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Classical Conditioning

Utah County Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Utah County, UT.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Utah County, 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 Utah County dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Utah County, UT to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite Utah County 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 Utah County

Training With An E-Collar

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

Utah County 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 Utah County 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 Utah County, 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 Utah County, UT.

The Dog Training Elite Utah County Difference


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

Proud Sponsor of
The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite Utah County, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite Utah County works with The Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.

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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Lisa Martinez
    Jun. 4, 2025
    Deidre was so kind and respectful. She patiently answered all of our questions and explained the training process thoroughly. Communication with Dog Training Elite has exceeded all expectations!
  • Chad Killian
    Jun. 3, 2025
    Deidre came over to evaluate my dog, Zieva, and I was incredibly impressed. She was awesome—professional, informative, and clearly passionate about what she does. She walked me through the training program and all the plans they offer in a way that was easy to understand and encouraging. What really stood out to me was her empathy—Deidre has personal experience with PTSD, which helped her truly understand the type of support I’m looking for in a service dog. That connection and insight meant a lot to me. I'm looking forward to working with her!
  • Andrew Howard
    Apr. 21, 2025
    Meagan is the dog whisperer! She has great advice and awesome technique!
  • Abby Staker
    May. 24, 2025
    They have been amazing so far. The consultation was such a good experience, and all of our interactions have been so positive!
  • Audra Yankton
    May. 22, 2025
    Deidre and Meagan are absolutely fantastic at what they do! We started training with a 12 week old puppy and were just beside ourselves - she was having constant accidents in the house and we had no idea what we were doing. We even had the puppy in diapers! We called Dog Training Elite and they got us in the schedule right away! Our dog, although still young, doesn’t have accidents anymore (no more diapers - yay!!) and has even learned a few commands that are just a bonus for us. We couldn’t be happier with what we got in the puppy training package! If you’re considering doing training, I’d say go for it, there’s no way you will regret having a well-behaved dog and that’s exactly what you will get. Thank you for everything!! 😊
  • Brandy Armstrong
    May. 20, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has been *incredible*! We adopted are doggie 2 months ago and I cannot believe the success we have had in just the 3-4 training sessions we have had with Deidre. On top of that, the personalized support I receive throughout the week when I have questions or need moral support has been invaluable. I highly, highly recommend them!
  • Shayne Nelson
    May. 17, 2025
    Amazing customer service and confidence! Very knowledgeable
  • William Provence
    Jan. 9, 2025
    She was awesome.
  • Erlyn M.
    May. 10, 2025
    Diedre was so personable. She is clearly expert at what she does. So clearing her explanations. So easy to relate too. Just wonderful
  • Jason Yates
    Apr. 30, 2025
    Meagan was so awesome. Great experience and she answered all of our questions. Very easy to work with
  • Alysha Breyer
    Apr. 15, 2025
    I loved how Deidre Wilson gave advice on how to correct behavior. I will use that advice to correct behavior.
  • Betina Workman
    Apr. 12, 2025
    Introduction interview was amazing, My young dog responded to cues almost immediately and became much calmer. I’m excited to move forward with the training process
  • Erica Bowman
    Apr. 3, 2025
    In one session we are feeling more confident about handling and redirecting some of our puppy’s negative behaviors. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
  • Cindi Ellis
    Apr. 1, 2025
    I am so happy with Dog Training Elite!! I was hesitant to spend the money, but cared about my dog getting over his anxiety issues, IF possible. I wasn't sure we could help him. I had already spent quite a bit of money with online courses that didn't work. In a last ditch effort to help my little pup, I did a google search and found Dog Training Elite. I thought about it for a few days before calling. They were very nice and scheduled a visit that day. Deidre came out and spent some time with us and assessed my dog and explained everything thoroughly. Their payment plan made it doable for me and I scheduled our training sessions. After only 2 visits, I'm ecstatic with his progress! Deidre is definitely a dog whisperer. I now have so much hope for my sweet dog's future. I HIGHLY recommend Deidre and Dog Training Elite!
  • Michelle Karren
    Mar. 21, 2025
    Deidre is awesome! She has great knowledge and answers any questions we have. She’s excellent with our dog Ziggy and skillfully demonstrates and teaches us how to handle him. Her training has made a big difference in the quality of life with our dog.
  • Ammon Gillins
    Mar. 20, 2025
    Deidre is fantastic! We are putting our second dog through training right now with Dog Training Elite, and we are reminded just how amazing the trainers are. They are so educated and have an answer for every question I have. Worth every penny and more.
  • Amber Broderick
    Mar. 19, 2025
    Deidre was amazing in answering all of the questions we had.
  • Olivia Hernandez
    Feb. 26, 2025
    My first experience was amazing and very informative. All questions were answered and I was really put at ease with how friendly they are.
  • Tiff P
    Feb. 10, 2025
    We met Deira for our first visit. I couldn't be more excited to have her help us!
  • Dustin Taylor
    Jan. 7, 2025
    I highly recommend this company. They are awesome. Deidre is amazing. Looking forward to the future.