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Utah County NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Utah County, UT 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 Utah County classical conditioning dog trainers.

Utah County 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 Utah County 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 in Utah County, UT trainer to help your dog be more obedient will help you create a deep, loving relationship with your dog built on trust.

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A women playing with her service dog in Utah County, UT.

The Dog Training Elite Utah County Difference


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Dog Training Elite in Utah County, UT uses modern dog training techniques and methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite Utah County 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 Utah County’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 in Utah County, UT, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it. The unique techniques of Dog Training Elite Utah County 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.

Proud Sponsor of
The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite Utah County, 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 Utah County 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

  • Teresa Weber
    Dec. 12, 2024
    Great experience. I gained useful knowledge about training my dog.
  • Karen Delgado
    Oct. 11, 2024
    My experience so far has been amazing. I’m beyond happy with Deidre Wilson! She has been amazing with my Doberman and has such a natural connection with my entire pack. Deidre is not only talented but also takes the time to explain everything, educating me and giving me the confidence to succeed with my Doberman. I couldn’t ask for a better dog trainer! Kaycee is also fantastic, always patient and flexible with our schedule, making the entire experience seamless. I highly recommend them both and their staff.
  • Cassie Baldonado
    Nov. 8, 2024
    Deidre is a great trainer. She knows what she’s doing an explains things very well, so you can understand. Definitely recommend 10 out of 10
  • Les Baxley
    Nov. 5, 2024
    Very happy with this special session. Now I'll work on the things she showed me.
  • Sabastien Robbins
    Sep. 27, 2024
    Deidre is one of the coolest people I’ve ever met! She is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. She’s great with my dog, she’s honest and helpful. I’ve really enjoyed our time with her and the success both my dog and I have had thanks to her!
  • Samantha Rasmussen
    Sep. 18, 2024
    We love Deidre! The work she and Megan have done with our little doggie has been absolutely amazing.
  • Lacie Valgardson
    Oct. 23, 2024
    She was great deidre worked really well with my puppy and made him listen awesome.
  • Karissa Illu
    Apr. 1, 2024
    Follow up 6 months later-Reggie had some continued training to learn to fetch things for his girl, and is absolutely incredible at it thanks to Evan and his team!..We also took a trip to Florida with Reggie. First flight with him, Disney World, and Universal Studios for ten days straight. He did absolutely remarkable, and most people didn’t even realize we had a dog with us until they noticed his Minnie ears. He was able to ride several rides with his girl, and did incredible! Elite dog training is the absolute best of the best!!! We have a service dog for my 9 year old, and between Evan, and Kaycee I couldn’t ask for better people to work with! They have gone absolutely above and beyond to help our pup do any, and everything possible to help our daughter live the most independent life despite her chronic health problems. The amount of time, and work they have put into Reggie these last two years is astounding. Because of them Reggie is able to spend countless weeks in the hospital with my 9 year old, he goes to school with her everyday, and goes everywhere she goes. He is by far the best dog ever because of the incredible people at Elite. You can absolutely tell the people at Elite love what they do! 5 stars is not enough to describe what an incredible company this is!! We LOVE Utah County Elite dog trainers!!
  • Wyatt
    Oct. 20, 2024
    Bey smart and knowledgeable with dogs.
  • Gabe N
    Oct. 9, 2024
    Deidre showed up for our initial consultation and immediately made me feel confident in her, and DTE’s, training and knowledge! She is kind, calm, educated, and very patient! We cannot wait to have her start training our puppy!
  • Kristen Jensen
    Oct. 5, 2024
    Excellent personalized training. We loved working with this team, and our dog made great progress.
  • Lucy Herrera
    Oct. 4, 2024
    Deidre is knowledgeable, patient and kind. She is a professional and one who certainly knows her craft. Our dog took to her guidance and direction, with little complaint. Deidre is confident; it is obvious that she likes what she does. It shows in her enthusiasm and her ability to teach.
  • Erica Gravity
    Sep. 20, 2024
    Deidre is fantastic and has brought out a whole new side of our dog. Instructions are clear and tailored to us and how we learn. She has amazing insight into how to clean up our commands and how to fix anything we are struggling with. I'm so grateful that we chose to do this.
  • Cherie Zeeman
    Sep. 19, 2024
    My dog loves her. She is so excted to be here. She knows het job well.
  • Kimberly Gagon
    Sep. 19, 2024
    Today was our fourth training session with Elite, I couldn’t be happier. Bailey has trained with both Meaghan and Deidre both trainers have been AWESOME! Every single training session has helped me to be the best leader I can be. Bailey is my first from scratch puppy, I was so concerned that I would do things with her that would lead to bad behaviors that she would have to unlearn and it would be my fault, as soon as we started our training with Elite those fears went away immediately!! With Elites help I am confident we will achieve our goals!! I am so grateful! Bailey is doing so well, I can’t wait until we complete our training and we can go everywhere together! I am really look forward to being able to go through the doors that were closed on me 17 years ago when I suffered a traumatic brain injury. I know with Elites help Bailey and I will be ready to explore a whole new world together and that will change my life! Conclusion… If you are looking for assistance training your puppy or dog, without a shred of hesitation I would recommend that you give ELITE the opportunity to help you in the ways they are helping us!! It is an investment with limitless rewards for you and your puppy!!
  • Chris Davis
    Sep. 18, 2024
    Kind, experienced, and effective trainers made this a wonderful experience. I noticed an improvement after our first session. Highly recommend!
  • HawaiianPrepper
    Sep. 18, 2024
    Where do I begin, this training experience was amazing. I am throughly impressed with the knowledge passed along from the one, the only… Deidre Wilson. Deidre’s energy is amazing and makes learning for my dog and I so much more positive and enjoyable. I will forever recommend Dog Training Elite of Utah County to anyone with a K9 young or old.
  • Joshua Jackson
    Sep. 17, 2024
    Deidre is so awesome and she is welcoming. I feel safe around her and I trust her!! I feel more strengthened and empowered after her training.
  • REVISTA ARMAS
    Sep. 16, 2024
    Love our experience! Thank you
  • Diana Grant
    Sep. 8, 2024
    Lily is 4 years old & needed some help listeninng to me. After only two training sessions, she's paying attention to me & her barking problem has been reduced 90%. I'm happy & she's happy too!