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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 Central Nashville dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning and rely on positive reinforcement to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Central Nashville trainer , your dog will become conditioned and develop those “automatic reflexes” to commands such as sit, stay, and so on.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Central Nashville location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Positive Reinforcement Vs. Punishment
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 Central Nashville 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 Central Nashville trainer to help your dog be more obedient will help you create a deep, loving relationship with your dog built on trust.
Training With An E-Collar
As mentioned above, Dog Training Elite Central Nashville NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite Central Nashville 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.
Behavior Training Vs. Obedience Training
If you are in the market for dog training, you may run across a few terms like "behavior training" or "obedience training." But what's the difference between the two? And which one is best for your dog? We break down the difference, and how to know which one is right for you and your dog. Whatever kind of training your dog needs, Dog Training Elite is here to help.
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Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Empowering Owners
We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
Supportive
We support owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
Involved
We work with all members of the household.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
The Dog Training Elite Central Nashville
Difference
Dog Training Elite Central Nashville uses modern dog training techniques and methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite Central Nashville 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 Central Nashville’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 Central Nashville, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it. The unique techniques of Dog Training Elite Central Nashville 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 assessment!
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We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Our two Great Pyrenees mix pups were getting too difficult to train on our own. When the trainer (Reina) arrived for the assessment she knew what we needed- and we have learned so much! She loves dogs, is easy to work with, and responds quickly when there are any questions, issues, or schedule changes. Highly recommend!— Mollie Woltmann
Posted September 25th 2024
Our Dog Is Now The Star of Home Depot! We only wish we'd found you sooner! Zeppelin is our rescued & when triggered, berserk dog. He goes berserk at the sight of another dog. Pulling the leash, attack mode, very loud & ferocious. We feared for ourselves as well. He was an at-risk animal from a shelter before we even knew what at-risk means. It means: at-risk of not getting adopted & staying adopted. Sounds familiar? You're at the absolute right place to make effective changes in your dog, and in your lives. Even if your dog isn't at-risk of going back to a shelter, or you're often wishing you could give it away. Don't! Especially if you're in love with your dog + they are now a member of your family. Because after Elite's expert trainers: Now he's a behavioral star! Side note: My father was a psychotherapist & professor. I can guarantee you this review is what my father would have written about Elite and our behaviorally transformed dog! Prior to Elite's incredible trainers, Izabel & Parker, we had gone through 3 trainers & medications. Many hours with $1,000 trainers and many hours on own own + without a change from his being triggered & going berserk. We as a family always watchful & afraid. Including respectfully, the department for canine behavioral-change at University of Tennessee Knoxville. The same happened with the best private Williamson County rescue trainer, no change at all. Calming medications didn't work either. No one was a match for him. Sad! Methods that failed: Prong collar walking, walking with string cheese rewards, and group dog desensitization sessions with spray bottles. All of them gave up. There was no going outside the house for us & Zeppelin. Home Depot absolutely out of the question. Previous trainers tried, and we all left the store totally defeated. NOW! For us & for the dog himself, the behavioral reconditioning and reprogramming from Elite is easily worth many times over what we paid previous trainers! The transformation is priceless. I'm so glad that I get to see it now, daily. He now knows that we are in control of his mood & that greatly calms him down. No shock collars. No training with treats. No negative or positive vocal prompts. No forced grouping training with punishments. No water-spray bottles, no leash & prong collar jerking. No stern language or mood is needed. No punishments at all, actually. Very specific vibration collar and transmitter are provided. The best & most professional equipment & expertise using them. Very professional, simply the best. Guided group training with a muzzle is coming up. Very much like Zen, less-is-more technique. 