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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Rhode Island

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Providence / New Bedford, RI.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Providence / New Bedford, RI

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 Rhode Island dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Providence / New Bedford, RI and rely on positive reinforcement to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Rhode Island NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Providence / New Bedford, RI 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 Providence / New Bedford classical conditioning dog trainers.

Providence / New Bedford 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 Rhode Island 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 Providence / New Bedford, RI 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 Providence / New Bedford, RI.

The Dog Training Elite Rhode Island Difference


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Dog Training Elite in Providence / New Bedford, RI uses modern dog training techniques and methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island’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 Providence / New Bedford, RI, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it. The unique techniques of Dog Training Elite Rhode Island 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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Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Karen Wheet
    Dec. 13, 2024
    Cabo is a rescue who comes with “some” issues - mostly related to reactivity/barking. After 2 years of trying everything, I was ready to give up. I contacted Danielle in tears. She listened, she trained both of us and in no time she helped me and Cabo get to the finish line (well almost - there’s always more to learn). I am so grateful for Danielle’s knowledge and ability to manage a difficult dog. Believe me, I spent boatloads of $ trying to get things in control. Finally I found the answer. Contact Danielle, she will work with you and your sweet dog to help you be the best you can be together.
  • Kelly Marcotte
    Dec. 10, 2024
    Danielle is absolutely amazing. Words cannot express our satisfaction with her training and our dogs behavior!! ❤️❤️❤️
  • Bob Armstrong
    Dec. 9, 2024
    Danielle has given us the skills to train out goldendoodle. Guests in our home have told us that Angus is a different dog. He is well behaved and responds to our commands. They said it is now a pleasure to have him around.
  • Brian Redmond
    Dec. 7, 2024
    Danielle has done a wonderful job guiding me and my GSD, Ruby, through basic obedience training. Ruby is taking to training well and she is so much happier now that she is trained enough to join me on most of my daily work/chores. The in-home sessions were awesome and I notice an immediate improvement to here calmness after the first group class. I can’t say enough good things about this program. Highly recommend!
  • Michele Ruttenberg
    Nov. 26, 2024
    Working with Danielle has been transformative for me and for my dog, Buddy! Buddy came to us as an anxious and reactive rescue dog with a strong prey drive. I could not walk him without him barking and lunging at every dog we met or straining to get to every bunny. Within 2 sessions, he was more confident and controlled out in the world. Now that we have graduated to the group classes, I continue to be amazed at how well he responds to commands and how relaxed he is in a big group of dogs. I am so grateful to Danielle and Elite! I consider this the best money I’ve spent on anything in a long time!
  • Carol Brann
    Nov. 17, 2024
    Danielle has helped me help my beagle be showered with love from everyone she comes in contact with now that she is more disciplined. Beagles by nature are loud, inquisitive and full of energy bred as hunting dogs. This combination often gets them in trouble in domestic situations but once trained a beagle can be the best version of a companion. I recommend Dog Training Elite specifically Danielle and the approach used to train my dog to be more at home in a close knit condo complex with lots of unexpected deliver personnel, children and other dogs. Thank you!
  • Kaylie Beeson
    Nov. 16, 2024
    My dog is so much easier to walk and loves going to group class.
  • Katie Clark
    Nov. 5, 2024
    Dog Training Elite is the best! I was struggling with my dog Boatie. He was jumping all over people when they would come over, used his paw to get our attention (scratching us), barked a lot, and was reactive to other dogs while on walks. He was a very anxious boy and thanks to Danielle he’s like a new boy! I’ve had people say to their dog in front of me “why can’t you act like that”. Never thought I’d be hearing that! The one-on-one and group classes have been amazing. I would definitely recommend!
  • Katie Clark
    Nov. 4, 2024
