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Classical Conditioning

Nashville Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Nashville, TN.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Nashville, TN

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 dog training in Nashville, TN 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, down, heel, break, and more.

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Dog Training Elite Central Nashville

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Nashville, TN 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 Nashville classical conditioning dog trainers.

Nashville 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 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 in Nashville, TN 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 Nashville, TN.

The Dog Training Elite Central Nashville Difference


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Dog Training Elite in Nashville, TN 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 in Nashville, TN, 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 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

  • Tessa Tuttle
    Sep. 24, 2025
    I would 100% recommend these guys to help with your pup needs. They are so awesome, so very grateful for there help. Steve my dog, and I are so happy.
  • Taya Fillmore
    Sep. 24, 2025
    I am so grateful that I decided to do Dog Training with Dog Training Elite. My standard poodle used to pull on the leash all the time and jump on guests. Now he is the most distinguished gentleman, I am so happy with his progress and training!
  • Brooklyn Borgquist
    Sep. 1, 2025
    thank you so much to Parker at Dog Training Elite for helping me with my rambunctious Labradoodle. He used to bark at every thing outside our door. It felt like we couldn’t even have dinner and talk to each other without hearing Myers bark. Now he can lay down on his place and relax while we eat dinner. I’m so grateful that we decided to invest in dog training!
  • Sadie Eyre
    Aug. 27, 2025
    Thank you so much to Parker at dog training, elite for saving our sanity when it came to our dog. I was at my wits end with my dog, jumping all over everybody and pulling on the leash. Now she is so polite and walks like an angel. I loved my private in-home sessions with the trainers. Everybody was so amazing! Thank you, Dog Training Elite!
  • McKay Peery
    Aug. 27, 2025
    I am so grateful that I called Dog Training Elite! My dog was jumping on every guest that walked in the door and counter surfing. She would get sick and I would take her to the vet from what she would eat. Now she respects the boundaries of our guests that come over and no longer counter surfs. Thank you so much to Parker at dog training late for your expertise and help. I would recommend dog turning elite to everyone!!
  • Mark Hodge
    Aug. 26, 2025
    Thank you Montana and Parker for your patient endurance while training our very stubborn French Bulldog. Our dog Gideon has aggressive tendencies and Elite trainers has given us the tools needed to work toward a more obedient/well behaved pup. Still work to do, but making progress!
  • julie warren
    Aug. 18, 2025
    My insecure golden retriever lacked confidence and social skills! Elite did a great job of not only building his confidence, but helping me understand him.
  • Simon Tv
    Aug. 14, 2025
    I am so pleased with DTE!!! We currently have a 1 year old golden retriever at 78 pounds. Callahan! Named after “Dirty Harry Inspector Callahan” Clint Eastwood… We had senior pups a Beagle and Bassett Hound before they recently passed. With Callahan we have gone from seniors at 20 mph to Callahan at 100 mph (!) Callahan’s breeder recommended dog training. I have never done dog training. Googling, I saw DTE had great reviews. We started with 1 on 1’s at our house. Then group training! Some shout outs to the fabulous trainers at group : Montana, Liam and Andi. All professional and know what they are doing with dogs. I’m probably forgetting someone? But all excellent. But I’m not forgetting PARKER! I swear this man must have been raised with wolves and dogs. He’s part of the pack and instinctively knows how to handle dogs. I had issues with Callahan heeling and running after everything on our walks. Squirrels, runners, cyclists, etc. Parker has helped me control Callahan. We have the proper collar. Parker taught me collar adjustment, collar location on dog’s neck and leash snap. I learned change direction when I see distraction. Like a bunny. Parker also had me practice on him as if he were the dog, feeling the dog pull and learning when I needed to snap. At first I was late lots with my snap but eventually I got the hang of it. Highly recommend DTE. Worth the investment in training a dog. They are responsive and flexible to meet you and your dog’s needs. And request Parker if you really need lots of help! Catherine and Callahan
  • Alexis Pantorilla
    Aug. 11, 2025
    Dog training elite has been a GAME CHANGER!!! Cannot recommend them enough. My dog got attacked and has never been the same. Within the first two sessions she was already a completely different dog. I’ve been recommending them to everyone I see- every time I leave my house people comment saying that my dog is so well behaved. Sooo so so well worth it over and over again. If you’re thinking about doing it- DO IT!
  • Mark Esposito
    Aug. 9, 2025
    I am so glad that I put my dog Winnie in training with Dog Training Elite. We had found her as a stray on the side of the road in Nashville and she needed training to be able to adjust to living in our house. She now is amazing with respecting all of our house guests that come over and grown so much in confidence. Thank you to Parker at Dog Training Elite in Nashville for all of your help!
  • audrey esposito
    Aug. 9, 2025
    Rizzo is my sweet rescue dog that constantly barked at everything! On walks he was very reactive towards other dogs. He wasn’t a bad dog but just really annoying! He now stops barking when I tell him to, and I can walk past other dogs with no barking or reactivity. If you are looking for dog training in Nashville give them a call! They changed my life! And Rizzo loves the trainers!:)
  • Helen K
    Aug. 9, 2025
    Trainers were great! My dog has become calmer, walks better on a leash and recalls commands quicker.
  • Mac Mullen
    Aug. 2, 2025
    I’m astonished at how much my dog has retained in the duration of this course. Parker, Kenna and Montana were FANTASTIC trainers for my boy. He is disciplined and loves to train- I can only thank the team for making it so fun. He is great with other dogs, very patient and obedient, which is hard to train into his breed. I’m very happy we went with Dog Training Elite Central Nashville, 5 stars.
  • Jessica Riley
    Jul. 22, 2025
    Montana is a true dog lover and was amazing with our (very stubborn) dog. She was patient, supportive, and really helped us understand how to work with Koa instead of against him. Training felt less stressful and way more doable with her guidance. We only wish we had found Montana and her team earlier.
  • Kade Carter
    Jul. 11, 2025
    I was out in Nashville for the summer and got an emotional support dog to help me out with my stressful job. Before I found Parker and Dog Training Elite, Russel was a bit to rambunctious he was always barking and some neighbors were upset. I am super happy with their training program and Russel is now a huge blessing to me. THANKS GUYS
  • Jessica Lucyshyn
    Jun. 30, 2025
    We are very pleased with the training! Our dog has learned so much in a short time!
  • Jess and Marty Dulworth
    Jun. 25, 2025
    Parker was amazing at helping out our big guy Earl here in Nashville! Earl was too rough around kids sometimes and he wasn’t able to play with our family. He totally changed and is very gentle and loving!
  • Frank Stone
    Jun. 18, 2025
    Zoe was pretty barky and seemed scary coming out to neighbors. She is now really friendly and very loving around new people. Super happy with Parker and all the work they did at Dog Training Elite. Highly recommend, definitely worth the cost.
  • Connor Harman
    Jun. 17, 2025
    Training has been great! The staff is awesome, making the process easy. Excited to finish the training and start the service dog portion. Highly recommend dog training elite
  • Nolan Rhem
    Jun. 16, 2025
    Our dog, Teddy, is 9 years old. Although not really aggressive, he would get highly anxious when strangers came over (even if they were friends) and bark nonstop. It was hard to have guests in our home. We were concerned that he was too old to be trained not to behave this way. Montana was able to teach Teddy a handful of basic commands within a few weeks. When ordered to behave with these commands, we noticed Teddy quickly become much less anxious with practically no barking at all around guests. Montana did a great job with Teddy and I highly recommend Dog Training Elite.