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Classical Conditioning

Metro Detroit Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Metro Detroit, MI.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Metro Detroit, MI

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 Southeast Michigan dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Metro Detroit, MI to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Metro Detroit, MI 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 Metro Detroit classical conditioning dog trainers.

Metro Detroit 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Metro Detroit, MI 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 Southeast Michigan - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Metro Detroit, MI

Positive Reinforcement Training

Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan - Puppy Obedience Training in Metro Detroit, MI. DTE

Puppy Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan - Off Leash Dog Training in Metro Detroit, MI. DTE

Off Leash Training

Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan - Dog Agility Training in Metro Detroit, MI. DTE

Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

A women playing with her service dog in Metro Detroit, MI.

The Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan Difference


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

  • Isabella De Fazio
    May. 20, 2026
    Hailey is the best trainer ever! We've been working with her since my puppy was 8 weeks old, and he is the good boy he is today because of her. In just under a year, Arlo has now come everywhere with me as my service dog and has changed my life for the better.
  • Alison Burke
    May. 15, 2026
    I cannot say enough about the transformation that occurred with the training sessions we had with Hailey. Our puppy would not go outside, did not want to walk on a leash or go in the car. He was anxious and had separation anxiety! Now he is able to ride the car, go on walks and be in crowds at our son's baseball games without ant issues! We are so happy - he is just the best boy! We can't wait to see what he does next and we really could NOT have done it without all of the support and guidance from Hailey.
  • Julie Braman
    May. 14, 2026
    I got my dog Theo on April 2nd and from day one, he was a lot – in the most lovable way possible. Adorable, affectionate, and quick to learn new things, but he kept jumping our fence and running away. After the 7th incident, I was referred to Hailey at Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan, and we had our consultation on April 21st. We paid for the training course the same day because we were blown away by how knowledgeable she was and knew we would benefit from her coming to our house to train him. After that, we scheduled training appointments every week at a time that worked best for me and my husband, and training began on April 30th. We have seen Hailey for training three times now, and by the third training (today, 5/14/26), it's like I have not a different dog, but a way better version of the dog I knew Theo could be. When I got Theo, he ran away constantly, had a very intense prey drive around my two cats (to the point where we had to keep them in our bedroom), jumped up on people upon meeting them, and had a few accidents in the hallway. We've had him a month and a half now, and he's received training from Hailey for about three weeks. Now, Theo doesn't run away, he runs around outside freely (I bought him a dog run, but don't even have to use it anymore), he coexists peacefully with my two cats (who we no longer have to keep in our bedroom) – he can even sit next to them on the couch – and he now knows the terms "place," "break," "sit," and "come." We were actually considering paying a company to install a higher fence and we were talking about installing doors in between our mud room and den so the cats could live in peace. After training with Hailey three times, we no longer need to hire someone else for those home repairs (thank goodness, since it probably would cost us around $21K). Thanks to Hailey, we got training for roughly 10% of that cost. We would highly recommend Hailey to anyone who thinks their dog might be "just a little too much." Three sessions and she gave us our home back – cats included. You will not regret it.
  • domenic guadagnino
    May. 13, 2026
    Duke is an 8-year-old stubborn Ridgeback. Hailey was our trainer and was Amazing With Duke. Highly recommend
  • Noah Dorfman
    Apr. 27, 2026
    Hailey has been amazing helping us learn to work with our young dog. I could not recommend this training method enough. Having off leash control has been life changing for us and our family.
  • Michelle Landry
    Apr. 27, 2026
