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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Annapolis

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Annapolis / Anne Arundel County, MD.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Annapolis / Anne Arundel County, MD

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

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Annapolis NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Annapolis / Anne Arundel County, MD 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 Annapolis / Anne Arundel County classical conditioning dog trainers.

Annapolis / Anne Arundel 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 Annapolis 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 Annapolis / Anne Arundel County, MD 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 Annapolis / Anne Arundel County, MD.

The Dog Training Elite Annapolis Difference


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

  • Ali Merritt
    Nov. 23, 2024
    The trainers are absolutely amazing they give you all the right tools to help train your dog. They guided me with what kind of dog would suit me best and they have been amazing with her. She abosoulty goes nuts any time we get to train with them. She loves the trainers as much I love working with them I recommend them to any one who asks me.
  • Thomas Hathaway
    Oct. 11, 2024
    We could not be happier with Dog Training Elite! We got our Boston Terrier (Ruthie) from a rescue organization after she spent 7 years of her life as a puppy mill mom. She had never lived in a house before and we wanted some help with getting her trained to help her transition into our family. Christy has done an excellent job not only training Ruthie, but educating us on how to continue her training during the week. She’s great on the leash and does great on the soccer fields now—exactly what we were hoping for!
  • Alex Adler
    Sep. 24, 2024
    I'd highly recommend Dog Training Elite. More than just the training, Christy really took the time to help us understand why our dogs act in certain ways and what will motivate them. Just be prepared to receive a lot of compliments about your dog's obedience in public!
  • Lyn Hopkins
    Feb. 8, 2023
    Our training program with Dog Training Elite was a huge success. Christy and her team (Samantha for us) were really easy to work with, and seem to have a strong, intuitive connection with doggies. Annie is a changed dog. Significantly less pulling on the leash, (almost none) comes when we call, stays in her "place" when told, and much more. We are so grateful and look forward to the play groups.
  • Rick Clow
    Jan. 17, 2023
    Christy and Sean did an amazing job with my 9 month old puppy Koda . I went from chasing my dog around the yard to bring him back , to having him respond to my every command. The whole experience was very informative and enjoyable. Christy was very flexible with the in home training . I had to reschedule a couple appointments and it was no problem at all. I would highly recommend dog training elite to anyone looking for dog training.
  • Rick Clow
    Jan. 17, 2023
    I did the 5 week training plan with Dog training elite and could not be happier with the results. My 9 month old lab was disobedient in just about every way. Christy and Sean did an amazing job transforming my dog into a great obedient pet . Come , sit , lay down , heel and place ,are just a few of the commands that I now have at my disposal. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone considering training .
  • Jara Matlick
    Jan. 9, 2023
    I contacted Dog Training Elite to help with training purposes as well as anxiety with my dog. I have a black lab who I started with them when she was about 10 months old. She struggled with anxiety ever since this past summer with fireworks, as before that she had no problem! Ever since working with Dog Training Elite, they have instilled many great training qualities in her, and us as owners that has really helped her confidence and anxiety in situations. When we notice something may scare her and she cowers back, we always resort back to the commands and she has no problem. I highly recommend Dog training Elite if you not only want your dog trained to a high standard, but for yourself to also learn how to train your dog and know what to do in certain situations!
  • Emily Kellen
    Jan. 7, 2023
    Dog Training Elite was a life changer for me and my dog. This training method is very practical and makes my life so much easier. My dog listens so well to the commands he was taught and I can take him anywhere and know I will be able to maintain control. I needed to have this with such a large breed.
  • Danielle Clark
    Dec. 30, 2022
    We love Dog Training Elite Annapolis! They have been flexible with training times and made training our newfypoo an enjoyable experience. He is on his way to being a PSD dog for our daughter and we are forever grateful for their continued guidance.
  • Amy Hetherington
    Dec. 29, 2022
    Our dog is now enjoyable to be around. She is much better behaved, listens to commands, and is easy to walk. All thanks to Christy and Sam at Dog Training Elite Annapolis.