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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Clarksville

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Clarksville, TN.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Clarksville, TN

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

Training With An E-Collar

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

Clarksville 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 Clarksville 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 Clarksville, TN 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 Clarksville, TN.

The Dog Training Elite Clarksville Difference


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

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Breanna Rose
    May. 6, 2025
    Working with Parker, Reina, and Montana has completely changed my dog! Before moving to Tennessee, I was worried Briar would never be able to become a service dog. She was very selective when listening, extremely stubborn, and wouldn't respond to commands. Almost a year later, she is an entirely different dog! She responds to her commands, walks well on and off leash, has passed her public access test, and is now a service dog in training! These trainers have not only helped to instill confidence in me as her handler, but in her as well! I am so blessed to have worked with these fantastic people, and I encourage anyone looking for a trainer to look no further and contact Dog Training Elite. Their trainers are kind, patient, communicative, and want to ensure you and your dog meet your goals. Words can't express how great working with Dog Training Elite has been! Don't walk but run to set up a consultation with them, you and your dog will be better for it!
  • Tonya Wood
    Apr. 24, 2025
    Reina has been the best trainer for our little guy. When he started you couldn’t even show him a picture of a dog without losing his puppy mind. Since we did Training Elite, he has been a different dog and even better around other dogs. Highly recommend and so very glad we used them and got her as a trainer.
  • Black Widow
    Apr. 11, 2025
    One of the ladies in the office (Jen) went above and beyond! Very professional, kind, caring, and helpful with anything!
  • Cynthia Green
    Mar. 11, 2025
    They came to my work to train our therapy dog. They are wonderful, on time, and the communication is excellent.
  • Kvegas Bartender
    Feb. 7, 2025
    Montana helped me tremendously, get my dog under control and made it to where I can have my dog in my yard without a leash and her not run off.
  • Andrew Ensign
    Feb. 6, 2025
    This is Kona she was a little fearful of using training tools at first but Montana helped me big time. She got her over her fear of them and made it a good learning experience that was very enjoyable for my girl!
  • Uriah Azrael
    Feb. 6, 2025
    Got to work with Montana on some basic behavior for my new puppy Freja. I'm happy to say that whenever people meet Freja they always comment on how well she listens and behaves. I would recommend working with Montana to anyone, she is an excellent trainer. Will definitely seek her out for anymore help in the future.
  • Alexandria Davis
    Feb. 3, 2025
    Montana helped shape my rambunctious heeler mix, Vanna, into a well rounded doggo by teaching her basic obedience. She was wonderful and very compassionate. You can tell she puts 100% into her work.
  • Kade Griffiths
    Dec. 30, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has made a big impact on my dogs life. Before Dog Training Elite my dog Ranger was out of control. He was super anxious, and destructive. Parker was able to train my dog to be calm and confident. I was hesitant that my dogs personality would change. However, Ranger is still his goofy self, but now listens and is enjoyable to be around. Thank you Dog Training Elite
  • Morgan London
    Dec. 5, 2024
    This training experience with Reina has been amazing! Reina helped not only me and my husband but our dog Harley as well. Before trining Harley was pulling on the leash hard enough to pull me down. Now he doesn’t pull on the leash at all. His confidence in himself has increased and he has become a happier dog because of it. Without this training we would not have been able to reach the goals that we did. Highly recommend!!
  • Donnie Womble
    Nov. 25, 2024
    Jen was very helpful in the office
  • jonathan hill
    Nov. 25, 2024
    The representative Jen was very easy to work with, friendly, and informative. A+ service!
  • Evan
    Nov. 22, 2024
    Overall great customer service, Jen was super helpful and friendly, will definitely be telling my friends.
  • Melissa Ball
    Nov. 22, 2024
    Thank you Jen for making the scheduling process so easy!
  • Hit Man
    Oct. 29, 2024
    Reina was very knowledgeable and professional..Highly recommend
  • Jessica Sherbourne
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Love the work my pup had a great time jen was amazing and will recommend to everyone
  • Jessica A.M. Sherbourne
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Jen dose an amazing job shes easy to understand and i love her energy
  • Malinda Manchester
    Oct. 4, 2024
    Very knowledgeable people with great people
  • Holly Horncastle
    Sep. 30, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been amazing! My dog, Lola, and I have made great strides as we have worked with the group, and Reina has been great! She trains ME how to train and work consistently with my pup. We are working towards therapy certification, and I’m so glad we found Dog Training Elite. Highly recommend!
