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Classical Conditioning

Sarasota Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Sarasota, FL.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Sarasota, FL

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 Southwest Florida dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Sarasota, FL to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida 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 Southwest Florida

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Sarasota, FL 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 Sarasota classical conditioning dog trainers.

Sarasota 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 Southwest Florida 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 Sarasota, FL trainer to help your dog be more obedient will help you create a deep, loving relationship with your dog built on trust.

Additional Obedience Training Info

Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Sarasota, FL

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A women playing with her service dog in Sarasota, FL.

The Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida Difference


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Dog Training Elite in Sarasota, FL uses modern dog training techniques and methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida 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 Southwest Florida’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 Sarasota, FL, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it. The unique techniques of Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida 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

  • Joseph Kles
    Jul. 15, 2025
    Very informative!! Follow up is outstanding!! Thank you all for helping Owen!!!
  • Robert Cantrell
    Apr. 13, 2026
    Renee was wonderful! We have a much better understanding of our dog and our training goals going forward.
  • Barbara Omlie
    Apr. 28, 2026
    The 5 stars are specifically for Denise personally. We had our phone consultation aa planned in hopes I could get my sweet baby some training. Unfortunately, its way more than the budget allows. Prices start at $1,000.00 for puppy and it just goes up from there. Im sure its worth it, but its just too much. Denise earned 5 stars because she spent extra time assisting me find a different trainer for my 9 month old puppy. Thank you Denise, I appreciate your kindness and help.
  • Noel Falbo
    Apr. 28, 2026
    The program was explained clearly and sounds like exactly what we need for our boy. We are excited to begin the training!
  • Rodney Shapard
    Apr. 28, 2026
    In speaking with Denise I felt that she already knew my dog. She projects a deep understanding, and knowledge of the business. I have engaged her company to train our dog and expect great results.
  • Tony Amorose
    Apr. 27, 2026
    Kelsie is an excellent puppy trainer . She explains thoroughly, She has the patience of Job. She is very personable. Eevie ( the pup) catches on immediately with her ( Eevie’s parents are still catching on 😀). Kelsie loves what she does, and it shows. We thank you for sending Kelsie to us in our home. Tony and Susan Amorose.
  • Karen Sehi
    Apr. 17, 2026
    Jessica is amazing. She is finally getting Gibbs trained along with the owners. All are doing great.
  • Barb Johnson
    Apr. 16, 2026
    Worked on “come” today. Jesica did very well with the boys and us. We learned just how to initiate a learning process for a command.
  • pgr1574
    Dec. 4, 2025
    Jessica has been great! She has been very patient and is always there when needed.
  • Domenica Lancia
    Apr. 6, 2026
    Jessica is always awesome ! Our big boy lab Bullet responds well to her directions as well as educating us the same time !
  • Sherri Jonas-Lazin
    Apr. 10, 2026
    Hard to break my old habits but Jrlsue really helped with fig walking which we really need She explained why hand commands even if things she knew work better than starting with verbal commands And she taught us mire crate time us ok Ty ty ty Can’t until next session
  • shirley
    Apr. 8, 2026
    I had issues with my six year old dog which needed immediate attention. I turned to Denise for help. She analyze the situation and gave me best training options. She also provided advice and solutions on how to handled it for now. I am forever grateful.
  • Maureen Pierson
    Nov. 9, 2023
    Alisa is amazing! Always so helpful & Finegan just loves her. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!!!
  • Sammie Star
    Apr. 2, 2026
    Kelsie - you absolutely blew my mind and we just had our first session! I am so excited to work with you and get Crüe back on track with Service Training! Moving has been so hard - you gave me a sense of peace that Crüe and I will make it through this transition!
  • Sally Berryman
    Feb. 20, 2026
    First session with DTE and trainer Blaize went very well. Introduced to prong collar and e collar, ready to begin working with these tools. Blaize was very helpful and easy to understand.
  • Leanne Zinn
    Apr. 1, 2026
    We are beyond grateful for the talented trainers at Elite. Our furry baby is excelling and we could not be where we are with him without them!
  • Matt Boehm
    Mar. 17, 2026
    Jessica always does a great job!
  • douglas schuler
    Mar. 31, 2026
    Trainer is great very patient with adults that can rush things they haven’t worked with. Seems expensive although at the end of training perhaps we won’t consider putting our pet up for adoption
  • Kim E
    Mar. 4, 2026
    Dog Training Elite is an amazing group to work with you and your dog. They came in an assessed my dog and today we started training. I have a brain injury and the trainer Jessica worked with my dog and me, her knowledge and kindness was so great. Knowing my limitations she made sure that I understood everything she was teaching. Next my dog started his daily classes with Renee and she is amazing, she has my dog all day and when I pick him up we go over our homework. She also provides videos to help with his training. Then there are the group classes that you sign up for that help you continue with your dog training journey. I highly recommend this group, they are the complete package!
  • George
    Feb. 26, 2026
    As Tina Turner would say, “simply the best.” Thank you. Another splendid session. Knowledgeable, caring, involved and a real mentor to all three of us. Gunner is really rounding into shape. More wonderfullness today. Jessica is a wonderful fountain of knowledge, demonstrator and guiding mentor. Makes it easy for us to carry forward with the training activities. Such great progress with Gunner with more to come.