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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Worcester, MA.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Worcester, MA

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

Training With An E-Collar

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

Worcester 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 Worcester 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 Worcester, MA 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 Worcester - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Worcester, MA
Positive Reinforcement Training
Dog Training Elite Worcester - Puppy Obedience Training in Worcester, MA. DTE
Puppy Obedience Training
Dog Training Elite Worcester - Off Leash Dog Training in Worcester, MA. Dog Training Elite
Off Leash Training
Dog Training Elite Worcester - Dog Agility Training in Worcester, MA. DTE
Agility Through Basic Obedience Training
A women playing with her service dog in Worcester, MA.

The Dog Training Elite Worcester Difference


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

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Judith Philbrook
    May. 12, 2025
    Excellent to work with. Loved how he corrected me so the dog obeyed. Liked how he had me do the training so he could point out what I needed to concentrate more of. Love our training sessions.
  • Carlos Robles
    May. 10, 2025
    Marcus did a great job with training our dog.. he was able to assist us in smoothly utilizing hand signals and introducing tricks in way that us as owners and our dog could grasp quickly!
  • Jane flink
    Apr. 26, 2025
    Good first visit, amazing work with pup in one day, and a very good teacher for the human component!
  • Nicole Signoretti
    May. 7, 2025
    First training session is a success, turns out the dog is great, I need the training!
  • Jess Zorge
    Apr. 17, 2025
    Amazing progress with my dog Quill! He is also deaf which adds another layer to his training. We have learned so much in the short time we have been working together and the results speak for themselves!
  • Gray
    Apr. 25, 2025
    Marcus was patient and kind as he walked me through the onboarding process for my new puppy. He answered all my questions and ensured I had a clear picture of what training would look like.
  • Debra Korzec
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Matt worked very well with Montana and me. First time with this Matt and he gave me some good training points. Thank you! Debra
  • Marie Sargent
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Day 1. Matt was great! Commands and homework demonstrated with easy understanding!! Our dog Gracie responded to our practices as hoped! Looking forward to next session!
  • jonathan hill
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Matt K was very patient and respectful during my dogs initial evaluation. He was very helpful in answering the questions I had about whether or not to proceed forward with my dog.
  • Sol Correa
    Apr. 21, 2025
    He was really good and specific and hw told mw how to do the commands and let me practice to see I was doing it right. Thank you
  • Tonya Robles
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Patient, knowledgeable, professional.
  • Michael Levitz
    Apr. 6, 2025
    3 days in, already he’s off the couch and in his bed where he belongs. Had an excellent E collar intro session with Matt, he’s kind, patient, considerate, and professional, and I can’t believe I’m already seeing results. Thank you!
  • Smart Body
    Apr. 5, 2025
    I spoke with Marcus for the original quote for the service dog training for my pup. It was reasonably priced and offer payment plans. Marcus seemed like a very knowledgeable trainer I am looking forward to the training program.
  • Steven G Cronis, Esq.
    Apr. 4, 2025
    Matt was amazing! Thank you so much!
  • Robin Wolkiewicz
    Nov. 4, 2024
    Fourth session. Working on "heel". Matt is so knowledgeable about training and explains the process perfectly. I am so impressed with how much Maxx, my husband and I have learned. Can't wait for our next session.
  • Jena Pantano
    Dec. 13, 2024
    We had a wonderful consultation with Tiffany at our apartment, and she was fantastic! She’s incredibly friendly and approachable, making the entire experience comfortable for both my dog and me. Tiffany provided a wealth of helpful information and clear, tailored guidance to meet our specific needs. We’re excited to start training!
  • Donna Pinkus
    Oct. 4, 2024
    We had our assessment today and it went great! Marcus was wonderful. I have confidence we will gain lots from training. Had our 1st class today with Matt K. He is very knowledgeable and is way to work with. Looking forward to more! Had our 2nd class today with Tiffany. We are all learning a lot and I believe I will have a better behaved and happier dog. Looking forward to next week. We just finished our last class and feel we have come along way. Matt K has been very patient with both our dog Beau and us. He is walking pretty better, and we know how to work with his reactiveness. We. still have socialization to work on in group classes. Tiffany and Matt K did a few sessions together with us to help with a specific issue. Overall,this has been a great experience.
