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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Salt Lake City, UT.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Salt Lake City, UT

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 Salt Lake City dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Salt Lake City, UT to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City classical conditioning dog trainers.

Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City, UT.

The Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City Difference


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

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See An Elite Dog in Action

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Todd Greene
    Jun. 10, 2025
    Love. 6 stars. Every single trainer has been on it. Jeff, McCall, & Dallin, A+.
  • Nikki Wyman
    Apr. 28, 2025
    I have a smart, sneaky dog who has responded so well to training with DTE and private sessions with Dallin. My dog and I have better boundaries, behavior, and understanding now. It gives me priceless peace of mind.
  • Stephanie Edsall
    May. 23, 2025
    Another great experience with DTE. Bailey was his buddy pretty quickly. She seemed to understand the deal :D Excited to keep going.
  • Ned jensen
    May. 5, 2025
    She did a great job with heel and getting our dogs to loose leash walk. Had a great experience l.
  • Lindsay Shawcroft
    Feb. 4, 2025
    Dallin came to our home for a training session, and I’m amazed with the amount of training that we could cover in the time he was here! Luna is so smart and does a great job when she has a focus, but she is our most anxious dog by far! Just seeing her reactions to noises in our home, he was able to suggest and practice some things to help build confidence. He gave us so many suggestions on how to help her through firework season, I’m really excited to help her feel calmer during those really big stresses! Dallin took us on a walk, and was not only able to help with Luna’s confidence while walking, but mine too! In just a short walk down the street and some practice, there was a significant difference in how Luna reacted to other dogs! We’ve been struggling to keep Luna’s muzzle on, but Dallin helped us work through the big issues! Thank you so much DTE, and Dallin for all you’ve done for us! We are so excited to see her continual growth!!
  • TERRY LEBER
    May. 1, 2025
    Excellent presentation. We look forward to the training program. Jeff was great at explaining the program and demonstrating with his dog. We are excited to get started.Dallin did a great job training our Duke. He was exhausted after his first session 😊 Second session with Meggie. Duke loved Meggie. She taught him how to place. Now no more barking and charging the door. She was patient with Duke but he caught on pretty quick. She is a great trainer. Thank you! Third lesson with Meggie. She is so patient with our boy Duke. He did so good with his sits and door manners. He was great walking and sitting with Happy!!! Thanks so much Duke is learning so much!
  • Margie Tilley
    May. 29, 2025
    We have loved Dog Training Elite!!! They have been great to answer any questions and their group training sessions are incredible. We love Dallin who comes to our home for training. He is exceptional at making us feel like we are doing a good job and gives us incredible insight on training techniques. We love that he tells us why they are effective.
  • Mike Zundel
    Mar. 5, 2025
    Dallin is great. Very knowledgeable and very personable. He works equally well with both dogs and their owners. Recommended without reservation.
  • Ruby
    Jan. 16, 2025
    SO KIND!! and very helpful!!!
  • Diane Bradford
    Apr. 30, 2025
    McCall taught taught my pup and me with amazing patience and professional skills. We are so grateful to everyone there. I strongly recommend everyone at this business to any dog owner.
  • Jake Hague
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Great experience with Dog Training Elite! McCall was the handler with our American Akita for two weeks. She is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about dogs. From day one, she took the time to understand our dog’s unique personality and tailored the training to fit his needs. American Akitas can be very stubborn and that was definitely the case with our dog. We saw a huge improvement in behavior, focus, and confidence after just a few sessions. What really stood out was her ability to teach us how to better communicate with our dog — it made all the difference. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a trustworthy, skilled, and genuinely caring dog trainer.
  • Tj Franks
    Jan. 28, 2025
    Dexter went through his 2 week discipline training (Bootcamp) McCall was his trainer and did a fantastic job. If 10 is the best she is a solid 10. You can see quite a difference in him. Thank you McCall and thank you Dog Training Elite!!! 100% recommendation!!!
