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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 and rely on positive reinforcement 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!

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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

  • Ilene Holman
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Matt’s guidance was great. Chester responded well with him, he is in the right hands. So happy I signed him up.
  • Kadi Jenike
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Matt is amazing! He helped me to change my dogs behaviors within the first session and it’s only getting better with every session. I highly recommend.
  • Sarah Bazinet
    Jun. 4, 2024
    My rescue dog Dylan, who I adopted at two years old, began showing significant behavioral issues, particularly being reactive and aggressive. Seeking help, I reached out to Dog Training Elite and Matt F provided a complimentary evaluation at my home. With his expertise and his wonderful dog by his side, Matt reassured me that Dylan, despite his age and behavior, could be trained. Over 9 weeks of working with Matt F, I learned valuable insights about my actions that were contributing to Dylan’s behavior. Matt not only guided me on how to establish a strong bond with my dog Dylan but also revealed the positive changes that were possible. After completing the training, he has emerged as a completely transformed dog. His overall demeanor has undergone a remarkable shift, and we frequently receive compliments on what a well-behaved dog he has become. I am extremely grateful to Matt F for his guidance and for helping me transform my dog's life for the better.
  • Mirna Osman
    Sep. 29, 2023
    Kara was so sweet and walked me through the whole process on what I could expect training to be like. Wanted to add an update to my review as Ryker and I have completed all of our personal sessions! Woohoo! Throughout the process I got to meet many lovely trainers but primarily worked with Barbara and Mariah. They were both absolutely amazing! They were both extremely friendly and happily answered all of the many questions I had. My friends and family have seen such a massive difference in my dog Ryker who we all thought was untrainable since he’s already 5 years old, this goes to show you can definitely teach an old dog new tricks! We’re now going to be starting the group sessions and I can’t wait to keep seeing Ryker’s progress!
  • Douglas Lambert
    Oct. 20, 2023
    They came to my house and from start I loved the energy. Gave me some tips, and showed me how well his puppy is trained. I will definitely recommend
  • Matthew Tie
    Oct. 11, 2023
    Matt is awesome and really great with both dogs and handler's
  • Jeremiah Banish
    Oct. 16, 2023
    We had a great experience with Dog Training Elite! We would highly recommend it. We had Moriah as our trainer, and she worked great with our puppy.
  • John Collins
    Sep. 23, 2023
    These guys are awesome! I would truly recommend this service to any level of dog. Our dog Gunnar has shown a growing aggression to people who are not his family and it has completely turned around. The difference between week 1 and week 2 behavior was unbelievable for him. Our trainer was Matt, he is the man, we were lucky to get him. He had a remarkable skill in training our dog but was even better at teaching us the tools we needed to improve Gunnar. You definitely get what you paid for with this service, thanks elite team!
  • Marina Gil-Santamaria
    Sep. 5, 2023
    They did such an amazing job working with us to train our Bruno as a service dog to support our family through grief and loss ❤️ they were caring, patient, came to our house every week and Bruno was as excited to see them as we were. I never thought we would complete the program but with their help we did. Thank you Marcus and the entire team at Dog Training Elite!
  • Stephen Arnold
    Aug. 10, 2023
    It is amazing to see the progress our dogs have made in just 3 weeks. Marcus is a wonderful experienced trainer. I highly recommend this service
  • Adriana Jablonsky
    Aug. 3, 2023
    Great company Great staff
  • Gill Macchia
    Mar. 4, 2023
    I would highly recommend for every dog owner. Wonderful service and very knowledgeable dog trainers.
  • Kathryn Nutting
    Mar. 2, 2023
    Absolutely LOVE Marcus, Michaela, and the DTE team. Highly recommend for dogs and pups of all ages!!
  • Kayla Costa
    Feb. 28, 2023
    Michaela and Marcus at DTE are incredible with dogs of all ages, breeds and personalities! They treat every dog like their own .
  • Emily Albert
    Feb. 28, 2023
    I am so thankful for the DTE team. They are so passionate and supportive and they really made the training process so simple and adaptable to my lifestyle and schedule. Highly recommend for young pups and dogs of all ages!
  • andrew brems
    Feb. 28, 2023
    Trainers were amazing!!! Would never have guess my dog could go out in public with me and not bark at everyone. 10/10 will go back!!!!
  • Ashley Fruguglietti
    Feb. 27, 2023
    The trainers @ DogTraining Elite are amazing. I have a fearful aggressive shepherd puppy and the training has made a very positive impact in both my behavior around my dog and my dogs behavior around me and other triggers or new situations. I have already learned to be more confident and so has my dog. They are considerate that everyone is busy and do their best to answer text and calls and questions no matter what, even on a weekend. I am so thrilled I made the decision to train with them not only for myself but for my handsome boy Kota. I do not feel like I a client it feels like a great mentorship. The trainers genuinely want to see both dog and owner happy and healthy together. You will not be disappointed with the training here. The facility is beautiful and the floors are non slip. I could brag more but I think I made the best choice ever choosing them to help me grow as well as my dog.
  • Clover Haugerud
    Feb. 25, 2023
    I would give them 6 stars if I could! 😍Highly recommend coming to them for any of your dog training needs!
  • Madison Chok
    Feb. 11, 2023
    The team at Dog Training Elite was wonderful! You could tell how much they cared about the dogs and the work they put into the training sessions. Everyone was so kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. They gave me the tools needed to train my puppies and continue training at home and after we moved.
  • Nicole Rodman
    Feb. 10, 2023
    Highly recommend Dog Training Elite! They made it easy by coming to our home and including us throughout the process. They have patience and, most importantly, are extremely educated. Hugo loves his friends at DTE!