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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Fitchburg

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA.

Dog Training Techniques

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

Training With An E-Collar

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

Fitchburg / Leominster 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 Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg / Leominster, 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 Fitchburg / Leominster, MA.

The Dog Training Elite Fitchburg Difference


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

  • denise ramsey
    Feb. 19, 2025
    Great information in regards to our puppy training. Patrick also suggest a way to leave it, with a game using her treats.
  • Shelly Killian
    Apr. 28, 2025
    Totally happy with fabulous trainer. He was patient and explained things well and did a great job working with my German Shepherd, who has been going through a lot of adjustments since our recent move to the area.
  • N Weathers
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Very professional and on time. Made me feel alot better with my choices.
  • Billy Carroll
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Patrick is fabulous! We are first time dog owners, he is very kind, so informative and helpful and teaching all of us what we need to know to train our puppy Callie. We look forward to our training journey😊
  • Michael Levitz
    Apr. 2, 2025
    Marcus is exceptionally professional, kind, and immediately intuitive with my very loving, but often difficult, big dog.
  • Lifestyle Of Mochadelicious
    Mar. 3, 2025
    I am so happy that I got to meet with Marcus. He’s an awesome person has patience has a lot of knowledge and what’s awesome is they do a free meet and greet He was very accommodating and I can’t wait to work with him and my fur baby
  • Elyse Bartkus
    Mar. 31, 2025
    We started working with Dog Training Elite Central Mass in July 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with the progress our 14-month-old Lab, Rusty, has made! From the very beginning, their team has been incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and supportive. The combination of private sessions and group classes has been a game-changer for Rusty’s training. The private sessions have allowed us to focus on specific challenges, while the group classes provide a great opportunity for socialization and practicing commands in a more distracting environment. Every trainer we’ve worked with has been fantastic, bringing their expertise and encouragement to every session. Rusty has gained so much confidence and obedience through their program, and we’ve learned invaluable skills as owners. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite Central Mass to anyone looking for professional, effective, and positive dog training!
  • Franny Osman
    Jan. 25, 2025
    First visit with Patrick from Elite and we and Poppy learned a lot. It was very successful! Second visit --with Matt --also quite helpful. Continues to be helpful. Place. Heel. Visitors.
  • Beth Morin
    Mar. 28, 2025
    We had a great lesson today. Very productive and we learned a lot.
  • Mia Cameron
    Mar. 27, 2025
    Marcus was great. He explained everything in detail and made me feel a lot better about getting my dogs behavior and getting my German Shepherd some help. We’re on our way to a good dog life!
  • Sol Correa
    Mar. 26, 2025
    Today was the first visit with Taina he was really good with her. Thanks
  • Olivia Meegoda
    Mar. 20, 2025
    Elite Dog Training is spectacular. They are very patient and clear trainers. Dog training is more about training the handlers. They are very experienced, patient with dogs and humans, answer all of the questions (in sessions, via email and through group classes). They have a great system to text reminders and they are quick to respond if there are any issues with the location. Each trainer has also been extremely experienced and consistent.
  • Wendy Chartrand
    Feb. 12, 2025
    Awesome class tonight! Thanks Matt
  • Steven G Cronis, Esq.
    Mar. 19, 2025
    Patrick is amazing with our puppy! His wealth of knowledge and advice makes having our puppy enjoyable and safe. Highly recommend to any serious pet owner who wants training. Thank you Patrick!
  • Elizabeth Smith MacKenzie
    Mar. 18, 2025
    A very pleasant and productive lesson. Marcus does a great job.
  • Ronna Northrup
    Jan. 23, 2025
    Patrick was amazing! He answered all our questions explained everything in depth, a lot of info, but very informative. Awesome training
  • Suzanne Faken
    Mar. 14, 2025
    We really have learned a lot training our 7 month old husky puppy through Dog Training Elite. Marcus and his staff are very professional and knowledgeable when it comes to dog training. In just three months, our dog has learned so much and we have gained confidence in knowing how to interact with him. Marcus and his staff take time to personalize training to our dog's needs and answer our questions. Our puppy is almost one year old and is getting ready for his public access test. we chose Dog Elite Training because of their expert ability in being able to train service dogs and we could not be happier!
  • Jess Zorge
    Mar. 7, 2025
    Making great progress in the short amount of time we have been able to meet. Quill is deaf and getting one on one assistance is just what we need!
  • Ashley Hartenstein
    Mar. 5, 2025
    Marcus was very helpful explaining everything that the program provides. He is very knowledgeable when it comes to dogs and I couldn't have asked for a better person to come out and talk to us.
