Back to Obedience Dog Training
Classical Conditioning

St. Petersburg / Clearwater Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in St. Petersburg / Clearwater, FL.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in St. Petersburg / Clearwater, 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 St. Petersburg dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in St. Petersburg / Clearwater, FL to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg trainer , your dog will become conditioned and develop those “automatic reflexes” to commands such as sit, down, heel, break, and more.

See Training Packages

Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in St. Petersburg / Clearwater, 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 St. Petersburg / Clearwater classical conditioning dog trainers.

St. Petersburg / Clearwater Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

Positive Reinforcement Vs. Punishment

Read More
Read Less

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 St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg / Clearwater, 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 St. Petersburg - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in St. Petersburg / Clearwater, FL

Positive Reinforcement Training

Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg - Puppy Obedience Training in St. Petersburg / Clearwater, FL. DTE

Puppy Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg - Off Leash Dog Training in St. Petersburg / Clearwater, FL. DTE

Off Leash Training

Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg - Dog Agility Training in St. Petersburg / Clearwater, FL. DTE

Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

A women playing with her service dog in St. Petersburg / Clearwater, FL.

The Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg Difference


Read More
Read Less

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

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Kelly Hough
    May. 24, 2026
    I was at my wit’s end with my rescue pup, Finnegan , a 75 pound bully mix who was terrified of everything. I could barely get him to leave the bedroom and he was a nightmare on leash. I was in over my head and in tears every time I tried to walk him. From the moment Finnegan met Aaron, everything began to change for him. Finn sensed he could trust well before I did. Kim, Ryan, Aaron and the entire team at Dog Training Elite Suncoast are simply amazing. They’re patient, professional, and truly know how to bring out the best in a dog. They’ve changed Finnegan’s life — and mine. He’s gone from being afraid of his own shadow to becoming an increasingly confident, happy pup. I continue to see improvements every single day. The group lessons pull everything together and give me the tools and confidence I need to be what Finn needs. Finn is finally coming into his own. He even watched thunder and lightning calmly from the couch the tonight. I couldn’t be more grateful to the crew at Suncoast. 100000% recommend
  • Craig Massey
    Jun. 7, 2026
    I had tried multiple training programs with different techniques and each time I came up short with the final outcome! Finally, my wife and I were blessed to find Aaron and Dog Training Elite whose common sense approach to training your dog fixed the problem and we could not be more satisfied with the progress we've made with our Gracie girl! Their hands on, no nonsense approach was easy for me to understand and work with. Zero stress, superior results. Mind you, it is important that you listen, stay diligent and consistent in your training with your dog. It's like you train each other with a very satisfying outcome each time! I highly recommend this wonderful group of knowledgeable trainers!!! Sincerely, Craig
  • Jennifer
    Jun. 2, 2026
    Amazing experience! Started to take my puppy to Dog Training Elite when he was 15weeks old, and he now is over a year old. They have help train me so I am able to train my dog to be my service anima. We have had private training sessions as well as attended group classes and had chances to join groups in public areas to work on training.
  • Mary Sandvik
    May. 27, 2026
    My dog and I had an excellent class this evening. The activities were varied and well planned enhancing learning in different areas. I also appreciated how the activities were indoors and outside in consideration for the hot weather with sufficient water breaks.
  • Jennifer Ham
    May. 16, 2026
    Great experience with the training staff and I am pleased with the results so far.
  • Jodi Buchanan
    May. 9, 2026
    I definitely went with the best when it came to dog training. I couldn’t possibly be any happier. Both my pup and I felt loved and supported.
  • Jodi Buchanan
    May. 9, 2026
    The staff were so kind and supportive. My pup was excited to see them every morning and they were very understanding and patient with my own needs. I’m very excited for our future. Here’s my fella resting near me inside a restaurant for the first time!
  • Adam Cordover
    Apr. 13, 2026
    Dog Training Elite Suncoast has gotten my dog, Kelev, into tip-top shape to be ready to pass a therapy dog certification test. I look forward to having Kelev help and comfort people through Collaborative Divorces and become a formal member of my team in my law practice!
  • Lori Goede
    Apr. 8, 2026
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite are wonderful. They are very attentive, patient and helpful.
  • Michele M Smith-Martin
    Mar. 28, 2026
    The class was very informative and professional. This eased my tension as a first timer in group.
  • Joseph Mlinar
    Mar. 20, 2026
    This was great! You gave us great tools and advice for working with Little Boy on managing his reactivity. Working every day with muzzle-walks and inthe yard. Looking forward to the next class. Thanks!
  • Samuel Grauer
    Mar. 12, 2026
    Everyone at DTE is wonderful. Cash has a great time and they treat him like he's family.
  • Jennifer Maas
    Mar. 11, 2026
    They’ve been great to work with In assisting our disabled daughter to train a service dog. Very personable and friendly.
  • Anna
    Jan. 1, 2026
    Kim, Ryan, and Aaron are the best! My dog, Stan, has completely transformed. We are so grateful for the knowledge and support we received and still receive. If you’re on the fence about signing your dog up: DO IT. No more pulling, barking, growling. It’s a lot of work but totally worth it. Thanks Dog Elite!
  • Rebeca Hid
    Dec. 31, 2025
    Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg is simply the best. The trainer, Aaron, was kind, patient, experienced and very understanding. My pup learned obedience commands as well as service dog commands which is quite challenging for a bulldog. It is the perfect option for professional dog training for anyone who wants a gentle and effective approach.
  • Alyssa Rahsaz
    Dec. 16, 2025
    Love this place! I appreciate how dedicated the trainers are to ensuring that owners learn how to maintain the teachings their pets are being trained on. The trainers are so nice, helpful and probably love the dogs as much as their owners do lol. I've seen quite a transformation with my pup in his short time with them. So glad I chose DTE to train my pup! ❤️
  • Imran Kerawala
    Nov. 19, 2025
    I had a great experience here with the puppy class. The staff was very friendly and helpful and went above and beyond with tips and suggestions on puppy training. I would highly recommend as it really helped with handling our new and first puppy.
  • Roberta Nunemaker
    Oct. 3, 2025
    The EliteTeam are wonderful..their love for dogs and training comes through loud and clear.. I mean that in the best way possible...they are kind and super patient with my dog and me...its a process that kind be overwhelming but they manage to make it as simple and possible...and easy to understand...Every involved from Bethany ....to ., Kim, Ryan and Aaron and Torn(?)all the trainers were 5 star...just trust the process.. Thank you
  • Jayna Taylor
    Oct. 3, 2025
    Top notch training and customer service! Dog Training Elite did an incredible job with my Great Dane Olive.
  • Lana Fraser
    Aug. 30, 2025
    Our puppy went in being sorta trained, and he came out fully dialed in. From a great puppy to one that we can take anywhere with us. Fully listening to every family member!