Back to Obedience Dog Training

Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite in Philadelphia

Request Free Assessment


Request Free Assessment


A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Philadelphia, PA.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Philadelphia, PA

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 in Philadelphia dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Philadelphia, PA and rely on positive reinforcement to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite in Philadelphia trainer , your dog will become conditioned and develop those “automatic reflexes” to commands such as sit, down, heel, break, and more.

See Training Packages

Dog Training Elite in Philadelphia

Training With An E-Collar

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

Philadelphia Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

Positive Reinforcement Vs. Punishment

Read More
Read Less

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 in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA 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 in Philadelphia - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Philadelphia, PA. DTE
Positive Reinforcement Training
Dog Training Elite in Philadelphia - Puppy Obedience Training in Philadelphia, PA. DTE
Puppy Obedience Training
Dog Training Elite in Philadelphia - Off Leash Dog Training in Philadelphia, PA. Dog Training Elite
Off Leash Training
Dog Training Elite in Philadelphia -
Agility Through Basic Obedience Training
A women playing with her service dog in Philadelphia, PA.

The Dog Training Elite in Philadelphia Difference


Read More
Read Less

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

Get Your Free Assessment

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!

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • lisa Gallagher
    Dec. 10, 2024
    I cannot say enough good things about Taylor! We were blown away after the first session. His knowledge and love of dogs is apparent in his work. Not only did he spend time with myself and my husband, he spent a whole training session with our children to ensure that they were a part of the team as well! He really has changed our lives!
  • Brendan Smith
    Nov. 14, 2024
    We are super pleased with Taylor and his services. Taylor is professional, friendly and most importantly, very knowledgeable. We contacted Taylor when we realized our 125lb, 1 year old, Rottweiler named Wayne needed some professional training. He is a very friendly dog but is large and very active. After working with Taylor, Wayne has learned numerous commands, no longer pulls when he is walked, and is a lot easier to handle. I highly recommend Taylor to anyone in need of dog training.
  • Tom Spitko Jr.
    Nov. 7, 2024
    Excellent experience with Taylor and Dog Training Elite. After 5 in-home sessions we've noticed a significant difference in our dogs listening and response times. Looking forward to group training. Taylor was very patient and explained how to deliver the commands in great detail and would also go over the dogs psyche and what they may be thinking. Very helpful and highly recommend.
  • Pete Mignogna
    Oct. 11, 2024
    We had a great experience with Taylor and Dog Training Elite. Hermione is a 6 month GSD who was showing some guarding/reactive behaviors. Taylor was able to show us tips on this right away, and we saw improvements within the first week. After 5 sessions, she has become very obedient and has responded quickly to all training techniques. Very glad we went forward with the training and I highly recommend!
  • Calli Popolo
    Sep. 21, 2024
    We have just completed our one-on-one training sessions with Taylor and we have nothing but great things to say. We noticed Cooper had a fear of children and large dogs that did not always come across in the nicest of ways. Taylor assured us that this training would help Cooper gain confidence to face situations he was once fearful of. Taylor has been so patient with Cooper as he can be a little stubborn at times! Coop was always happy to see him and in a short amount of time, he has already grown so much. We highly recommend Taylor and Dog Training Elite!
  • Donna Barlow
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Taylor was very professional and Cinnamon learned quickly as long as you keep up with the training your pup will be a well mannered dog I highly recommend dog training elite
  • Michael Henley
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Taylor is a true professional, best-in-class at getting my crazy puppies Dixie & Dolly well behaved and consistently responding to commands. He also gives broader advice on raising the pups and is always cordial, polite, understanding and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a dog trainer in Chester County!
  • Daniel Flowers
    Sep. 2, 2024
    It has been a joy watching our dog transform after traning from Dog Training Elite. Trainer Vincent was professional, on time, and personable.
  • Ashley Gray
    Aug. 21, 2024
    We had a fantastic experience with Taylor and Dog Training Elite! Our dog, Tony Soprano, is a beautiful 1.5 year old Boxer. Beauty aside, Tony was stubborn, didn’t listen to anyone, and even had anxiety like the true Tony Soprano himself. We tried traditional training, and even another company with only some improvements. Tony seemed to always decide himself when he wanted to behave. After the in-home sessions with Taylor, Tony developed into a confident and obedient dog. Taylor was very patient with Tony (and us) throughout the whole process. We highly recommend Taylor and his services!
  • Whitney Hughes
    Aug. 19, 2024
    Working with Vincent and Dog Training Elite has been the greatest investment we've made for our 11 month old bernedoodle, Percy. In a matter of weeks, Percy has transformed from wild, unruly, and stubborn to well mannered and eager to learn. Training is just as much for the dog as it is for the human, and Vincent has been excellent at training us both! He is calm and confident in his instruction, and we have all greatly enjoyed working with him. I would highly recommend DTE and Vincent for all your training needs.