  • Wendy Fenty
    Feb. 28, 2025
    Matt was very informative and knowledgeable about dog training , he gave wonderful advice, I’m excited to begin the training, I feel hopeful that my pups will be in a great place once the training is done.
  • denise ramsey
    Feb. 19, 2025
    Great information in regards to our puppy training. Patrick also suggest a way to leave it, with a game using her treats.
  • Shelly Killian
    Apr. 28, 2025
    Totally happy with fabulous trainer. He was patient and explained things well and did a great job working with my German Shepherd, who has been going through a lot of adjustments since our recent move to the area.
  • N Weathers
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Very professional and on time. Made me feel alot better with my choices.
  • Billy Carroll
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Patrick is fabulous! We are first time dog owners, he is very kind, so informative and helpful and teaching all of us what we need to know to train our puppy Callie. We look forward to our training journey😊
  • Michael Levitz
    Apr. 2, 2025
    Marcus is exceptionally professional, kind, and immediately intuitive with my very loving, but often difficult, big dog.
  • Lifestyle Of Mochadelicious
    Mar. 3, 2025
    I am so happy that I got to meet with Marcus. He’s an awesome person has patience has a lot of knowledge and what’s awesome is they do a free meet and greet He was very accommodating and I can’t wait to work with him and my fur baby
  • Elyse Bartkus
    Mar. 31, 2025
    We started working with Dog Training Elite Central Mass in July 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with the progress our 14-month-old Lab, Rusty, has made! From the very beginning, their team has been incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and supportive. The combination of private sessions and group classes has been a game-changer for Rusty’s training. The private sessions have allowed us to focus on specific challenges, while the group classes provide a great opportunity for socialization and practicing commands in a more distracting environment. Every trainer we’ve worked with has been fantastic, bringing their expertise and encouragement to every session. Rusty has gained so much confidence and obedience through their program, and we’ve learned invaluable skills as owners. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite Central Mass to anyone looking for professional, effective, and positive dog training!
  • Franny Osman
    Jan. 25, 2025
    First visit with Patrick from Elite and we and Poppy learned a lot. It was very successful! Second visit --with Matt --also quite helpful. Continues to be helpful. Place. Heel. Visitors.
  • Beth Morin
    Mar. 28, 2025
    We had a great lesson today. Very productive and we learned a lot.
  • Mia Cameron
    Mar. 27, 2025
    Marcus was great. He explained everything in detail and made me feel a lot better about getting my dogs behavior and getting my German Shepherd some help. We’re on our way to a good dog life!
  • Sol Correa
    Mar. 26, 2025
    Today was the first visit with Taina he was really good with her. Thanks
  • Olivia Meegoda
    Mar. 20, 2025
    Elite Dog Training is spectacular. They are very patient and clear trainers. Dog training is more about training the handlers. They are very experienced, patient with dogs and humans, answer all of the questions (in sessions, via email and through group classes). They have a great system to text reminders and they are quick to respond if there are any issues with the location. Each trainer has also been extremely experienced and consistent.
  • Wendy Chartrand
    Feb. 12, 2025
    Awesome class tonight! Thanks Matt
  • Steven G Cronis, Esq.
    Mar. 19, 2025
    Patrick is amazing with our puppy! His wealth of knowledge and advice makes having our puppy enjoyable and safe. Highly recommend to any serious pet owner who wants training. Thank you Patrick!
  • Elizabeth Smith MacKenzie
    Mar. 18, 2025
    A very pleasant and productive lesson. Marcus does a great job.
  • Ronna Northrup
    Jan. 23, 2025
    Patrick was amazing! He answered all our questions explained everything in depth, a lot of info, but very informative. Awesome training
  • Suzanne Faken
    Mar. 14, 2025
    We really have learned a lot training our 7 month old husky puppy through Dog Training Elite. Marcus and his staff are very professional and knowledgeable when it comes to dog training. In just three months, our dog has learned so much and we have gained confidence in knowing how to interact with him. Marcus and his staff take time to personalize training to our dog's needs and answer our questions. Our puppy is almost one year old and is getting ready for his public access test. we chose Dog Elite Training because of their expert ability in being able to train service dogs and we could not be happier!
  • Jess Zorge
    Mar. 7, 2025
    Making great progress in the short amount of time we have been able to meet. Quill is deaf and getting one on one assistance is just what we need!
  • Ashley Hartenstein
    Mar. 5, 2025
    Marcus was very helpful explaining everything that the program provides. He is very knowledgeable when it comes to dogs and I couldn't have asked for a better person to come out and talk to us.
  • Wendy Fenty
    Feb. 28, 2025
    Matt was very informative and knowledgeable about dog training , he gave wonderful advice, I’m excited to begin the training, I feel hopeful that my pups will be in a great place once the training is done.