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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Lowell / Chelmsford

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

Dog Training Techniques

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

Training With An E-Collar

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

Lowell 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 Lowell / Chelmsford 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 Lowell, 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 Lowell, MA.

The Dog Training Elite Lowell / Chelmsford Difference


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

  • denise ramsey
    Mar. 5, 2025
    Tiffany gave us some more great information to help with training our puppy. Also with having her stay on place with food and toy distraction.
  • Francesca Izzo
    May. 7, 2025
    All of the trainers at Dog Training Elite have been wonderful, especially Tiffany who we have worked with the most. My puppy has made so much progress under their guidance.
  • Beth Morin
    Mar. 11, 2025
    Super lesson learning to heel with Duncan distractions! We are ready for some group lessons. Thanks, Tiffany.
  • Elizabeth Underwood
    Apr. 28, 2025
    Very knowledgeable and kind person
  • Nicole Johnson
    Apr. 26, 2025
    Tiffany, from the Fitchburg branch, is great to work with. She is informative, patient, and kind. Tiffany was very thorough explaining and modeling training techniques. We're looking forward to working with her again.
  • Shelly Killian
    Apr. 21, 2025
    Tiffany was great with my German Shepherd. Today was our second session and my dog and I are learning a lot. Tiffany is very knowledgeable and also very patient and explains things well.
  • Billy Carroll
    Apr. 21, 2025
    Tiffany was great! She worked with all of us and taught us great training techniques. We were very happy😊
  • Judith Philbrook
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Tiffany answered all my questions. It is overwhelming and it’s not only the dog getting trained but me also. I can hardly wait to start and for the next lesson.
  • Maria W
    Apr. 14, 2025
    Tiffany was very informative, friendly, and attentive.
  • Michael Levitz
    Apr. 12, 2025
    Tiffany is awesome, very knowledgeable, professional, and an exceptional teacher to both me and my pup
  • Lifestyle Of Mochadelicious
    Apr. 8, 2025
    I just wanna say thank you to Tiffany. She was an awesome trainer.
  • Wendy Chartrand
    Mar. 26, 2025
    Great session! Thank you!
  • Deborah Ailinger
    Apr. 5, 2025
    Tiffany was extremely pleasant and knowledgeable. She explained the various programs and options and answered all our questions. She was very reassuring. .
  • Sue Connaughton
    Feb. 7, 2025
    Tiffany met us at Lowe’s for our public training session. She was very helpful in working with us on heel, loose leash, “too far”, and recall. We encountered many distractions today (people, dogs, new smells) and Tiffany supported me and my dog to get through them. Thank you!
  • Sudhir Chaudhary
    Apr. 2, 2025
    Tiffany was great, and my 12-week-old Border Collie, Milo, really liked her and was very playful. We are signing up for Milo's training.
  • Alexia Austin
    Mar. 27, 2025
    Tiffany is awesome! She is super knowledgeable and knows how to make you feel like your dog (and you) will succeed!
  • Ronna Northrup
    Jan. 27, 2025
    Matt was incredible. Taught us things about dog’s behavior and it was an awesome lesson!
  • Maria Lima
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Tiffany was such a delight and she explain everything so clear.
  • Steven G Cronis, Esq.
    Mar. 19, 2025
    Matt is exceptional with his knowledge of puppy training. It’s an honor to have him help us with our puppy. Highly recommend to any serious pet owner who wants quality training. Thank you Matt!
  • Debra Korzec
    Mar. 5, 2025
    Mat helped 'me as the trainer' so much today, especially with respect to my hesitation/mistakes with the collar. It can be difficult and he ironed out my wrinkles. Learning when to give him treats, in place or directly from me. Thank you 😊
  • denise ramsey
    Mar. 5, 2025
    Tiffany gave us some more great information to help with training our puppy. Also with having her stay on place with food and toy distraction.
  • Francesca Izzo
    May. 7, 2025
    All of the trainers at Dog Training Elite have been wonderful, especially Tiffany who we have worked with the most. My puppy has made so much progress under their guidance.
  • Beth Morin
    Mar. 11, 2025
    Super lesson learning to heel with Duncan distractions! We are ready for some group lessons. Thanks, Tiffany.
  • Elizabeth Underwood
    Apr. 28, 2025
    Very knowledgeable and kind person
  • Nicole Johnson
    Apr. 26, 2025
    Tiffany, from the Fitchburg branch, is great to work with. She is informative, patient, and kind. Tiffany was very thorough explaining and modeling training techniques. We're looking forward to working with her again.
  • Shelly Killian
    Apr. 21, 2025
    Tiffany was great with my German Shepherd. Today was our second session and my dog and I are learning a lot. Tiffany is very knowledgeable and also very patient and explains things well.
  • Billy Carroll
    Apr. 21, 2025
    Tiffany was great! She worked with all of us and taught us great training techniques. We were very happy😊
  • Judith Philbrook
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Tiffany answered all my questions. It is overwhelming and it’s not only the dog getting trained but me also. I can hardly wait to start and for the next lesson.
  • Maria W
    Apr. 14, 2025
    Tiffany was very informative, friendly, and attentive.
  • Michael Levitz
    Apr. 12, 2025
    Tiffany is awesome, very knowledgeable, professional, and an exceptional teacher to both me and my pup
  • Lifestyle Of Mochadelicious
    Apr. 8, 2025
    I just wanna say thank you to Tiffany. She was an awesome trainer.
  • Wendy Chartrand
    Mar. 26, 2025
    Great session! Thank you!
  • Deborah Ailinger
    Apr. 5, 2025
    Tiffany was extremely pleasant and knowledgeable. She explained the various programs and options and answered all our questions. She was very reassuring. .
  • Sue Connaughton
    Feb. 7, 2025
    Tiffany met us at Lowe’s for our public training session. She was very helpful in working with us on heel, loose leash, “too far”, and recall. We encountered many distractions today (people, dogs, new smells) and Tiffany supported me and my dog to get through them. Thank you!
  • Sudhir Chaudhary
    Apr. 2, 2025
    Tiffany was great, and my 12-week-old Border Collie, Milo, really liked her and was very playful. We are signing up for Milo's training.
  • Alexia Austin
    Mar. 27, 2025
    Tiffany is awesome! She is super knowledgeable and knows how to make you feel like your dog (and you) will succeed!
  • Ronna Northrup
    Jan. 27, 2025
    Matt was incredible. Taught us things about dog’s behavior and it was an awesome lesson!
  • Maria Lima
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Tiffany was such a delight and she explain everything so clear.
  • Steven G Cronis, Esq.
    Mar. 19, 2025
    Matt is exceptional with his knowledge of puppy training. It’s an honor to have him help us with our puppy. Highly recommend to any serious pet owner who wants quality training. Thank you Matt!
  • Debra Korzec
    Mar. 5, 2025
    Mat helped 'me as the trainer' so much today, especially with respect to my hesitation/mistakes with the collar. It can be difficult and he ironed out my wrinkles. Learning when to give him treats, in place or directly from me. Thank you 😊