Back to Obedience Dog Training
Classical Conditioning

Westchester County Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Westchester County, NY.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Westchester County, NY

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 Westchester dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Westchester County, NY to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Westchester trainer , your dog will become conditioned and develop those “automatic reflexes” to commands such as sit, down, heel, break, and more.

See Training Packages

Dog Training Elite Westchester

Training With An E-Collar

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

Westchester County Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

Positive Reinforcement Vs. Punishment

Read More
Read Less

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 Westchester 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 Westchester County, NY 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 Westchester - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Westchester County, NY

Positive Reinforcement Training

Dog Training Elite Westchester - Puppy Obedience Training in Westchester County, NY. DTE

Puppy Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite Westchester - Off Leash Dog Training in Westchester County, NY. DTE

Off Leash Training

Dog Training Elite Westchester - Dog Agility Training in Westchester County, NY. DTE

Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

A women playing with her service dog in Westchester County, NY.

The Dog Training Elite Westchester Difference


Read More
Read Less

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

Get Your Free Assessment

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!

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Chris Conrad
    Nov. 4, 2025
    Simply can't recommend Michael and DTEW highly enough!! His patience, positivity, and professionalism are beyond compare! He's completely transformed our once was extremely fearful puppy into a bold and confident doggo ready to take on the world!! Thanks again so very much Michael for teaching us how to help Morticia!! ❤️🐶🥳
  • miriam casasnovas
    Oct. 22, 2025
    Micheal was the absolute best with my frenchie kash. He showed him and me patience and worked with the both us to teach my kash how to be a better behave boy. He is still a work in progress and I will continue to use the skills showed to me by Michael to make kash a behaved dog. Thank you Michael so much!
  • Adam Butterman
    Oct. 7, 2025
    We had a fantastic experience! Our trainer, Michael, was patient, knowledgeable, and truly transformed our dog over the course of our sessions. When we started, our pup was anxious in public settings, but by the end, he was noticeably more confident. He accomplished things we never thought possible before training. We highly recommend Michael and Dog Training Elite Westchester!
  • Douglas Furth
    Oct. 1, 2025
    Michael is absolutely the best. We have tried multiple trainers and he is in a league of his own. He is dedicated to helping us achieve our goals. He is clear and most of all, we have gotten results. I could not recommend him more highly.
  • Noreen
    Aug. 29, 2025
    Michael is awesome! He has transformed my chihuahua Dooka and me! Michael assessed Dooka’s behaviors and knew just where to start with her! He is knowledgeable and patient and takes the time to work with us. Dooka’s “house manners” have greatly improved since our first meeting with Michael, so much so that my friends and neighbors can’t help but notice. I never realized how much training us humans require to bring the best out in our dogs. I highly recommend Michael.
  • Linda Collins
    Jul. 8, 2025
    Michael is the best!!! I have 2 dogs with different personalities and behaviors and he was able to consistently work with them. He is very patient, always on time and always gets back to you. I highly recommend.
  • David Imre
    Jun. 20, 2025
    Michael's approach to dog training has been fantastic. His calm demeanor and focus on teaching techniques to both dogs and owners helps the lessons really stick
  • Merideth Ivy
    Jun. 11, 2025
    Michael at Dog Training Elite Westchester has been a lifesaver for our senior chihuahua. Kitkat has gotten so much out of the program - her training has given her a purpose and provided much-needed excersize to keep her healthy and moving.
  • Karan Mehra
    Jun. 3, 2025
    Michael has been great at helping me with my puppy. He teaches you how to teach your dog and so far everything has been going very well. He’s always available outside of sessions on the phone to answer questions or follow ups. Highly recommend!
  • Tito Fernandez
    Mar. 31, 2025
    Michael has been amazing! Our puppy is 9 wks old and we are first time puppy parents. Training has been of great help and the ease of how our puppy has been able to follow is great! Michael teaches us and our kids something new every time and the execution for us, is mind blowing. We look forward to our next session all the time!
  • Jay Eric Jay
    Jan. 29, 2025
    Our little Burrito and Ellie adore Michael. He is fantastic with them! Highly recommended.