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Classical Conditioning

Naperville Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Naperville, IL.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Naperville, IL

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 Western Chicago dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Naperville, IL to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Western Chicago 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 Western Chicago

Training With An E-Collar

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

Naperville 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 Western Chicago 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 Naperville, IL 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 Western Chicago - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Naperville, IL

Positive Reinforcement Training

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Off Leash Training

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A women playing with her service dog in Naperville, IL.

The Dog Training Elite Western Chicago Difference


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

  • Kelsey Murray
    Jun. 5, 2026
    What a great find! Dog Training Elite has been wonderful to work with. Excellent communication and follow up! We have a 4 month old Mini golden doodle named Kolbi that is preparing for life as a therapy companion in our senior living community. We signed up for the platinum package and are looking forward to a lifetime of training and support for our Kolbi.
  • Renee Beck
    Jun. 5, 2026
    The Dog training is amazing ,our 2yr old German shepherd has learned so much in such a short time. The staff is friendly, patient and caring to the dogs and their owners. We’re very grateful to Eric and everyone here for their knowledge and support !
  • Dan Enloe
    May. 29, 2026
    Grace at Dog Training Elite was awesome! We have a miniature dachshund, that is very stubborn. We have made a lot of progress in just 5 sessions and are excited to now do the group classes. The trainers are patient and knowledgeable. My wife and I 100% recommend.
  • Kasandra Chavez
    May. 27, 2026
    This dog training has been phenomenal. I did the platinum package and have completed the 5 in home training sessions with Erik. He was very concise, consistent and respectable. I’ve seen a significant difference with my 7 month GSD Ruby and am excited to continue with group classes. Erik keeps a professional demeanor while making training light and fun.
  • Liv Dusza
    May. 26, 2026
    Grace and Erik have been amazing helping with our German shepherds behavior. We already see an improvement after the short amount of time we’ve been training with them. We will definitely be using DTE if we ever get anymore dogs.
  • Cindy Turchioe
    May. 20, 2026
    We are incredibly pleased with the results from Platinum Training for our two Australian Doodles (Rizzo and Jeter - 4 and 6 YO males)! Our only regret is that we have spent so much money on OTHER training techniques and vendors! Grace, Jamie, Erik and Leah and the rest of the crew were extremely effective in training both the canines and the humans for our 'family'! The daily video reviews and the report card on the boys were (and will be) great resources in our at home training. Excellent (and clean!) facility and staff! Biggest bonus is that we will be able to meet up with the other DTE clients on Saturday sessions that will hopefully address the reactivity of our pups. Thanks so much to Dog Training Elite Western Chicago!
  • Cheryl Johnson
    May. 6, 2026
    DTE has a great training program that is easy to follow and fun for my dog. Grace is such an amazing trainer who really cares about the dogs and the progress they make. She’s a great communicator with me and my dog. I’m looking forward to continuing the progress with my dog and DTE! 😎
  • Lisa Olson
    Feb. 26, 2026
    Our puppy is growing up quickly and, with the continued support from DTE, he’s becoming a well mannered little guy. Thanks to Eric, Jamie Leah and Grace for all your help
  • delaney oesterreich
    Apr. 14, 2026
    We just finished in home training for our 6 year old dog. I have already noticed a huge change in his behavior! The training was really well structured and our dog picked up on commands quickly. Grace and Eric were great to work with, they were very patient and did not make us feel judged! Very happy with our experiences!
  • Jennette Siebens
    Apr. 12, 2026
    Henri and I began working with DTE Western Chicago in April 2024 and it has been an incredible experience! The trainers are personable and skilled, really understanding and working with the individual characteristics of each dog. Having purchased the Platinum package, Henri has access to everything we need to succeed. We started with individual training in our home, progressing to group classes, passing 3 levels of Canine Good Citizenship tests, and the Therapy Dog exam alongside his 6 handlers/Licensed Therapists! We continue to take advantage of DTE's ongoing support and group class for training maintenance and learning new things. Henri is working at Family Service Association in Elgin, and has joined our staff culture bringing creativity, warmth, and enthusiasm to all of our agency activities. During his working hours, Henri participates in Individual & Family Therapy for children and adolescents. Henri can help his clients with: Building self-confidence Relaxation techniques Storytelling & reading Social skills training Enhancing relationship skills Sharing feelings Emotional support Thank you DTE trainers for helping us shape Henri into such an amazing companion!
  • Michael Chung
    Apr. 7, 2026
    Our dog loves Dog Training Elite. She practically breaks the door down before her classes. The staff do a great job of teaching and caring for the dogs.
  • Alondra Rocha
    Apr. 4, 2026
    I got the platinum training in home, for my 11 month pup after I adopted him and it’s worth it. The support to work alongside with my timing is the best. A lot of it depends on myself following through on training and being consistent. Price was worth it and we got the e-collar at the first session. All our questions were answered about the exams the pup must pass at the end, etc.
