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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite in Boston Metro

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

Dog Training Techniques

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

Training With An E-Collar

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

Boston 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 in Boston Metro 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 Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA.

The Dog Training Elite in Boston Metro Difference


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

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See An Elite Dog in Action

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Debra Korzec
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Great visit to Home Depot! Montana had an excellent training. Thank you Mat!
  • Rod Salloum
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Matt is beyond professionalism, he’s wonderful, knowledgeable and knows exactly what he’s talking about. Always detecting the problem and give the solution within seconds. I wouldn’t want to work with anyone else and can’t thank him enough
  • tracy rousseau
    Apr. 23, 2025
    We just had our initial consult.Matt was amazing. He was very thorough in explaining exactly what would be the right fit for our dog Casper. Within 10 minutes, he was able to correct behavior such as barking and jumping.I'm looking forward to working with him.
  • Judith Philbrook
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Matt was excellent. He explained the collar more and had me work with Jake so he could show me what I needed to do and correct myself. I enjoyed our session tremendously. I will say there is a lot to doing this but I’m going to do this as well as my dog is.
  • Georgieanna Bouchard
    Apr. 22, 2025
    I could only give them 5 stars in this review....if there were more stars I would have used them all! The customer service ~ quality of teamwork ~ and overall knowledge of EVERYONE we dealt with exceeded our expectations. If you are considering dog training....dont....just do it! It is so worth the money! And this team is the absolute best when it comes to teaching you and your pup.
  • Darren McGrath
    Apr. 17, 2025
    From dog that would bite, snap, growl, bark, everything under the sun, who played by her own rules for far too long, I had very little hope in as she’s 10 years old, but figured it was worth a shot as a last chance….to a dog who I now have full confidence to bring anywhere she needs to go with complete control, couldn’t recommend this training program enough, it’s amazing what can be done.
  • Rocco Bortone
    Apr. 16, 2025
    Great initial meeting/evaluation with Matt to train and address behavioral problems. We're looking forward to starting the training with him. Scheduling and explaining our concerns was easy and stress free with Debbie.
  • Ronna Northrup
    Apr. 8, 2025
    We had a very positive experience with Patrick and dog training Elite! We had Patrick the majority of the of the time, and everyone that we worked with including Tiffany and Matt F were incredible. I would highly recommend recommend the company! ❤️‍🩹
  • Robin Wolkiewicz
    Apr. 8, 2025
    Matt is by far the best dog trainer I have worked with over the course of my many years as a dog owner. Every week I leave feeling confident that I can execute the skills he has taught. I can't recommend him highly enough, he is knowledgeable, patient and passionate about training. Well worth the investment!!!
  • Katrina Guenette
    Feb. 25, 2025
    Amazing!!!! Dedicated to helping families train their dogs in an individual way that meets their needs. Would highly recommend!
  • Ashley Hensel
    Feb. 8, 2025
    Matt is an OUTSTANDING trainer. He’s helping us so much in understanding how to get our dog from a young, energetic to an attentive, caring service animal. He’s great at hearing your concerns and easing your mind through the entire process and we can’t thank him enough.
  • Kitty Desharnais
    Feb. 5, 2025
    Ii would recommend your company..and Matt was the best
  • Monica Irving
    Feb. 5, 2025
    Matt F (and Nova) were fantastic. After years of training based off of trial and error / YouTube training videos- it was time to help my reactive boy get the structure and confidence he deserves. Matt helped me to learn how to better communicate with River, the importance of consistency and follow through, and helped us strengthen our bond. We are excited to begin our group classes this month and continue learning with Dog Training Elite!
  • Wendy
    Jan. 27, 2025
    We have had an amazing experience with our chocolate lab puppy Puddle at dog training elite with our awesome trainers Marcus and Tiffany!! Within 5 sessions our dog went from a crazy counter surfing, dog jumping, leash pulling, out of control pup to a pup who no longer counter surfs, walks beautifully on a leash, even in busy stores, and is just so much calmer. That’s very good for a puppy who is not even 9 months old. We enjoyed every session that we had with Marcus and Tiffany who were professional, prompt, friendly and fun to work with. We feel that we have so many tools and gained so much information to continue our training so that Puddle will continue to make progress every day. We are looking forward to the 12 group classes so that she can keep having challenges and learn new things. From the bottom of our hearts….thank you! ❤️❤️