30 minute sessions. All in your own backyard, they come to you. What could be better for so vast the change? Literally, Home Depot with a triggered rescue dog is a mammoth exercise. An impossibility after all other top trainers. He simply went berserk, forcing quick exits. He's especially triggered by much smaller dogs. We do not know why. Now, we don't have to know why. Now after only 6-8 training sessions with Elite, inside Home Depot he calmly performed Heal, Sit, and Down in the store! Unbelievable! He now has no distraction nor triggers! Another dog walked inside the aisle we're in, right behind him. He just sat there, maintaining calm eye contact with us! Elite's trainers Izabel & Parker have totally cured him. They are the wisest dog psychologists you could ever dream of working with your dog! Inside Home Depot, calmly walked him, working his commands. Then the sweetest, eldest cashier came to us "May I meet your pretty dog?" He calmly sat while she gave him a doggy bacon strip! Parking lot leaving the store, a man called out "That's a beautiful dog you have there!". Before the Elite transformation there wasn't any chance for any such compliments. Now there is & yes, now he is pretty, with even more possibilities with Elite to come! One last thing: You deserve this too. Help your dog and the enjoyments will be endless.— Bob Schmerda
Posted September 23rd 2024
Reina did great with Max! He absolutely loved his time with her ❤️— Rachel Baudendistel
Posted September 19th 2024
Reina did excellent with training my dog Ghost. Reina is very punctual and patient with Ghost.— Jessica Coleman
Posted September 17th 2024
Dog Training Elite really helped train my out of control puppy! I now have my dream dog! A dog that I am proud of!— Natalee Wells
Posted September 13th 2024
I’m happy to recommend DTE! Izabel worked with us and our teenage daughter to train her (sweet but stubborn) lab puppy, Moon. Izabel is a joy to work with— she’s an excellent teacher and trainer, and we enjoyed and benefited from every single session we had with her. I’ve also appreciated the open line of communication with DTE. They are quick to respond to my texts, always helpful, and always professional. We’re excited to do another level of training soon!— Amanda Williams
Posted August 28th 2024
I've been training with Isabelle since the spring, and both my dog and I have made tremendous progress. Previously, I tried service dog training with a different personal trainer, but the approach pushed me too far out of my comfort zone and didn't yield the results I needed. Isabelle from Dog Training Elite has helped me and my dog, Laszlo, gain confidence and work together as an effective team. The effectiveness of this training has far exceeded my past experiences. Thanks to this training, I’m now prepared to train any future dogs I may have. I’m truly grateful for Isabelle and this company!!— Anna Johnson
Posted July 29th 2024
We’ve seen big positive behavior changes in Seamus in just a little more than a month— mary mcdaniel
Posted July 11th 2024
Our 1½ year old lab has significantly calmed down. She no longer chews on anything other than her toys, and follows commands so well. Highly recommend using Dog Training Elite Central Nashville!— Katelyn Murphy
Posted June 21st 2024
We have had a great experience with the trainers! Our very stubborn puppy is making great progress with each session.— Marjana Longenecker
Posted June 19th 2024
Parker and Izabel are amazing! They have really helped our two dogs. Ruby and Raelynn are so much calmer and well behaved.— Nicole Spainhoward
Posted June 17th 2024
We have had the best experience working with Dog Training Elite- Nashville! Especially with Izabel!! She has been great with our dogs and we have learned so much! Everything on their team has been very professional and takes training seriously! We have seen such a huge improvement in our golden retrievers!— Halle Maddox
Posted June 15th 2024
I loved my time with Dog Training Elite! I really like their model where they teach my dog and I learn to reinforce it. I rarely had to feel like “the bad guy” in the process and they were always there to help when it got hard!— Tyler Kennedy
Posted June 12th 2024
What a difference a well behaved dog is to take in public areas! My dog Kash went from barking at everything and some times biting, to walking in a heel and listening to commands which I never thought was possible! His confidence is slowly growing and I’m seeing a new side to him. Thank you to Izabel who was just the best to work with! Highly recommend her and Elite Dog Training to anyone looking for a trainer for their furry kiddo— Zina Abutaleb
Posted June 5th 2024
The team at Dog Training Elite has been wonderful to work with, and they’ve very effectively trained both our dogs, including our daughter’s service dog. We are so grateful for their knowledge, expertise and professionalism and highly recommend them.— Allie Davis
Posted June 5th 2024
Parker and his team have been amazing with both our dogs. We needed help reinforcing commands with our daughters service Dog, as well as obedience training with our other Dog. He had them doing things we thought would take months within the first visit or two. Highly effective and highly recommended.— Eric Davis
Posted June 5th 2024
I was so skeptical that my 4 year old golden doodle had any chance of following commands but the team at Dog training Elite proved me wrong in the best way possible way. They are so kind and patient and just very cool people. I worked with Isabel and she was absolutely amazing. It was like have my a fun session with a friend each time. I would recommend them and Isabel confidently no matter how stubborn your fur baby may be.😊— Denise Janus
Posted May 24th 2024
Parker is AMAZING!! What you have taught me in such a short period of time is mind blowing. I truly can communicate with my dog in a way I never thought possible. Dog Training Elite Nashville is hands down the BEST!— Denise Yenchochic
Posted May 1st 2024
Izabel has been amazing! Great with me and my dog. She has been patient and has greatly improved my dog's behavior.— Elizabeth Jacobs
Posted April 8th 2024
i love elite so much!! we’ve seen so much progress in our dog and i just know he’s going to be a great service companion. we love izabel and everything she’s done for us— partygore
Posted March 30th 2024