    Dog Training Elite is the best! I was struggling with my dog Boatie. He was jumping all over people when they would come over, used his paw to get our attention (scratching us), barked a lot, and was
  • Paul Seippel
    Nov. 3, 2024
    Great instruction done with the utmost patience and professionalism. I highly recommend Danielle and Ellie Dog Training!!
  • cheryl martel
    Nov. 2, 2024
    I love Elite dog training. Danielle is wonderful with all dogs and their parents. I have seen such an improvement in my dog's behavior since we have been going to classes and so much better with other dogs and people. i would highly recommend Elite dog training for a well behaved dog!
  • Julian Trilling
    Oct. 30, 2024
    I HIGHLY recommend DTE! I could not say enough about how amazing this has been. Finn, my standard poodle, just graduated basic obedience training today! He's training to be a service dog, and he's doing so well. I love that the private lessons are at my home. The setup is that you do five one on one classes, then join group classes to reinforce all the skills you and your dog learn in the one on one sessions. Danielle has been INCREDIBLE. I went into this feeling terrified that I wouldn't be able to do this training with Finn, but Danielle has broken it up into easy to digest pieces, with each skill building on the previous one. She is kind, gentle, observant, amazing with dogs (of course), and a fantastic teacher, and her presence immediately puts me at ease, which makes it so much easier for me to work with Finn. The lessons are fun and practical, and even include practicing skills on walks in my own neighborhood. Finn and I are both learning so fast, and I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without Danielle. She's unbelievably supportive, not judgemental in the slightest, and really good at troubleshooting in ways I would never have thought of. As someone who cannot afford to get a pre-trained service dog, I find the price to be quite reasonable for what I'm getting, and it is worth every penny. Remember, you're not paying for a puppy class, you're paying for serious obedience training. It's worth the money. Also, the training package comes with group classes for life, so we can go any time we need to practice, even after he's certified. I've had an amazing experience so far, and I'm so excited for the next step! I'm so glad I found this place! I'd give more than five stars if I could. ✨❤️✨
  • Jack
    Sep. 24, 2024
    I’d like to be president of Danielle’s fan club when theres a job opening. She transformed my 1 yr old Black Mouth Cur into a happily obedient roommate. Danielle is accomplished and elegant with dogs, patient and quietly firm until she gets the desired results. It’s been an amazingly happy and positive experience that we will expand and treasure for many years to come. So worth it!
  • Charles
    Sep. 2, 2024
    Danielle is the BEST! She is one of those people who just has a natural "connection" with dogs. She is very patient, kind, understanding, and extremely helpful. I can't say enough good things about her, and I'm so glad we are lucky enough to have found her for our training.
  • Charles Peckham Jr.
    Sep. 2, 2024
    Danielle is the BEST! She is one of those people who just has a natural "connection" with dogs. She is very patient, kind, understanding, and extremely helpful. I can't say enough good things about her, and I'm so glad we are lucky enough to have found her for our training. 😊
  • Michelle Pacheco
    Aug. 31, 2024
    Danielle is absolutely fantastic! She has a true understanding of each dog's temperament and abilities. She knows just how far to push them each class so that they can reach their full potential.
  • Donna Zannelli
    Aug. 19, 2024
    I adopted a two year old Alaskan Malamute. When we got her, she was nervous, suffered from separation anxiety, and constantly used her big paws to get our attention. Danielle has been so patient and kind with both me and our Storm. Working with Danielle, Storm now walks on a lead with confidence, no long uses her paws to get our attention, and can now be left alone at home without her howling or being destructive. Storm actually looks forward to our lessons, and so do I. Danielle has helped us become a team. I highly recommend Danielle and Dog Training Elite to anyone who has a dog, regardless of their age or breed!
  • Donna Zannelli
    Aug. 18, 2024
    Danielle is amazing! She has been working with me and our newly adopted Alaskan Malamute, Storm. She has been patient and kind as Storm and I work together to become a pet therapy team. Storm adores Danielle and enjoys every class we attend.
  • T Tat
    Jul. 8, 2024
    Danielle is an amazing trainer! I couldn’t recommend her enough. She was patient and kind during all sessions. My dog is an amazing service animal thanks to Danielle and it’s made a huge difference in my life.
  • Andrew Frisch
    Jun. 23, 2024
    Danielle is the best by far of dog trainers I've known. She knows what she's doing and does it exceptionally well.