  • Jennifer Coyle
    Apr. 18, 2025
    McCall was terrific with my pup and patient with me. She has a wonderful way with dogs, and Molly really enjoyed her and learned from her. I wholeheartedly recommend this training for you and your dog.
  • Shelley Mark Wright (Shell)
    May. 1, 2025
    Dog Training Elite were wonderful trainers and I would recommend them to anyone who loves their dog. Our little one year old miniature Shih Tzu weighs 4.2 pounds and we were scared that he might not get the help he needed. And, it seemed very expensive to us. BUT, not only did he get the best help but the price now seems very reasonable for what we have gained. I highly recommend this training to anyone who wants their dog trained. These people LOVE dogs and it shows!!
  • Meghan Allen
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Dallin is above and beyond! You can tell he is a true dog lover, and someone who will ACTUALLY make a difference in a dogs life. Within 30 minutes, I knew that this was the company to train my little dog and hopefully get him on the way to service training. When they say “the last dog trainer you’ll ever need” they mean it. Every single person I’ve worked with at the studio has been WONDERFUL and truly have outdone the training expectations. I feel so confident in their program I would recommend it to anyone no matter what dog they have. I’m so grateful to have found such incredible people!!! Thank you DTE!!!
  • Brie Breivik
    May. 14, 2025
    We loved Dallin - he gave us so many training techniques we had never thought of in addition to helping us understand our puppy better. Excited to work with him in the future.
  • Jen Waterfield
    Feb. 17, 2025
    Dallin has worked wonders for pup! Dwayne has come so far and continues to improve every session and every group class! I was skeptical of the group class at first because our dog had some reactivity issues, but after 4 classes with Dallin, Meggie and Jeff- we have seen a world of difference! Dallin listens to what is important to us (like taking our dog on trails, etc) and he brought Matilda tonight and we were able to have the best little hike with them both while working on skills!
  • Brikelle Thacker
    May. 9, 2025
    They gave so much information and so very well wroded. The positivity and up going. They are amazing.
  • Derek Montilla
    May. 7, 2025
    she is so sweet and help me understood my dog feelings. I'm looking forward to work with her.
  • Judy Mahoskey
    May. 6, 2025
    Jeff gave us confidence that the training program will work for our lab! His attitude was very positive, and, after he demonstrated some behaviors with his own dog and showed us the collar used, we felt sure this was the right place for Ruby! We like the combination of at-home and in class training and the option for spot checks and help down the road.
  • Todd Greene
    Jun. 10, 2025
    Love. 6 stars. Every single trainer has been on it. Jeff, McCall, & Dallin, A+.
  • Nikki Wyman
    Apr. 28, 2025
    I have a smart, sneaky dog who has responded so well to training with DTE and private sessions with Dallin. My dog and I have better boundaries, behavior, and understanding now. It gives me priceless peace of mind.
  • Stephanie Edsall
    May. 23, 2025
    Another great experience with DTE. Bailey was his buddy pretty quickly. She seemed to understand the deal :D Excited to keep going.
  • Ned jensen
    May. 5, 2025
    She did a great job with heel and getting our dogs to loose leash walk. Had a great experience l.
  • Lindsay Shawcroft
    Feb. 4, 2025
    Dallin came to our home for a training session, and I’m amazed with the amount of training that we could cover in the time he was here! Luna is so smart and does a great job when she has a focus, but she is our most anxious dog by far! Just seeing her reactions to noises in our home, he was able to suggest and practice some things to help build confidence. He gave us so many suggestions on how to help her through firework season, I’m really excited to help her feel calmer during those really big stresses! Dallin took us on a walk, and was not only able to help with Luna’s confidence while walking, but mine too! In just a short walk down the street and some practice, there was a significant difference in how Luna reacted to other dogs! We’ve been struggling to keep Luna’s muzzle on, but Dallin helped us work through the big issues! Thank you so much DTE, and Dallin for all you’ve done for us! We are so excited to see her continual growth!!
  • TERRY LEBER
    May. 1, 2025
    Excellent presentation. We look forward to the training program. Jeff was great at explaining the program and demonstrating with his dog. We are excited to get started.Dallin did a great job training our Duke. He was exhausted after his first session 😊 Second session with Meggie. Duke loved Meggie. She taught him how to place. Now no more barking and charging the door. She was patient with Duke but he caught on pretty quick. She is a great trainer. Thank you! Third lesson with Meggie. She is so patient with our boy Duke. He did so good with his sits and door manners. He was great walking and sitting with Happy!!! Thanks so much Duke is learning so much!