  • Ruth Christ
    Dec. 6, 2025
    My dog (Peaches) and I started training a couple of weeks ago. Although we have only had a couple of in-home classes thus far, I can see a big improvement. Peaches has learned several different commands and is successful most of the time. As for me, I'm more confident dealing with her behavioral issues. For the first time in a couple of months, I feel positive. The trainer (Grace) has been excellent with me and Peaches. Her instructions are right on point. I'm so happy Peaches and I have her as an instructor. I would not hesitate to recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone. Additional information about Peaches dog training as of 3/21/26. Peaches and I are doing remarkably well. We completed our in-home training and have advanced to group classes, weekly. When I first started, I couldn't have imagined that by this date we would be doing so well. Peaches is my star. She tries her hardest to follow commands and loves praise and positive reinforcement. She has come a long way in a relatively short period of time. We never would have accomplished any of this without the tools we were given by Peaches trainers (Grace and Eric). I can't recommend this program enough. Although, Peaches and I have worked with Grace and Eric the most, the rest of the staff is equally wonderful. Peaches and I say thank you.
  • Jennifer Corso
    Mar. 26, 2026
    Very professional and knowledgeable staff. Have been a tremendous help for me with training my dog. Highly recommended
  • Bettina Roberts
    Mar. 2, 2026
    My husband and I cannot express enough our deep appreciation for the tremendous support we have received from the entire team at DTE Western Chicago over the last year as Bentley, our miniature dachshund, has gone through his training to become a certified service dog. From the very first day on March 17th, 2025, the expertise and incredible knowledge demonstrated by Tim, Katie, Grace, Pauline, and Jamie convinced us we had found just the right place for Bentley’s training (and ours as well!). We’ve gone through all three two week intensive sessions (These are awesome one-on-one training experiences by the experts.), numerous group sessions (We recommend you attend these whenever possible. These sessions are so interactive and fun and provide a great platform for ongoing training.), several camps (These are great opportunities to refresh skills and manners and for your furry friends to just have fun!). Bentley loves the training team at DTE and gets so excited when we go to the training facility. Bentley has passed all three levels of the AKC Canine Good Citizen Tests, thanks to the ongoing patience and guidance from the DTE Team who are AKC certified as evaluators. Tim and Katie have continued to expand and grow the training experiences they offer along with their training team and most recently, Erik joined the DTE Team. He too has brought tremendous knowledge and support for our ongoing training journey and his group classes have been both fun and educational. We tried another dog training group before finding the DTE Team and wow, what a difference. The professionalism, experience, and entire program at DTE is well worth your investment of resources, most importantly, your time commitment with your furry best friend. All our love and gratitude to the DTE Team! Richard, Bettina, and Bentley
  • Denise Clementz
    Feb. 23, 2026
    DTE is a fantastic group to work with. My partner and I recently adopted a 3 yo pitbull who was stubborn and leash reactive. Working with Grace at our home was a god send. Pricing is fully reasonable for everything you get. We also love having the option of drop in days. And being able to bring our dog to group classes after initial training is super helpful to reinforce the behaviors even confronted with other dogs and distractions. They were willing to work with us to adapt to exactly what we needed which was amazing to have flexibility. I honestly don’t think they could run their business any better, everything is set up so well, and the whole team is wonderful. Absolutely love bringing my dog back regularly, and he loves everyone there!
  • Ann Dunn
    Feb. 6, 2026
    Poppy and I have completed 5 private lessons with Grace. Each session has been very targeted towards one or two particular behaviors which makes it easy to understand and focus on the goal. We’ve made great progress regarding Poppy’s over-reaction to other dogs. I tried other training methods but none were effective in curbing her behavior. We’re on the right track and I’m looking forward to the group classes.
  • Nikki Jagdman
    Jan. 24, 2026
    I couldn’t be happier with our experience! The training has been absolutely fantastic since we started. Not only did my dog make incredible progress, but I've learned so much too. The trainers are patient, kind, knowledgeable, and truly care about every dog’s success. The two week camp was great, my dog was excited to go every morning. The weekly group classes are a lot of fun, each session is clear, positive, and again my dog loves to go. I've been amazed at how much Hunter has learned so far and continues to learn, I am so happy I chose DTE for this journey. Highly, highly recommend!
  • Michella Tanig
    Dec. 17, 2025
    My dog Miki and I had a great experience from the time I had an informational call to having a meet and greet with Ms. Grace as well as training with her. My questions were always answered quickly through texts, and if not, Ms. Grace would have lots of helpful information. Ms. Grace also gave us lots of helpful suggestions with supplies that would help me train Miki easily too. Miki & I enjoyed and learned a lot with Ms. Grace and from time to time Mr. Erick when he came with Ms. Grace. We also got to train with Ms. Grace’s dog! It was a lot of fun.
  • Tom Kuehl
    Dec. 12, 2025
    I can't thank you enough for all the work you did with Kelce. We look forward to the group classes