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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Michiana

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN

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 Michiana dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Michiana 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 Michiana

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite Michiana NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in South Bend / Elkhart, IN 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 South Bend / Elkhart classical conditioning dog trainers.

South Bend / Elkhart 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 Michiana 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 South Bend / Elkhart, IN 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 South Bend / Elkhart, IN.

The Dog Training Elite Michiana Difference


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Dog Training Elite in South Bend / Elkhart, IN uses modern dog training techniques and methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite Michiana 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 Michiana’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 South Bend / Elkhart, IN, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it. The unique techniques of Dog Training Elite Michiana 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

  • Regina Dukes
    May. 4, 2025
    Sara made us very comfortable with training our dog. She was very professional and we enjoyed the time with her and our dog.
  • Randy Schmidt
    Apr. 26, 2025
    Awesome, handle a highly anxious dog with skill and patience.
  • Caiya Raes
    Apr. 22, 2025
    If anyone has considered working with this company, I highly recommend! They came out quickly to do a free consultation and got our first session scheduled quickly. Sarah, who has worked with my dog over his whole course of training was very informative, sweet and someone I really enjoyed spending my sessions with. They are very flexible with scheduling and come to your home for training which is a huge plus! I enjoyed their training so much, I decided to extend my package to further work on training. Overall, I am beyond happy with my experience with this company and Sarah. I look forward to the group sessions where my doggo will continue to learn and grow. Bentley and I thank you so much!
  • Anna Kosloski
    Nov. 27, 2024
    Princess past her service dog test. And I owe all the guidance to the Dog Training Elite Michiana for everything!!!!
  • Darlene Ralph
    Apr. 21, 2025
    Great experience, Rich is very knowledgeable and we enjoyed getting first hand information on puppy training,
  • Angie Davis
    Apr. 18, 2025
    The free consultation was great and very informative. I have faith that they'll be able to fix my needs. I will add more later as the training begins and prospers.
  • Virginia Warsco
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Demon adores Sarah and responds well to her energy. We love her and how much better our relationship is with our boy since starting training with Dog Training Elite. I adore her and enjoy our training sessions. When I met with Rich I was like many people who didn’t understand the way that each training tool works when used properly and under their guidance I became the owner demon needs to be his best self. I highly recommend them for your training needs.
  • James Jesse
    Apr. 7, 2025
    Both our first and second meetings were great. We are already seeing positive results
  • Joan Bartus
    Apr. 6, 2025
    I was so happy to find DTE Michiana to help with my yellow lab Cash. I reached out to them after my dog had an altercation with an unfriendly neighbor dog resulting in a potential dangerous dog designation. I purchased the Platinum training program which consisted of 8 in home training sessions and lifetime group training with other dogs. Cash's reactive behavior was corrected quickly, and I particularly liked that the training sessions were in our home where we could practice the commands and boundaries in a familiar setting. The group sessions allowed us to practice what Cash learned at home with the distractions of an outdoor environment along with other dogs. Rich, Sarah and Lyra run a first class business. Rich and Sarah are very knowledgeable dog trainers and are flexible to work around your schedule. Lyra is quick to respond to emails and communication with DTE is great. I am very happy with the services I have received and would highly recommend DTE Michiana.
  • Kandy Grzegorek
    Mar. 27, 2025
    He was very friendly< Showed me what am getting into. Atlas responded to some of his techniques right away. Looking forward to the whole experience.
  • Erin
    Mar. 23, 2025
    We are so grateful to find Elite Dog Training! They have been so wonderful to work with, both for us and for our dog! It is very obvious how much they care about dogs and how knowledgeable they are. We couldn’t recommend them more!
  • Jessica Fuller
    Mar. 22, 2025
    Training with Dog Training Elite Michiana has been the best decision for our Golden Retriever. Rich and Sarah are extremely knowledgeable. Our Golden has been learning by leaps and bounds and we are excited for her to become a therapy dog. Training with DTEM is personalized to your dog every single session. Trainers do an excellent job of training the dog AND educating the owners.
  • Savannah Shepherd
    Mar. 21, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has been a wonderful experience and they have helped me get my dog under control, and have taught me how to train my dog, they are sweet and they care deeply about there clients! Wonderful company
  • Mark Ellis
    Nov. 20, 2024
    My dog, Madigan, has completed her Basic Obedience, and I am very pleased with the results. Today we finished up proofing her skills with Sarah. Can't wait to start attending group classes. Also, Madigan is being trained as my Service Dog and that training starts next month. Looking forward to continuing with Dog Training Eliote Michaiana.
  • Kimberly Ridenour
    Nov. 13, 2024
    Rich is great with home training. I would highly recommend their services. Sarah is awesome as well. Just had our last training session and so pleased the progress that our Sadie made! ❤️
  • Kenneth Jongsma
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Always patient, works to solve behavioral problems from multiple angles. You can tell he likes what he does. Excellent trainer.
  • Jamie Wiles-Smith
    Dec. 4, 2024
    We have been working with Rich and now Sarah for several months with our 10 mo old puppy. I highly recommend them. Both trainers are very kind, encouraging and patient with our family as we work on improving our skills. They introduce games to keep the sessions fun. Our daughter feels more confident and comfortable as a result of their time.
