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Classical Conditioning

Salt Lake City Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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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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Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Salt Lake City, UT

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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!

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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

  • Kathy Nelson
    Oct. 4, 2025
    Meggie was very informed and very nice. I look forward to working with her and the rest of the team.
  • Ginger Utley
    Oct. 1, 2025
    Jeff is so knowledgeable about dogs, their needs, and their interactions with humans. He put us all at ease. Clearly, our family and dog are in great hands with him and we’re excited to start learning what he has to teach.
  • Kara Smith
    Sep. 30, 2025
    Meggie is awesome! Our first in home session was amazing!
  • Ada Prins
    Sep. 28, 2025
    He was very personable and good with my dog. Very knowledgeable
  • Tori Raphael
    Sep. 10, 2025
    Meg was amazing! So patient and showed us a few tricks just in that 30 minute evaluation. We are definitely signing up for more and we are excited to work with her!!!
  • Jessica Kennedy
    Sep. 23, 2025
    This is regarding the in-house consultation: Meggie and Kam did an amazing job. They sat down and explained everything throughly and answered any questions I had regarding the programs and my pup!
  • Universal Garage Door Services
    Aug. 2, 2025
    Jeff was amazing, he came to our office at work and coached us all.. He is excellent with explaining how and why we are learning the skills we are working on…looking forward to more advanced training as Bernie gets older🐶.
  • Ashley Pacheco
    Dec. 5, 2024
    Jeff as always is so professional and great to work with. Thank you for helping with Alphonso.
  • Nathan Jones
    Jul. 18, 2025
    Both McCall and Meggie are fantastic trainers!
  • Michael Slagle
    Sep. 17, 2025
    Maggie did a great job at explaining what will happen with both in house and on site training. She also showed us what it looks like with her own dog.
  • Angela Stone
    Sep. 17, 2025
    Jeff slack was the trainer for my puppy’s obedience today. He was knowledgeable, friendly and connected with my boy. Excellent class!
  • Josh B
    Oct. 30, 2024
    Had a great experience with Dog Training Elite. McCall was the main trainer for Daisy and the transformation we saw in just a couple weeks was incredible. She made sure to address all the concerns I had with Daisy. All the trainers that we worked with were great and super friendly. I would absolutely recommend people here. Update 9/16/25 They are still the best, was having issues with leash pulling while on hikes, Jeff met me on a hiking trail and really helped me get that under control. The group classes have also been invaluable and a great time!
  • Curtis White
    Aug. 5, 2025
    Jeff and his young dog came by the house to introduce us to some of the training benefits of his program. Our dog really to a liking to both of them. And they showed us the benefits of training for both us and our Delilah. We know it’s a real commitment to enter their program but I can see great benefits down the road.
  • Rosanne Gerrard
    Sep. 25, 2024
    We love our home sessions with Jeff. Invaluable.
  • Martin Webb
    Sep. 8, 2025
    We had the absolute best experience with Dog Training Elite! From the very first session, the trainers were professional, patient, and truly invested in helping our dog Sherlock succeed. Sherlock can be a handful, but they worked with him in such a positive and encouraging way that we quickly saw progress. Their training methods are clear, effective, and tailored to both the dog and the owner, which made it easy for us to continue practicing at home. What impressed me most was how much they genuinely cared about Sherlock’s success. They didn’t just train him—they also gave us the tools and confidence to keep reinforcing his good behavior long after the sessions ended. I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite enough. If you’re looking for trainers who are knowledgeable, kind, and dedicated to helping your dog thrive, this is the team you want! Sherlock is happier, more confident, and so much better behaved thanks to them.
  • William Koehler
    Sep. 6, 2025
    We had Jeff Slack in our house today to meet our new puppies and he was absolutely fantastic and his vibes were fantastic and we’re excited to work with him
  • Lorence & Tiffany Ford
    Sep. 5, 2025
    Meggie was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and patient with all of our questions
  • Anita Torgersen
    Aug. 25, 2025
    She was great. Positive to the point and the dogs had fun
  • Brie Breivik
    May. 14, 2025
    We loved McCall! She turned our rowdy puppy into a well behaved pup! She was so well taken care of and we just love the end result!
  • Joyce Ferrone
    Jul. 31, 2025
    Meggie was great. Came to our home, met our puppy and answered our many questions. We are looking forward to teaching our darling puppy to be a great dog. She taught us how to calm our over activated puppy!!!! So helpful