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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.

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

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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

  • Desirae Wagnon
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Graci came and helped us with our needs!! She made sure we understood everything about the training. I can’t wait to work with the team on training!
  • Calie Benke
    Jun. 5, 2025
    Reina is a wonderful trainer for our needs. She was straightforward, understanding, transparent, helpful, confident - all the necessary traits for a couple of newbies like us. She is an invaluable resource to rely on as our rambunctious puppy is turning into a well-behaved pup. The cost feels a little pricey, but our journey with Reina has eased the anxiousness around it. Highly recommend!
  • Jen Newell
    May. 8, 2025
    Great job. So far. Been working with our puppy now for 7 weeks. Thank you Cost is expensive but well worth it. Reina is amazing she's very patient very understanding very loving caring group of people. We have worked with a couple of other trainers but I really like Reina. If you get a chance take it
  • Wendy Mendelsohn
    May. 28, 2025
    Will start training tomorrow, but the initial assessment went well. Was very impressed with what to expect from the outcome of the program. 1st session: Kenna was my trainer today and it went very well. She was kind and positive, my pup responded wonderfully.
  • Dannie Harris
    Jan. 14, 2025
    Another great trip out with Kenna! She was so helpful! I highly recommend this company…next to the mall.
  • Herbert Knapp
    May. 30, 2025
    Awesome very knowledgeable and understanding really was interested in what I was looking to get out this Training very much put my mind at ease
  • APRIL MCVAY
    May. 30, 2025
    Dog Training Elite provide top-notch training for your dogs. Parker worked directly on leash aggression with Sam. The problem was corrected during our session. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Lori-Anne Williams
    May. 29, 2025
    Reina's dedication to excellence helped "my Hannah" become a happy, obedient, and confident dog. When I adopted Hannah as a puppy from a shelter, she came to me with absolutely no training or discipline. I felt extremely frustrated because I was so unprepared to provide the training she needed, but Reina came right in and confidently met BOTH of our needs. She quickly made the adjustments we needed and personalized our program for us with tremendous patience and incredible kindness. Ultimately, she taught us both exactly what we needed to know!
  • Christie Steier
    May. 28, 2025
    I cannot say enough about how pleased I am with the services of Dog Training Elite of Nashville. Reina was wonderful. She was very professional but at the same time very friendly and kind. I can tell she really loves dogs and her job! The difference in my dog’s behavior is amazing. I no longer worry about being injured by being dragged down the street when I walk him, or having to lift him into the car. I can take him out with me more and he is so well behaved that everyone that sees him loves him. Thank you Reina!
  • Carmen McKinley
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Montana was extremely professional, very nice, friendly and LOVES DOGS! She was very helpful from our first training session on. I look forward in seeing how she can help in so many ways with my new puppy!!
  • Ashley Reynolds
    May. 27, 2025
    So friendly and knowledgeable! Millie is making progress in less than a week!
  • Kristy Schnetzler
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Reina is wonderful! Our fur baby continually has progress week over week!! Our goal is to have Gabby trained as a service companion for our little one, with Raina's help, we are confident we will get there! We so appreciate all you do for us and think you, you are absolutely amazing!!!!
  • Saba Chishti
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Lots of patience and guidance! Would highly recommend. She answered all of our questions and more!
  • Robert Law
    May. 19, 2025
    We did the assessment with Reina and they are fantastic! I would 100% recommend their services over anyone else.
  • Dale Herrington
    May. 9, 2025
    She was very knowledgeable and helpful.
  • Taeron Thomas
    May. 8, 2025
    It was a very straightforward process and very detailed price wise was the only hit definitely looking in to it
  • Joe Coomer
    May. 6, 2025
    Excellent
  • S Nabrotzky
    May. 4, 2025
    Dog Training Elite, especially Parker has helped us enjoy our dog so much more. He does have the annoying troublesome behaviors. He’s more content and obedient. We can have guests over and everyone is comfortable. We are so pleased with what Dog Training has done for us.
  • Kyle Wagner
    May. 2, 2025
    Second in home visit and my pup is making amazing progress. Very happy with the service!
  • Holly Homant
    Apr. 30, 2025
    Carol was super kind and helpful!