    Hailey is amazing. Our beagle went from wild and insane to actually trained and polite. The e-collar really makes all of the difference too. Training a beagle puppy (7 months old) is not easy, and Hailey truly made it all possible. We plan on continuing with more training. I highly recommend her, even with the most difficult dogs. She’s so smart and confident and I instantly trusted her knowledge.
  • Erin Concas
    Apr. 24, 2026
    We were looking for a psychiatric service dog for our special needs teen From the initial phone consultation to ongoing text support, the team has been helpful and professional throughout. They guided us in selecting the right puppy, and training began in the first week, which made a big difference. Our dog is always excited to see Hailey who comes to our house and meets us in public settings for training- and she’s doing great in group classes. Overall, a very positive experience—I’d recommend this company, especially Austin and Hailey.
  • Serena Felix
    Apr. 22, 2026
    Hailey was a fantastic resource in training my service dog. I could not recommend this company enough!
  • Fay 5
    Apr. 21, 2026
    The trainers are all so knowledgeable and do an amazing job training the human, not just the dog! Every trainer I’ve worked with is awesome! I’ve trained with Austin, he was so impressive! Right now I am doing sessions with Hailey! She’s absolutely amazing and so knowledgeable. Hailey works so hard to get to the root of any issues and works with me to fix them, She is patient, I am so appreciative of that! She takes her time and goes the extra mile, my dog Bane loves her! I highly recommend Hailey for training! You will be so happy you did!
  • J W
    Apr. 19, 2026
    Has been a great experience going through training with my dog becoming a therapy dog! Hailey has been amazing working with him. It is so impressive to see how well he’s doing as a 10 month old puppy.
  • Amy Francis
    Apr. 15, 2026
    I would direct anyone with a new dog or puppy to this company! Hailey was awesome- she was professional, accommodating and was able to help our family train and turn our young puppy into a well-behaved service dog! Cannot extend enough appreciation to Hailey!
  • Kelsey Kramer
    Mar. 27, 2026
    Dog Elite Training is one of the best decisions I ever made! I have a little cavapoo who came home as the most timid in the litter. She now has such confidence. I couldn’t have done with without Hailey! She is truly amazing and goes above and beyond to make sure we are both confident in any situation we face. Highly recommend Hailey from Dog Training Elite 10/10!
  • Kelly Mcpherson
    Feb. 26, 2026
    Austin and his crew is awesome! We are so very thankful for them!!!
  • David Mcpherson
    Feb. 25, 2026
    Austin is great! Wouldn’t trust our dogs with anyone else. Excellent trainer.
  • michelle kobernick
    Feb. 22, 2026
    Dog training elite has delivered me the dog of my dreams. I worked with Hailey Roover, who was kind, knowledgeable, patient and always available. My dog being sprout is now a Certified service dog. We couldn’t have done it without her. Thank you, dog training, elite!
  • Maria Petrides
    Jan. 16, 2026
    Austin and his dad were so great with consulting me on our aggressive dog. I would recommend them to anyone seeking help and support. They are truly experts and I can't thank them enough.
  • CAITLIN HENRY
    Jan. 13, 2026
    We have been working with Hailey since October to train a future school therapy dog, Poppy! Hailey answers all our questions and goes the extra mile to not only set Poppy up for success, but also us as handlers. Poppy loves her weekly sessions with Hailey. We are so appreciative of Hailey and Dog Training Elite!
  • Margaret Olivier
    Dec. 20, 2025
    Hailey was outstanding to work with. I’ve had two trainers in the previous years and she is just outstanding.
  • Mike Craig
    Nov. 12, 2025
    Hailey has worked miracles with our 18month old Golden. I just 4 visits so far she is a much more obedient and we are only begining. She has also trained everyone it the house the right way to communicate with our dog. We can now take walks with no pulling, charging, or jumping up. Best decision we have made. Hailey is the best!
  • Karen Simms
    Nov. 7, 2025
    Steven helped us so much with our new puppy! He took time to listen to our needs and was able to guide us through navigating the common new puppy issues like biting, potty training, and crate training with a positive focus. Steven’s calm presence and thoughtful explanations of training protocols created a successful environment for our puppy to learn the basic commands. Focusing on a variety of training tools and guiding us to find the ones that worked best has helped our puppy grow into a well behaved part of our family. Thank you Steven and Dog Training Elite!