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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 and rely on positive reinforcement 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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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • ELIZABETH GERHARD
    Dec. 22, 2024
    McCall and all the trainers and staff at DTE were great! Very supportive and helpful. They knew how to build confidence in the handler and Jenny Lake. The team works hard all day in helping your pup learn. I would recommend them to any person wishing to have their dog learn obedience or Service Dog Training. Elizabeth G. Jackson, WY
  • Austin Christensen
    Dec. 20, 2024
    I couldn’t be more impressed with Dog Training Elite and their trainer, Dallin! From the start, their professionalism and expertise stood out. Clyde, my small golden doodle, has transformed into a well-mannered and confident companion thanks to Dallin’s incredible work. The training sessions were tailored to Clyde’s needs, and the progress he made was remarkable. Dallin not only trained Clyde but also provided me with the tools and knowledge to reinforce the training at home. The skills Clyde has learned—like leash walking, responding to commands, and managing distractions—have made daily life so much easier. One of the standout features of Dog Training Elite is their flexible service model. You can start at a basic tier and upgrade to a higher tier if needed, only paying the difference from what you originally would have spent. This flexibility gave me peace of mind and allowed me to invest in Clyde’s training at a pace that worked for us. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone looking for effective, professional dog training. Ask for Dallin—he’s fantastic! Thank you for giving Clyde and me such a positive experience.
  • odalys zarate
    Nov. 20, 2024
    Dallin is great. 10/10!
  • K C
    Dec. 18, 2024
    Dallin was great! When he came for my evaluation he was great at explaining the ways in which he would help me with my dog and was honest that it will definitely take some work and patience. Looking forward to working with Dog Training Elite.
  • Trina Stephens
    Dec. 18, 2024
    We have absolutely loved Dog Training Elite! The trainers are so kind and they are patient with us and our kids in training our dog to be a service dog for our son. Our dog is doing so well and they help us feel confident as well. They are wonderful people to interact with and we would definitely recommend them!
  • Moises Hernandez
    Nov. 14, 2024
    Jeff is an excellent dog trainer we are very happy with the way he handles our dog he is very patient and loving yet firm with our dog we have seen a 100% improvement in our dogs behavior and I look forward the the group sessions that he puts on because our dog has learned so much from those classes I highly recommend Jeff he is an excellent dog trainer
  • Donya M
    Dec. 15, 2024
    Jeff is an amazing trainer. He has helped us train two of our dogs. He has so much passion for what he does. He is a true expert and has helped us feel so confident during the process.
  • Subie Shaves
    Dec. 14, 2024
    We loved meeting our trainer!! We are 100% confident after meeting with Dallin that we can become better dog parents - and new born parents as well. Dallin helped instill confidence in crate training, and gave us valuable insights before we get our facility time. We need training as much as our dog, and we are beyond thankful to be apart of your program! Thank you guys!
  • Kellie Yates
    Dec. 13, 2024
    They were so great with my dogs- they were confident and understanding with the training issues I needed help on without making me feel bad. I am looking forward to more!
  • Mia Buchignani
    Dec. 12, 2024
    Dallin already helped improve behavior with my very stubborn puppy after one session. Wow!
  • Vicki Henderson
    Dec. 5, 2024
    Dallin does a very good job and has made a huge amount of progress with our dog. Our dog now heels well on walks! He sits and downs reliably and has made enormous progress on placing in his bed despite being excited to see visitors.
  • Ashley Pacheco
    Dec. 5, 2024
    Jeff was great with the demo. We’re excited to get started.
  • Say M
    Dec. 5, 2024
    All of our dogs have been trained by DTE and Jeff. We appreciate DTE support.
  • CYNDE ROW
    Oct. 1, 2024
    Meggie & Dallin is always so informative and an excellent dog trainer!
  • Brandon Isenhour
    Dec. 4, 2024
    Amazing results so much faster than I could have hoped for!
  • Johnathan Taylor
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Best training decision I have EVER made! Worth every cent.
  • Kristina Georgelas
    Nov. 30, 2024
    So great in explaining the behaviors and what to look for with my puppy.
  • Melanie
    Nov. 13, 2024
    She did a good job with carl
  • Davey Walbeck
    Nov. 20, 2024
    Great talking with the trainer and I'm excited to learn and grow with my pup
  • Erin Swanson
    Nov. 19, 2024
    We love him. He is so knowledgeable and fun to train with!