Back to Obedience Dog Training
Classical Conditioning

Worcester Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Worcester, MA.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Worcester, MA

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 Worcester dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Worcester, MA to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Worcester 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 Worcester

Training With An E-Collar

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

Worcester 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 Worcester 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 Worcester, MA 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 Worcester - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Worcester, MA

Positive Reinforcement Training

Dog Training Elite Worcester - Puppy Obedience Training in Worcester, MA. DTE

Puppy Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite Worcester - Off Leash Dog Training in Worcester, MA. DTE

Off Leash Training

Dog Training Elite Worcester - Dog Agility Training in Worcester, MA. DTE

Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

A women playing with her service dog in Worcester, MA.

The Dog Training Elite Worcester Difference


Read More
Read Less

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

  • 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.
  • 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
  • Karla StPeter
    Jan. 27, 2026
    Matt explained everything, made sure all our questions were answered. Today, Our dogs did great! Even though this is going to take sometime, I see the light at the end of the tunnel, knowing that here is hope to train our Pugs!
  • Abigail Baggarly
    Jan. 12, 2026
    Looking forward to working with all the staff at dog training elite Worcester
  • Fanny Bowley
    Jan. 31, 2026
    Alaina was great! Very friendly, professional, knowledgable.
  • Kristina Ohl
    Feb. 5, 2026
    We were referred to Dog Training Elite by a friend who had a great experience with them. Our dog struggled with reactivity toward men, and after trying multiple training options with no success, we were feeling stressed and discouraged. Matt worked with us over three sessions and made remarkable progress with our dog. He was professional, knowledgeable, and clearly experienced with reactive dogs. He provided practical guidance not only for training our dog, but also for helping the people around him create a calmer, safer environment and prevent bite incidents. His balanced approach combined positive reinforcement with E-collar redirection, and we’re incredibly grateful for his help.
  • He Kai
    Feb. 4, 2026
    Great experience
  • Nancy Starbird
    Feb. 3, 2026
    Today, February 3rd was my first Elite Dog Training visit. There was 2 trainors that came, Kayla and Kristin. During the 90 plus minutes they were here was terrific. Their easy personalities made things so much easier to understand about how program works and the hands on approach used for my puppy’s first lesson was great. They were very thorough and quite knowledgeable. If my lessons from here on in are as good as today’s’ was than I will be so delighted that I chose Elite Dog Training. If Kayla and Kristen could possibly come back when possible that would e even better. Thank you Nancy Starbird
  • Michelle Merchant
    Jan. 31, 2026
    Marshall has helped us so much with our 7 month old amstaff Achilles. He knows so much about the breed and our boy is coming along nicely because of Marshall’s knowledge and expertise. We have learned so much and are so grateful for his help. We are going to have a well trained pitty after all! Thank you Marshall!
  • Kathleen Pelletier
    Jan. 8, 2026
    Dog Training Elite was great. Layden was great with my puppy! Gave sound advice on feeding, crate training and potty training!! Can’t wait for our next lesson!
  • Danielle Dupuis
    Jan. 24, 2026
    We’re about halfway through our 1:1 training sessions and I couldn’t be happier with our experience so far. Laydon and Kristen have both been absolutely wonderful — kind, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. The progress my pup, Pepper, has already made has blown me away, and I can truly see the difference in her behavior and confidence. Every session is very productive and also a lot of fun, which makes the whole process so enjoyable. They explain things clearly, are patient, and genuinely care about both the dogs and their owners. I’m really looking forward to completing the rest of our 1:1 sessions and starting group sessions soon. I would highly recommend Laydon and Kristen at Dog Training Elite to anyone looking for excellent dog trainers!
  • Tricia
    Jan. 22, 2026
    Alaina was awesome with honey and training her with the new collar
  • Melissa Forestal
    Dec. 8, 2025
    Marshall is great. My dog Toby took to him instantly and he's doing great. I appreciate the direction and the tips to help make Toby and I a success. Thank you.
  • Mary Gorman
    Jan. 19, 2026
    Excellent instruction and advice! Highly recommend!
  • Rosemary arduino
    Jan. 15, 2026
    Great knowledge base and able provide much insight and advise
  • Aram Elovic
    Nov. 13, 2025
    Great trainer , just had first lesson , very organized system and trainer gave us very clear instructions and we practiced together. Looking forward to future sessions.
  • 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.
  • Lisa Brey
    Jan. 10, 2026
    Marshall has made an incredible improvement in our dog. We look forward to his visits. We learn new things every week that help us in our process to get our dog trained and trustworthy. I would highly recommend him.
  • Janice Lisi
    Jan. 9, 2026
    Curtis and Kate answered all of our questions and concerns. They gave us many tips and suggestions on dealing with our hyper puppy and dogs in general. We look forward to dealing with Dog Training Elite.
  • Yessy D Estevez
    Jan. 5, 2026
    (Translated by Google) The girls are very friendly 😊 I don't speak English and we used a translator, I feel very comfortable (Original) La chicas son muy amable 😊 yo no hablo inglés y usamos traductor me ciento muy a gusto