  • joe thibodeau
    Jan. 4, 2025
    I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite enough. I reached out for help with reactivity with our 6 month rescue who other second dog in the house hold. Matt F came to the house to assess the dog and was able to understand our needs. During the nine week training session we were able to give our pup the foundation of training beyond what I anticipated. All our goals were met and more. I have had dogs throughout my life and gained more understanding in these sessions than I ever thought. I was able to bring this knowledge to my older dog as well and gained a better relationship with her as well. We live in a peaceful house with both dogs. Not having anxiety of having guest over. Dog Training Elite is well worth the money, when Matt F couldn’t make it the others that would fill in were great as well. When I had questions they would return my call. Great customer service. It was commitment to use what we were taught between sessions but was worth it. Great experience.
  • Chris Luthy
    Jan. 2, 2025
    The trainers all brought unique skills to the sessions. We learned a lot about how to get the desired behaviors, and my dog is much more attentive and obedient with commands. Highly recommend.
  • Todd McNamara
    Dec. 17, 2024
    Very professional company and Matt the trainer they sent over was great. Highly recommend!
  • Claire Butrimowicz
    Dec. 4, 2024
    I finished my last one on one session today. Matt was very patient with me. I’m older and have an energetic lab/pit bull. Matt has made me more confident when handling him. Marvin is very trainable. I’m not however. Matt has been a huge help in teaching me how to manage Marvin’s energy. I have more work to do on myself, but I have all the tools I need going forward. Marvin was happy and responsive and loved to see Matt walk through the door. I recommend Dog Training Elite for all dogs. This training has been a positive experience for Marvin as well. I’m looking forward to my group classes next! Thank you Matt and Dog Training Elite!
  • Michael Manchester-Miles
    Nov. 30, 2024
    Excellent training and service.
  • Nichole McIvor
    Nov. 12, 2024
    Marcus and the team continue to be an excellent resource for myself and my partner while navigating our GSD training. They have been more than flexible with training styles and curating a training program for our own individual needs. Whiskey has benefited so much from their guidance, wisdom, and patience. From basic training to more advanced issues, they are knowledgeable and dedicated to helping the dog and the parents, alike. Couldn’t recommend them enough!
  • Debra Korzec
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Great visit to Home Depot! Montana had an excellent training. Thank you Mat!
  • Rod Salloum
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Matt is beyond professionalism, he’s wonderful, knowledgeable and knows exactly what he’s talking about. Always detecting the problem and give the solution within seconds. I wouldn’t want to work with anyone else and can’t thank him enough
  • tracy rousseau
    Apr. 23, 2025
    We just had our initial consult.Matt was amazing. He was very thorough in explaining exactly what would be the right fit for our dog Casper. Within 10 minutes, he was able to correct behavior such as barking and jumping.I'm looking forward to working with him.
  • Judith Philbrook
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Matt was excellent. He explained the collar more and had me work with Jake so he could show me what I needed to do and correct myself. I enjoyed our session tremendously. I will say there is a lot to doing this but I’m going to do this as well as my dog is.
  • Georgieanna Bouchard
    Apr. 22, 2025
    I could only give them 5 stars in this review....if there were more stars I would have used them all! The customer service ~ quality of teamwork ~ and overall knowledge of EVERYONE we dealt with exceeded our expectations. If you are considering dog training....dont....just do it! It is so worth the money! And this team is the absolute best when it comes to teaching you and your pup.
  • Darren McGrath
    Apr. 17, 2025
    From dog that would bite, snap, growl, bark, everything under the sun, who played by her own rules for far too long, I had very little hope in as she’s 10 years old, but figured it was worth a shot as a last chance….to a dog who I now have full confidence to bring anywhere she needs to go with complete control, couldn’t recommend this training program enough, it’s amazing what can be done.
  • Rocco Bortone
    Apr. 16, 2025
    Great initial meeting/evaluation with Matt to train and address behavioral problems. We're looking forward to starting the training with him. Scheduling and explaining our concerns was easy and stress free with Debbie.
  • Ronna Northrup