  • Mollie Woltmann
    Sep. 25, 2024
    Our two Great Pyrenees mix pups were getting too difficult to train on our own. When Reina arrived for the assessment she knew what we needed- and we have learned so much! She loves dogs, is easy to work with, and responds quickly when there are any questions, issues, or schedule changes. Highly recommend!
  • Breanna Rose
    May. 6, 2025
    Working with Parker, Reina, and Montana has completely changed my dog! Before moving to Tennessee, I was worried Briar would never be able to become a service dog. She was very selective when listening, extremely stubborn, and wouldn't respond to commands. Almost a year later, she is an entirely different dog! She responds to her commands, walks well on and off leash, has passed her public access test, and is now a service dog in training! These trainers have not only helped to instill confidence in me as her handler, but in her as well! I am so blessed to have worked with these fantastic people, and I encourage anyone looking for a trainer to look no further and contact Dog Training Elite. Their trainers are kind, patient, communicative, and want to ensure you and your dog meet your goals. Words can't express how great working with Dog Training Elite has been! Don't walk but run to set up a consultation with them, you and your dog will be better for it!
  • Tonya Wood
    Apr. 24, 2025
    Reina has been the best trainer for our little guy. When he started you couldn’t even show him a picture of a dog without losing his puppy mind. Since we did Training Elite, he has been a different dog and even better around other dogs. Highly recommend and so very glad we used them and got her as a trainer.
  • Black Widow
    Apr. 11, 2025
    One of the ladies in the office (Jen) went above and beyond! Very professional, kind, caring, and helpful with anything!
  • Cynthia Green
    Mar. 11, 2025
    They came to my work to train our therapy dog. They are wonderful, on time, and the communication is excellent.
  • Kvegas Bartender
    Feb. 7, 2025
    Montana helped me tremendously, get my dog under control and made it to where I can have my dog in my yard without a leash and her not run off.
  • Andrew Ensign
    Feb. 6, 2025
    This is Kona she was a little fearful of using training tools at first but Montana helped me big time. She got her over her fear of them and made it a good learning experience that was very enjoyable for my girl!
  • Uriah Azrael
    Feb. 6, 2025
    Got to work with Montana on some basic behavior for my new puppy Freja. I'm happy to say that whenever people meet Freja they always comment on how well she listens and behaves. I would recommend working with Montana to anyone, she is an excellent trainer. Will definitely seek her out for anymore help in the future.
  • Alexandria Davis
    Feb. 3, 2025
    Montana helped shape my rambunctious heeler mix, Vanna, into a well rounded doggo by teaching her basic obedience. She was wonderful and very compassionate. You can tell she puts 100% into her work.
  • Kade Griffiths
    Dec. 30, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has made a big impact on my dogs life. Before Dog Training Elite my dog Ranger was out of control. He was super anxious, and destructive. Parker was able to train my dog to be calm and confident. I was hesitant that my dogs personality would change. However, Ranger is still his goofy self, but now listens and is enjoyable to be around. Thank you Dog Training Elite
  • Morgan London
    Dec. 5, 2024
    This training experience with Reina has been amazing! Reina helped not only me and my husband but our dog Harley as well. Before trining Harley was pulling on the leash hard enough to pull me down. Now he doesn’t pull on the leash at all. His confidence in himself has increased and he has become a happier dog because of it. Without this training we would not have been able to reach the goals that we did. Highly recommend!!
  • Donnie Womble
    Nov. 25, 2024
    Jen was very helpful in the office
  • jonathan hill
    Nov. 25, 2024
    The representative Jen was very easy to work with, friendly, and informative. A+ service!
  • Evan
    Nov. 22, 2024
    Overall great customer service, Jen was super helpful and friendly, will definitely be telling my friends.
  • Melissa Ball
    Nov. 22, 2024
    Thank you Jen for making the scheduling process so easy!
  • Hit Man
    Oct. 29, 2024
    Reina was very knowledgeable and professional..Highly recommend
  • Jessica Sherbourne
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Love the work my pup had a great time jen was amazing and will recommend to everyone
  • Jessica A.M. Sherbourne
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Jen dose an amazing job shes easy to understand and i love her energy
  • Malinda Manchester
    Oct. 4, 2024
    Very knowledgeable people with great people
  • Holly Horncastle
    Sep. 30, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been amazing! My dog, Lola, and I have made great strides as we have worked with the group, and Reina has been great! She trains ME how to train and work consistently with my pup. We are working towards therapy certification, and I’m so glad we found Dog Training Elite. Highly recommend!
  • Mollie Woltmann
    Sep. 25, 2024
    Our two Great Pyrenees mix pups were getting too difficult to train on our own. When Reina arrived for the assessment she knew what we needed- and we have learned so much! She loves dogs, is easy to work with, and responds quickly when there are any questions, issues, or schedule changes. Highly recommend!