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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training

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 dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite 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

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite 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 classical conditioning dog trainers.

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 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 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 - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training. DTE

Positive Reinforcement Training

Dog Training Elite - Puppy Obedience Training. DTE

Puppy Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite - Off Leash Dog Training. Dog Training Elite

Off Leash Training

Dog Training Elite - Dog Agility Training Through Basic Obedience. Dog Training Elite

Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

A women playing with her service dog.

The Dog Training Elite Difference


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

  • Ryan Strodtbeck
    Oct. 25, 2026
    They really know what they are doing no matter what age your dog may be! Big shoutout to Kevin who help me train my 6-year old Golden Retriever who helped me realize it wasn't too late for my Golden to be trained and treated her so well! Kevin was super knowledgeable, encouraging, and engaging and gave great tips as well has a great structure! I am so glad I made the right choice with them and will recommend them anytime someone ask if they know a good trainer in the area!
  • Elizabeth Souba
    Oct. 24, 2026
    Great staff and easy to work with to coordinate trainings and testing for my Monty to get his pet therapy certification.
  • Charlotte Webb
    Oct. 24, 2026
    We’ve had such a great experience with Dog Training Elite and our trainer, Beth! About a year ago, we tried working with another trainer, chose strictly because of the cheaper price, but we felt like we didn’t get anything out of the experience. This time, we knew we wanted to invest in our dog’s training and find the right support for her needs, and we’re so glad we did! We’ve completed our first five in-home training sessions with our 2-year-old blue heeler, and the progress she’s made has been amazing. We originally started training to help with her anxiety, and Beth has been helping us build her confidence by going back to the foundations and strengthening her obedience skills. Beth is incredibly communicative, always checks in to see if we have questions, and provides written instructions so we know exactly what to practice at home between sessions. We really appreciate how much guidance and support she gives us throughout the process. We’re excited to continue with our public training sessions and group classes and see how much more progress our girl makes. Highly recommend Beth and Dog Training Elite!
  • Chris Rutter
    Oct. 24, 2026
    Great experience. They did a great job training my dog. Good communication and help to continue training once the original training is done. Provided videos on each lesson
  • Kim Moreno
    Oct. 23, 2026
    Our puppy, Skye, is in their service dog training program and loves it there! The trainers are very knowledgeable and always willing to explain things further if need be. They have been a joy to work together as a team to set Skye up for success to be a great service dog for my son! I highly recommend them!
  • Mark Peugh
    Sep. 9, 2026
    Very knowledgeable and friendly always a pleasure
  • Sarah G
    Oct. 23, 2026
    What a fantastic experience for our dog. This training truly changed out dog and because of that, really improved so much about our life. Walks were so difficult - so much pulling, jumping on people and other dogs; we started getting a bad name in the neighborhood. Dog Training Elite helped us so that now walks are so much more enjoyable and fun. We are so grateful!
  • Reginald Huff
    Aug. 22, 2026
    Very professional and was able to answer all of our questions
  • Tia Moore (Velinda)
    Oct. 23, 2026
    DTE has worked with me on training my PTSD Service Dog. Kyle is a fantastic trainer and understands my boy Jake, helping Jake understand the expectations and how to meet them. An important part of training is teaching me those same skills so Jake understands my needs and expectations.
  • K Crosley
    Apr. 28, 2025
    Good night at therapy dog class at the airport! Having been there before I knew what to do with Elijah playing support role. He did help me work with Oakley on exiting elevators which was greatly appreciated!!!
  • pilar herrera
    Oct. 22, 2026
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We cannot say enough amazing things about Dog Training Elite Hill Country! They did an absolutely incredible job with our Bernedoodle, Nala Gene! 🐶❤️ We are beyond happy with the results and so grateful for the time, patience, and dedication Gray and Garrison put into training her. It’s clear that they truly care about the dogs they work with and want to see them succeed. We have seen such a positive difference in Nala Gene, and we couldn’t be happier with our experience. If you’re looking for a team that genuinely cares, provides excellent training, and delivers amazing results, we HIGHLY recommend Dog Training Elite Hill Country! Thank you for everything you’ve done for our sweet Nala Gene🐾💕
  • gkck657
    Aug. 27, 2026
    The company is outstanding and takes the time to ensure that you and your dog are in sync with each other. Rhett is a great trainer. Highly recommended this company here in Knoxville.
  • Daniel Decker
    Oct. 22, 2026
    Michael was great!! My fiancé and I are very satisfied with the progress that are dog showed. Worth every penny
  • klshepp ard
    Oct. 22, 2026
    Parker has a true tale t for working with dogs. He came for a consultation and showed me a demonstration with his dog Nash who was amazing and so cute. Then he worked with my dog Mabel for just a few minutes and she was following his commands. Great!
  • Lauren Ujobai
    Oct. 22, 2026
    I am so grateful that I found Taylor 6 months before I adopted my 6 month old Belgian Shepard, Arlo. After I completed some positive reinforcement training, I realized I would need an alternative training method due to his high prey drive. Taylor is beyond knowledgeable about dog body language and behavior, and he will give you all the “tools” necessary to train your dog alongside him. If you are frustrated with your dog’s behavior and have altered your home/daily routine due to it, reaching out to Taylor will be the best choice you ever make. As a first time dog owner of a notoriously difficult breed, I worried that I would have a dog that matured beyond my control. The minute I entered the elite dog training program and completed our first in home training session, all of that worry dissipated. Although we are still completing the group training sessions, at 11 months Arlo is able to walk off leash on trails, is able to control himself around animals like deer and squirrels, and is able to walk past people and dogs without reacting. Training with Taylor has given Arlo and I the gift of freedom, and a much more fulfilling life together.
  • MONICA Hudson MCCARTHY
    Oct. 22, 2026
    So far so great. Our dog seemed to like her first lesson with Justin. He gained her confidence slowly which I liked. We are looking forward to a calmer lifestyle now. Thank you Justin!
  • Maria Guarnieri
    Oct. 21, 2026
    We participated in both the in home and group training, and found the team to be exceptionally skilled at working with our dogs. Over the course of their training (and ours) we have seen tremendous growth and discipline. The trainers are amazing and our dogs love them, and so do we. Highly recommend.
  • 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.
  • Beth Collier
    Oct. 21, 2026
    Highly recommend Matt, Alaina, Becky and Alex. What a great team. We completed puppy training and then Therapy Dog training. I also have to give credit to Alicia for keeping everything and everyone organized. What a great and truly caring dog loving team.
  • Jennifer Price
    Oct. 21, 2026
    Alex Price impressed me very much, breaking thru to my German Shepherd “puppy,” when other trainers were not successful. I have a very very big, very smart, very stubborn 6 mo old German Shepherd, acquired as rescue of sorts. He will outweigh me before full grown - so i totally need him well trained. Alex dedicated the time and patience and his dog whisperer nature to gain the trust and respect of my fur baby. He also trained me very well and left me detailed instructions for homework. Very happy customer and would recommend Alex Price to anyone.