    Apr. 8, 2025
    We had a very positive experience with Patrick and dog training Elite! We had Patrick the majority of the of the time, and everyone that we worked with including Tiffany and Matt F were incredible. I would highly recommend recommend the company! ❤️‍🩹
  • Robin Wolkiewicz
    Apr. 8, 2025
    Matt is by far the best dog trainer I have worked with over the course of my many years as a dog owner. Every week I leave feeling confident that I can execute the skills he has taught. I can't recommend him highly enough, he is knowledgeable, patient and passionate about training. Well worth the investment!!!
  • Katrina Guenette
    Feb. 25, 2025
    Amazing!!!! Dedicated to helping families train their dogs in an individual way that meets their needs. Would highly recommend!
  • Ashley Hensel
    Feb. 8, 2025
    Matt is an OUTSTANDING trainer. He’s helping us so much in understanding how to get our dog from a young, energetic to an attentive, caring service animal. He’s great at hearing your concerns and easing your mind through the entire process and we can’t thank him enough.
  • Kitty Desharnais
    Feb. 5, 2025
    Ii would recommend your company..and Matt was the best
  • Monica Irving
    Feb. 5, 2025
    Matt F (and Nova) were fantastic. After years of training based off of trial and error / YouTube training videos- it was time to help my reactive boy get the structure and confidence he deserves. Matt helped me to learn how to better communicate with River, the importance of consistency and follow through, and helped us strengthen our bond. We are excited to begin our group classes this month and continue learning with Dog Training Elite!
  • Wendy
    Jan. 27, 2025
    We have had an amazing experience with our chocolate lab puppy Puddle at dog training elite with our awesome trainers Marcus and Tiffany!! Within 5 sessions our dog went from a crazy counter surfing, dog jumping, leash pulling, out of control pup to a pup who no longer counter surfs, walks beautifully on a leash, even in busy stores, and is just so much calmer. That’s very good for a puppy who is not even 9 months old. We enjoyed every session that we had with Marcus and Tiffany who were professional, prompt, friendly and fun to work with. We feel that we have so many tools and gained so much information to continue our training so that Puddle will continue to make progress every day. We are looking forward to the 12 group classes so that she can keep having challenges and learn new things. From the bottom of our hearts….thank you! ❤️❤️
  • joe thibodeau
    Jan. 4, 2025
    I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite enough. I reached out for help with reactivity with our 6 month rescue who other second dog in the house hold. Matt F came to the house to assess the dog and was able to understand our needs. During the nine week training session we were able to give our pup the foundation of training beyond what I anticipated. All our goals were met and more. I have had dogs throughout my life and gained more understanding in these sessions than I ever thought. I was able to bring this knowledge to my older dog as well and gained a better relationship with her as well. We live in a peaceful house with both dogs. Not having anxiety of having guest over. Dog Training Elite is well worth the money, when Matt F couldn’t make it the others that would fill in were great as well. When I had questions they would return my call. Great customer service. It was commitment to use what we were taught between sessions but was worth it. Great experience.
  • Chris Luthy
    Jan. 2, 2025
    The trainers all brought unique skills to the sessions. We learned a lot about how to get the desired behaviors, and my dog is much more attentive and obedient with commands. Highly recommend.
  • Todd McNamara
    Dec. 17, 2024
    Very professional company and Matt the trainer they sent over was great. Highly recommend!
  • Claire Butrimowicz
    Dec. 4, 2024
    I finished my last one on one session today. Matt was very patient with me. I’m older and have an energetic lab/pit bull. Matt has made me more confident when handling him. Marvin is very trainable. I’m not however. Matt has been a huge help in teaching me how to manage Marvin’s energy. I have more work to do on myself, but I have all the tools I need going forward. Marvin was happy and responsive and loved to see Matt walk through the door. I recommend Dog Training Elite for all dogs. This training has been a positive experience for Marvin as well. I’m looking forward to my group classes next! Thank you Matt and Dog Training Elite!
  • Michael Manchester-Miles
    Nov. 30, 2024
    Excellent training and service.
  • Nichole McIvor
    Nov. 12, 2024
    Marcus and the team continue to be an excellent resource for myself and my partner while navigating our GSD training. They have been more than flexible with training styles and curating a training program for our own individual needs. Whiskey has benefited so much from their guidance, wisdom, and patience. From basic training to more advanced issues, they are knowledgeable and dedicated to helping the dog and the parents, alike. Couldn’t recommend them enough!