  • Joan Getz
    Dec. 2, 2024
    Rich has been awesome training Ruby and Me. He is positive, professional and very good at his job. We are so glad to have picked him to help Ruby become a great therapy dog!!
  • carl
    Nov. 25, 2024
    We are very pleased with the help we have received from Rich of Dog Training Elite. We needed professional help training our unruley Jack Russels to make them more compliant and to help them get along better with another addition to our family, a little Yorkie. Thank you Rich for your knowledge and professionalism. You are helping to make our home happier!
  • Janet Harcek
    Nov. 11, 2024
    Rich is great! Thanks to him, Maisie is the best behaved dog we have ever owned!
  • Regina Dukes
    May. 4, 2025
    Sara made us very comfortable with training our dog. She was very professional and we enjoyed the time with her and our dog.
  • Randy Schmidt
    Apr. 26, 2025
    Awesome, handle a highly anxious dog with skill and patience.
  • Caiya Raes
    Apr. 22, 2025
    If anyone has considered working with this company, I highly recommend! They came out quickly to do a free consultation and got our first session scheduled quickly. Sarah, who has worked with my dog over his whole course of training was very informative, sweet and someone I really enjoyed spending my sessions with. They are very flexible with scheduling and come to your home for training which is a huge plus! I enjoyed their training so much, I decided to extend my package to further work on training. Overall, I am beyond happy with my experience with this company and Sarah. I look forward to the group sessions where my doggo will continue to learn and grow. Bentley and I thank you so much!
  • Anna Kosloski
    Nov. 27, 2024
    Princess past her service dog test. And I owe all the guidance to the Dog Training Elite Michiana for everything!!!!
  • Darlene Ralph
    Apr. 21, 2025
    Great experience, Rich is very knowledgeable and we enjoyed getting first hand information on puppy training,
  • Angie Davis
    Apr. 18, 2025
    The free consultation was great and very informative. I have faith that they'll be able to fix my needs. I will add more later as the training begins and prospers.
  • Virginia Warsco
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Demon adores Sarah and responds well to her energy. We love her and how much better our relationship is with our boy since starting training with Dog Training Elite. I adore her and enjoy our training sessions. When I met with Rich I was like many people who didn’t understand the way that each training tool works when used properly and under their guidance I became the owner demon needs to be his best self. I highly recommend them for your training needs.
  • James Jesse
    Apr. 7, 2025
    Both our first and second meetings were great. We are already seeing positive results
  • Joan Bartus
    Apr. 6, 2025
    I was so happy to find DTE Michiana to help with my yellow lab Cash. I reached out to them after my dog had an altercation with an unfriendly neighbor dog resulting in a potential dangerous dog designation. I purchased the Platinum training program which consisted of 8 in home training sessions and lifetime group training with other dogs. Cash's reactive behavior was corrected quickly, and I particularly liked that the training sessions were in our home where we could practice the commands and boundaries in a familiar setting. The group sessions allowed us to practice what Cash learned at home with the distractions of an outdoor environment along with other dogs. Rich, Sarah and Lyra run a first class business. Rich and Sarah are very knowledgeable dog trainers and are flexible to work around your schedule. Lyra is quick to respond to emails and communication with DTE is great. I am very happy with the services I have received and would highly recommend DTE Michiana.
  • Kandy Grzegorek
    Mar. 27, 2025
    He was very friendly< Showed me what am getting into. Atlas responded to some of his techniques right away. Looking forward to the whole experience.
  • Erin
    Mar. 23, 2025
    We are so grateful to find Elite Dog Training! They have been so wonderful to work with, both for us and for our dog! It is very obvious how much they care about dogs and how knowledgeable they are. We couldn’t recommend them more!
  • Jessica Fuller
    Mar. 22, 2025
    Training with Dog Training Elite Michiana has been the best decision for our Golden Retriever. Rich and Sarah are extremely knowledgeable. Our Golden has been learning by leaps and bounds and we are excited for her to become a therapy dog. Training with DTEM is personalized to your dog every single session. Trainers do an excellent job of training the dog AND educating the owners.
  • Savannah Shepherd
    Mar. 21, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has been a wonderful experience and they have helped me get my dog under control, and have taught me how to train my dog, they are sweet and they care deeply about there clients! Wonderful company
  • Mark Ellis
    Nov. 20, 2024
    My dog, Madigan, has completed her Basic Obedience, and I am very pleased with the results. Today we finished up proofing her skills with Sarah. Can't wait to start attending group classes. Also, Madigan is being trained as my Service Dog and that training starts next month. Looking forward to continuing with Dog Training Eliote Michaiana.
  • Kimberly Ridenour
    Nov. 13, 2024
    Rich is great with home training. I would highly recommend their services. Sarah is awesome as well. Just had our last training session and so pleased the progress that our Sadie made! ❤️
  • Kenneth Jongsma
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Always patient, works to solve behavioral problems from multiple angles. You can tell he likes what he does. Excellent trainer.
  • Jamie Wiles-Smith
    Dec. 4, 2024
    We have been working with Rich and now Sarah for several months with our 10 mo old puppy. I highly recommend them. Both trainers are very kind, encouraging and patient with our family as we work on improving our skills. They introduce games to keep the sessions fun. Our daughter feels more confident and comfortable as a result of their time.
  • Joan Getz
    Dec. 2, 2024
    Rich has been awesome training Ruby and Me. He is positive, professional and very good at his job. We are so glad to have picked him to help Ruby become a great therapy dog!!
  • carl
    Nov. 25, 2024
    We are very pleased with the help we have received from Rich of Dog Training Elite. We needed professional help training our unruley Jack Russels to make them more compliant and to help them get along better with another addition to our family, a little Yorkie. Thank you Rich for your knowledge and professionalism. You are helping to make our home happier!
  • Janet Harcek
    Nov. 11, 2024
    Rich is great! Thanks to him, Maisie is the best behaved dog we have ever owned!