  • G C
    Aug. 19, 2024
    Vincent is the best! We rescued our dog and quickly discovered she had a "jumpy/bitey" behavior - quite undesirable for a pitbull. Within one lesson with Vincent, the behavior is gone! We continue on to work on other commands - sit, down, place, break, heel - and Tiya is learning them all. She is becoming the disciplined and loving dog we dreamed of having! We could not have done this without Vincent! He is not only extremely capable and knowledgeable, but he is also calm and pleasant. In our mind, there is only one dog training firm to use - Go to Vincent at DTE! Highly, highly recommend them!!
  • Allison Machnicki
    Aug. 17, 2024
    I was recommended to Dog Training Elite by a friend and would recommend them to anyone. I've worked with three incredible trainers and they all have brought different strengths. Vinny, who I had for obedience, helped me get my high energy dog (who thought he was king of the house) ready for the service program with Betsy. Vinny took a lot of time helping me with Twig and was very thorough with his training and explanations, which helped us feel very prepared for our public access test (which we passed!). Vinny is also great with communication for scheduling and appointments.
  • Paul Diorio
    Aug. 14, 2024
    Working with Betsy and Vincent has been great! My dog Ranger has come a long way over the summer with their help in our goal of training him to become a Therapy Dog. Vincent has been a great help with obedience training and Betsy has been awesome with workplace training. Looking forward to our continued trainings with them.
  • Katelyn Craft
    Aug. 6, 2024
    Tiya is a totally new dog since we started working with Vincent!! I rescued her when she was about a year old, and I was very worried about her behavioral issues - I have 0 reason to be concerned now. And Tiya LOVES Vincent, she gets sooo excited every time she sees him step out of his car. Given her past, she tends to be hesitant around men but has loved him since day 1. He is such a natural with training dogs! I cannot recommend DTE (esp Vincent) enough :)
  • June Dirany
    Aug. 6, 2024
    Vincent is an excellent canine trainer I was so fortunate to encounter after signing up with Dog Training Elite. I have a 1 year old male Bernadoodle, Poppy, who was disruptive, impulsive and often physically uncontrollable. Although Poppy had worked with other trainers during his first year, his issues were not resolved. From our first session with Vincent, Poppy’s behavior started to rapidly improve. Vincent worked with Poppy, and me, on his obedience and social skills. Poppy continues to improve and I now feel confident walking him in parks. Friends have commented on how his behavior has improved. Vincent definitely has a gift for training dogs and for imparting that ability to his clients. Vincent’s knowledge and experience as a trainer are evident in every session. Vincent attentively watches the dog and human interactions during the training sessions and professionally guides both to have successful outcomes in every session. I have only worked with Vincent from Dog Training Elite, and I would highly recommend him to anyone.
  • Dawn Francis
    Aug. 4, 2024
    Our super energetic Corgi wore us all down with his constant barking, biting and failure to respond to basic commands. After a year-and-a-half of his uncontrollable behavior, we were beginning to lose hope. I saw an ad on Instagram for Dog Training Elite and reached out to Taylor. After just a few weeks in the program, my Corgi's behavior is so much more manageable, and we are enjoying our time with him. It's really pretty astounding! Instead of feeling constantly overwhelmed, we're now confident in our interactions with our pup and he's responding well to our commands. I like that Taylor worked to understand our pain points with our Corgi's behavior and taught us all how to respond more effectively to it. Taylor is patient, compassionate, and infinitely encouraging. We appreciate the training he provided that has now enabled us to really bond with our dog.
  • Gabrielle Dannehl
    Aug. 4, 2024
    I have a really sweet but highly reactive dog. Living in a city was making her leash reactivity much worse. I worked with Betsy and Vinny in private sessions and continued working with Vinny in group sessions. It’s honestly night and day! She’s much more confident and I have the skills to help her be successful. Friends and family have noticed that she’s much calmer, listens more, and easier to walk. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite for any “difficult” training.
  • erasmo morales
    Aug. 3, 2024
    Working with Vince has been great. He is knowledgeable and answers questions quickly. He made a connection with our pup and was able to help us strengthen our connection too. Glad my wife found elite & that we got paired with Vince.
  • Brittani Morales
    Aug. 3, 2024
    We train with Vince and let me tell you, he is hands down the best trainer we have ever delt with. He is very knowledgeable and has the patience of a saint with us. We definitely hit it off from the moment we met and was so easy to open up with him (I'm a bit of an introvert around new people). He is always understanding of our questions and gives tips to help us make a better connection between us and our pup. We are so happy that we made the choice to go with Elite and that they sent us Vince. Highly recommended him for all of your training needs.
  • Jordan Fisher
    Aug. 3, 2024
    Working with Tori and Vincent was amazing! It’s amazing to be able to trust your trainers and have them give you the skills and confidence to continue after training is completed. I never thought my dog would be able to be off leash, let alone get his reactivity under control. A few weeks with Tori and Vincent changed him and I continue the training on my own now! Vincent was very kind and thorough, my dog was very reactive to males due to caretaker issues in the past and he helped us work through them. I would recommend this company to anyone! :)