  • Margie Tilley
    May. 29, 2025
    We have loved Dog Training Elite!!! They have been great to answer any questions and their group training sessions are incredible. We love Dallin who comes to our home for training. He is exceptional at making us feel like we are doing a good job and gives us incredible insight on training techniques. We love that he tells us why they are effective.
  • Mike Zundel
    Mar. 5, 2025
    Dallin is great. Very knowledgeable and very personable. He works equally well with both dogs and their owners. Recommended without reservation.
  • Ruby
    Jan. 16, 2025
    SO KIND!! and very helpful!!!
  • Diane Bradford
    Apr. 30, 2025
    McCall taught taught my pup and me with amazing patience and professional skills. We are so grateful to everyone there. I strongly recommend everyone at this business to any dog owner.
  • Jake Hague
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Great experience with Dog Training Elite! McCall was the handler with our American Akita for two weeks. She is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about dogs. From day one, she took the time to understand our dog’s unique personality and tailored the training to fit his needs. American Akitas can be very stubborn and that was definitely the case with our dog. We saw a huge improvement in behavior, focus, and confidence after just a few sessions. What really stood out was her ability to teach us how to better communicate with our dog — it made all the difference. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a trustworthy, skilled, and genuinely caring dog trainer.
  • Tj Franks
    Jan. 28, 2025
    Dexter went through his 2 week discipline training (Bootcamp) McCall was his trainer and did a fantastic job. If 10 is the best she is a solid 10. You can see quite a difference in him. Thank you McCall and thank you Dog Training Elite!!! 100% recommendation!!!
  • Jennifer Coyle
    Apr. 18, 2025
    McCall was terrific with my pup and patient with me. She has a wonderful way with dogs, and Molly really enjoyed her and learned from her. I wholeheartedly recommend this training for you and your dog.
  • Shelley Mark Wright (Shell)
    May. 1, 2025
    Dog Training Elite were wonderful trainers and I would recommend them to anyone who loves their dog. Our little one year old miniature Shih Tzu weighs 4.2 pounds and we were scared that he might not get the help he needed. And, it seemed very expensive to us. BUT, not only did he get the best help but the price now seems very reasonable for what we have gained. I highly recommend this training to anyone who wants their dog trained. These people LOVE dogs and it shows!!
  • Meghan Allen
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Dallin is above and beyond! You can tell he is a true dog lover, and someone who will ACTUALLY make a difference in a dogs life. Within 30 minutes, I knew that this was the company to train my little dog and hopefully get him on the way to service training. When they say “the last dog trainer you’ll ever need” they mean it. Every single person I’ve worked with at the studio has been WONDERFUL and truly have outdone the training expectations. I feel so confident in their program I would recommend it to anyone no matter what dog they have. I’m so grateful to have found such incredible people!!! Thank you DTE!!!
  • Brie Breivik
    May. 14, 2025
    We loved Dallin - he gave us so many training techniques we had never thought of in addition to helping us understand our puppy better. Excited to work with him in the future.
  • Jen Waterfield
    Feb. 17, 2025
    Dallin has worked wonders for pup! Dwayne has come so far and continues to improve every session and every group class! I was skeptical of the group class at first because our dog had some reactivity issues, but after 4 classes with Dallin, Meggie and Jeff- we have seen a world of difference! Dallin listens to what is important to us (like taking our dog on trails, etc) and he brought Matilda tonight and we were able to have the best little hike with them both while working on skills!
  • Brikelle Thacker
    May. 9, 2025
    They gave so much information and so very well wroded. The positivity and up going. They are amazing.
  • Derek Montilla
    May. 7, 2025
    she is so sweet and help me understood my dog feelings. I'm looking forward to work with her.
  • Judy Mahoskey
    May. 6, 2025
    Jeff gave us confidence that the training program will work for our lab! His attitude was very positive, and, after he demonstrated some behaviors with his own dog and showed us the collar used, we felt sure this was the right place for Ruby! We like the combination of at-home and in class training and the option for spot checks and help down the road.