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Classical Conditioning

Knoxville Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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

Dog Training Techniques

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

Training With An E-Collar

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

Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville, TN 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 Knoxville - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Knoxville, TN

Positive Reinforcement Training

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Off Leash Training

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A women playing with her service dog in Knoxville, TN.

The Dog Training Elite Knoxville Difference


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

  • Wendy Etheridge
    Oct. 4, 2025
    Montana is a lovely young lady and Lydia took to her right away! This is in Nashville, by the way. She explained everything about the training program very well. She listened to the things I would like to do with Lydia and what I would like Lydia to be able to do. I appreciated her spending the amount of time she did and I felt well informed about the program. Thank you Montana, for throwing that BALL!!
  • George Weber
    Aug. 13, 2025
    Met with Parker for assessment of our dog. He was professional and helpful. Had 2nd lesson with Kenna made great strides in our dog's training Thank you Montana trained today. Great job explained all the steps and reasons for them Thank you Kenna has been training us and we couldn't be happier. Our dog has made huge improvement in obedience and makes life much more enjoyable Thank you
  • Cathy Austin
    Oct. 3, 2025
    Gracie was sweet and very personable. She explained the program in detail ans provided a estimate for the service.
  • Julia Lewis
    Oct. 1, 2025
    Effective , friendly all good
  • Lyndsay Nelson
    Sep. 24, 2025
    I genuinely love the work that Dog Training Elite does. From each in home training, to public outings, the knowledge is just incredible. I learn more each session and my dog and I are genuinely comfortable in each scenario.
  • Dottie Hagood
    Aug. 28, 2025
    T first session was very educational and instructive. I have a very stubborn Doberman female that I now feel certain can be trained so that I can enjoy her. Thank you Reina, so much!!!!
  • Jeanneth Sangurima-Quiles
    Sep. 19, 2025
    Very understanding and thorough. No rush and answered all our questions.
  • Christopher Soukup
    Aug. 6, 2025
    First day of training was exceptionally informative. Julia was extremely professional and knowledgeable instilling confidence moving forward. I definitely know I made the right choice for my service dog needs. 18 Sept 2025: Fast forward into a few sessions later and still absolutely impressed with the level of professionalism and results
  • Sierra Lowder
    Sep. 13, 2025
    I’ve been training with Dog Training Elite for a few months now and it has been such a great experience. I’ve trained mostly with Graci. She has a calm, sweet & gentle personality that works great for my pup and I who are more laid back individuals. If you are looking for a place that is affordable, kind, & truly military friendly this is the place for you.
  • Beth Mouse
    Sep. 13, 2025
    Julia was very knowledgeable and gave us good information about how she would be addressing our problems with Oliver. Looking forward to learning how to improve our dog’s behavior.
  • Patricia Harris
    Aug. 5, 2025
    Carol was very warm & personable. My dog seemed to like her, & I did too. 2nd visit—great job!
  • Fred Stilling
    Aug. 19, 2025
    Reina was very attentive to my dog's needs. Very knowledgeable. A plus trainer. Guided me towards better training practices
  • kim rouse
    Sep. 11, 2025
    Carol was completely loved by our dog. That's a HUGE part in our decision making about a trainer. She was very nice, personable, kind and professional. We are hoping to be able to have her as our trainer.
  • Cynthia Green
    Sep. 10, 2025
    This place is the best! Our cute little puppy learned so much, but we learned even more! Their program is just amazing and I would highly recommend them!
  • Tamesha Peterson
    Sep. 10, 2025
    Reina was amazing and answered all my questions.
  • Rick Martin
    Jul. 9, 2025
    Let me tell youe Gracie she was a wonderful teacher. She even taught me a lot and I was pleased with her very much. She seems like she's dedicated to the animals and she wants to make them do right, and I am so proud that I am part of Gracie's team. I'm so glad We were chosen to enter this program.
  • Sam Rapp
    Sep. 8, 2025
    Montana is an excellent trainer whose care and understanding make her the best in her field.
  • Francis LoGiudice
    Sep. 3, 2025
    Kenna was very informative and explained the process very well. I beleive that we made great progress in our first session.
  • Kevin Obrien
    Jul. 2, 2025
    Great service as always our is progressing very well
  • Cameron Simmons
    Apr. 2, 2025
    My dog loved working with Montana and so did I! We are super happy she just passed her Public Access Exam thanks to the team at Elite.