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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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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

  • Emily Kerstein
    Jun. 12, 2026
    We were having quite a tough time managing our girl Wednesday before we found dog training elite. She was very reactive on leash, had a habit of jumping fences and we had to make major adjustments to the way we lived our lives just to keep her and others safe. We’re only halfway through the program and the difference is already night and day. Walks are actually enjoyable now, her escape artist tendencies have stopped, and we have real peace of mind when we take her anywhere with us. It sounds dramatic but it genuinely has been life-changing. Yes, the price can be daunting at first, but it has been well worth it. Jeff and Meggie are wonderful people who are damn good at their jobs! Cannot recommend them enough!
  • Aubrey Freiberg
    Feb. 18, 2026
    10/10. So appreciate Meggie & Dog Training Elite. So enjoyable to work with!!
  • Danielle Howard
    Jun. 9, 2026
    Jeff understands dog's behavior and is very patient with the dog
  • becca Bussell
    May. 9, 2026
    Charlie is an amazing trainer and I’m so glad I got my puppy trained through dog training elite! Very knowledgeable and great people to work with! Thanks for everything
  • Matt Sullivan
    Jun. 2, 2026
    Excellent and informative, friendly and professional - I very much felt like they put me and my doggo first!
  • Erin Acord
    May. 29, 2026
    Meggie was super informed and personable, answered all of my questions and made sure I was comfortable with the route we took.
  • Devin Sullivan
    May. 22, 2026
    Jeff and Meggie have been so wonderful with my poodle Graham! He is on his 4th out of 5 one-on-one lessons and is making incredible progress. From a dog that was biting people and dogs, he is a completely new guy. Thank you to this wonderful place!!!
  • Tanner Davis
    May. 21, 2026
    Charlie is amazing. She will invest the time to work with families & answer any questions you have. Would highly recommend her to everyone.
  • Monica Guest
    May. 19, 2026
    Jeff is fantastic and everything was explained perfectly 👌
  • Jaren Brooks
    May. 19, 2026
    Jeff came out and thoroughly explained the program as well as demonstrated with his own dog the what types of training our dog would receive
  • Rebecca Cohen
    May. 16, 2026
    so far the two trainers we’ve worked with have been amazing with our puppy!
  • Jackie Evans
    May. 14, 2026
    We had our first session with Meg today and O could not have asked for a better experience. From the minute she walked in, you could tell she really understands dogs. My puppy warmed up to her very quickly and felt calm and safe with her almost immediately, which is not always easy. I lobed how balanced Meg was. She wasconfident and firm when needed, but still so kind and patient. Nothing felt forced or harsh. She explained things in a way that actually made sense and gave me so much hope that we’re on the right track. I’m really grateful we found her and we’ll definitely be continuing sessions with her moving forward. You can tell she genuinely cares about us and our puppy 🐶
  • Amanda Calton
    May. 14, 2026
    We’re new to in-home dog training and after meeting with Meggie, we’re instantly at ease with both the process and the projected outcome. Her confidence in her knowledge and abilities is evident; however, she tempered that with patience and understanding for our unique concerns and goals for our dog. She’s tremendously personable and warm with both humans and dogs alike. We’re excited to work with her long term and feel confident she’s the solution we’ve been looking for!
  • PJ Addie
    May. 13, 2026
    It was a pleasure to meet Meggie she was able to answer all my questions, gave a very persuasive demonstration and handled my dog very reassuringly and he’s a bit of a handful.
  • Dee Giannamore
    May. 12, 2026
    Maggie was great. She showed me how to use the collar for Violet's behavior problems. Also helped me develop a plan for her potty training.
  • G Lam
    Jul. 21, 2025
    We did the training camp and are now starting the group lessons. The arrangements are not cheap, but the instructors are very helpful and always willing to listen. McCall helped us with additional requests for other commands, especially drop it. We're comfortable with the investment because for the price, we're buying a lifetime of support. ADDENDUM: Meggie came to our house today and did our first in house visit today. She was fantastic - very calm, unrestrained, and our dog took to her quickly. We really alleviated the home visit and will need to work on the homework to ensure things stick.
  • Leticia n James Bollinger
    Apr. 28, 2026
    Absolutely amazing! So patient with all my questions. Very clear with directions and helpful with proper training.
  • Michelle Money
    May. 5, 2026
    Meggie was absolutely amazing with my puppy! Had great insights and knowledge that will totally help as I continue training with her and Dog Training Elite!
  • Pamela Aizad
    Oct. 14, 2025
    I am so happy with Dog Training Elite!! Jeff and Meggie did a WONDERFUL job Training, Teaching and Supporting both myself and my dog!! Now she is a Service Dog!! YAY !!❤️
  • bruce lund
    Apr. 8, 2026
    Jeff has been amazing to work with and Maisel is always happy to do her training with him.