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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.

Additional Obedience Training Info

Dog Training Elite Utah County - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Utah County, UT

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Off Leash Training

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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

  • Anika Allred
    Sep. 6, 2025
    We LOVE Deidre! We honestly can’t sing her praises enough. We have one more session with her, and we wish we could have a lifetime! She’s incredible, knowledgeable, kind, patient, and just an all-around amazing trainer. 1000/10 would recommend her and this business!
  • Sharla Bowers
    Oct. 3, 2025
    I'm excited to be working with Deidre. What stood out immediately was how thorough and prepared she was; she covered all the necessary information with impressive detail. I especially appreciate the patience and generous amount of time and focused attention she gave me. Knowing she is this dedicated makes me feel confident moving forward.
  • Shane Stauffer
    Sep. 18, 2025
    So far so good. We reached out to Dog Training Elite Utah. They were very responsive and came to our home and helped us with tons of info. We are first time dog owners and no nothing. They were so patient and helpful. We are very excited to be working with them and will give updates. -Update: We are not into our training and learning a ton about our little puppy. I am so so very happy that we are working with Dog Training Elite. After just the first lesson we were able to get Chico to obey some of our commands! I am shocked at the info they gave us and how it worked so fast.
  • James Lewis
    Sep. 25, 2025
    Deidre is such an amazing trainer and has really left us feeling like we can handle our new, very energetic, puppy! She is encouraging and helpful and has given us a lot of helpful tips. We have been very happy with Dog Training Elite.
  • Megan Dixon
    Sep. 21, 2025
    We love Deidre! So incredibly knowledgeable, down to earth, great with our pup, and gave us the best guidance. We can’t wait for our next sessions with her!
  • Missy Rose
    Sep. 19, 2025
    Elite has been great to work with and has been very responsive whenever we contact them. We love Deidre! She is a pleasure to learn from! She is patient and listens well, and answers all of our questions. The training is explained and demonstrated clearly and we have seen quick progress with our puppy.
  • Josh Benson
    Sep. 6, 2025
    Two lessons in and so far this Is great! Both Hunter send Deidre were awesome
  • Andrew Bruleymoore
    Sep. 3, 2025
    Deidre was AWESOME to work with and easy to follow along! I’m excited for us and our puppy.
  • Tulkas
    Jul. 23, 2025
    Deidre not only helped our dogs to feel more comfortable with us but also we are able to dominate with the dogs much better. I really recommend everybody to work with her.
  • Mikelle Roach
    Aug. 28, 2025
    Just had our first private training session and I’m so impressed. Deidre was amazing and broke things down in such a digestible way for us. My dog is already improved in just an hour. Can’t wait for the next sessions.
  • Teresa Weber
    Aug. 15, 2025
    Best training I’ve experienced with my dog!
  • Crista Unsworth
    Aug. 12, 2025
    I love Dog Training Elite Utah County. The trainers are phenomenal and the change in my dogs is huge. All the trainers really care and help with so much. Deidre did almost all of our solo in home lessons and she is amazing. My dogs are like night and day. They helped me to become a better person and dog handler. I figured out that a lot of my issues were me and not my dogs. Thank you so much! Highly recommend them all for dog training.
  • Marceline The Vampire Queen
    Aug. 6, 2025
    My dog, Piper, was the neighborhood terror. Literally. The neighborhood kids would come up to me and tell me she was scary. I was convinced that no one would get to see the Piper I know. Previous trainers barely made it through the door. In the very first session with Deidre, Piper calmed down. The difference is obvious! Deidre did what no one else could. In summary, if you feel like hope is lost with your dog and you have to keep them away from the world, call Dog Training Elite. They changed both our lives for the better.
  • Celeste Hall
    Jul. 30, 2025
    Deidre is amazing! Very professional and happy to answer all my questions. Quickly gained both mine and my pup's trust. Highly recommended!
  • Rachel Watson
    Jul. 21, 2025
    Deidra came by. She is friendly and comfortable in my home. She worked well with my dog. She explained things clearly and answered questions and then did a great job checking to see if my dog was a canidate for the training. He is! Thanks so much.
  • Jason Sessions
    Jul. 18, 2025
    Deidre and the Dog Training Elite family are awesome!!! Murphy just loves Deidre. We have been doing training together since he was a puppy. Recently we had been going through a rough patch with Murphy. One call, Elite and Deidre was to our rescue. She helped me understand what was happening, taught me what to watch for and then help me implement it in my daily training routine. Dog Training Elite is truly elite at their craft!! Thank you for everything!
  • Aaron Ormsby
    Jul. 9, 2025
    Amazing free assessment took the time was very patient and answered all our questions and more.
  • Sariah Stowell
    Jun. 17, 2025
    I am only one training session in and I already feel so hopeful and that I have learned so much! Deidre is absolutely amazing , can’t wait to keep learning
  • The Joe Deardeuff
    Jun. 13, 2025
    Wonderful trainers
  • nicole vuyk
    Jan. 6, 2025
    We are so incredibly happy and grateful for Dog Training Elite! They are AMAZING to work with and truly incredible with our Cookie! They are all kind, patient and knowledgeable. My Cookie is now 7 months old and has learned so much! We both have! Dog Training Elite has given me the confidence and tools to reach our goals. Our family, our pack, feels stronger than ever! Kaycee is so kind, attentive and amazing at what she does! I never have to wonder or worry, I know Kaycee is there to help and answer any questions. She is quick to respond and won't hesitate to call and check in. Deidre is such a strong and knowledgeable dog trainer, her skills are incredible! I'm always amazed and wowed at her knowledge and her ability to connect with dogs. Cookie loves her! Cookie loves to be challenged and given puzzles, Deidre is a master at creating drills and challenges that are not only fun for the dogs but teaches them such useful and amazing real life skills! Deidre is also very caring, kind and a great listener. Megan is an amazing and very creative trainer. She's kind, confident, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile! There was a session she stayed an extra 10 minutes addressing a question i had. She cares for her clients, both humans and pups. I can't thank Dog Training Elite enough! They have made such an impact on our lives and I'm so excited to continue working with them.