  • Seth Forbes
    Dec. 8, 2024
    We just finished our second day of training and we absolutely love working with our trainer. Every week we are becoming better trained and our puppy is doing a fantastic job. We really do believe that a big portion of a well trained dog is having well trained parents. We are getting better everyday thanks to DTE!
  • Claire Butrimowicz
    Nov. 1, 2024
    Matt is SO helpful. Marvin and I are making great progress with his firm but kind approach. And he is patient with me as well! Marvin knows place, sit, down, back to sit, come. Not jumping. Working on walking and pulling less. Happy boy!!
  • Sydny Douglas
    Dec. 4, 2024
    I can't express enough how impressed I am by this company. They are on top of communications, and very respectful of your time. Patrick especially was extremely knowledgable, professional and friendly. Do yourself (and your dog) a favor and sign up!
  • Judith Philbrook
    May. 12, 2025
    Excellent to work with. Loved how he corrected me so the dog obeyed. Liked how he had me do the training so he could point out what I needed to concentrate more of. Love our training sessions.
  • Carlos Robles
    May. 10, 2025
    Marcus did a great job with training our dog.. he was able to assist us in smoothly utilizing hand signals and introducing tricks in way that us as owners and our dog could grasp quickly!
  • Jane flink
    Apr. 26, 2025
    Good first visit, amazing work with pup in one day, and a very good teacher for the human component!
  • Nicole Signoretti
    May. 7, 2025
    First training session is a success, turns out the dog is great, I need the training!
  • Jess Zorge
    Apr. 17, 2025
    Amazing progress with my dog Quill! He is also deaf which adds another layer to his training. We have learned so much in the short time we have been working together and the results speak for themselves!
  • Gray
    Apr. 25, 2025
    Marcus was patient and kind as he walked me through the onboarding process for my new puppy. He answered all my questions and ensured I had a clear picture of what training would look like.
  • Debra Korzec
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Matt worked very well with Montana and me. First time with this Matt and he gave me some good training points. Thank you! Debra
  • Marie Sargent
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Day 1. Matt was great! Commands and homework demonstrated with easy understanding!! Our dog Gracie responded to our practices as hoped! Looking forward to next session!
  • jonathan hill
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Matt K was very patient and respectful during my dogs initial evaluation. He was very helpful in answering the questions I had about whether or not to proceed forward with my dog.
  • Sol Correa
    Apr. 21, 2025
    He was really good and specific and hw told mw how to do the commands and let me practice to see I was doing it right. Thank you
  • Tonya Robles
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Patient, knowledgeable, professional.
  • Michael Levitz
    Apr. 6, 2025
    3 days in, already he’s off the couch and in his bed where he belongs. Had an excellent E collar intro session with Matt, he’s kind, patient, considerate, and professional, and I can’t believe I’m already seeing results. Thank you!
  • Smart Body
    Apr. 5, 2025
    I spoke with Marcus for the original quote for the service dog training for my pup. It was reasonably priced and offer payment plans. Marcus seemed like a very knowledgeable trainer I am looking forward to the training program.
  • Steven G Cronis, Esq.
    Apr. 4, 2025
    Matt was amazing! Thank you so much!
  • Robin Wolkiewicz
    Nov. 4, 2024
    Fourth session. Working on "heel". Matt is so knowledgeable about training and explains the process perfectly. I am so impressed with how much Maxx, my husband and I have learned. Can't wait for our next session.
  • Jena Pantano
    Dec. 13, 2024
    We had a wonderful consultation with Tiffany at our apartment, and she was fantastic! She’s incredibly friendly and approachable, making the entire experience comfortable for both my dog and me. Tiffany provided a wealth of helpful information and clear, tailored guidance to meet our specific needs. We’re excited to start training!
  • Donna Pinkus
    Oct. 4, 2024
    We had our assessment today and it went great! Marcus was wonderful. I have confidence we will gain lots from training. Had our 1st class today with Matt K. He is very knowledgeable and is way to work with. Looking forward to more! Had our 2nd class today with Tiffany. We are all learning a lot and I believe I will have a better behaved and happier dog. Looking forward to next week. We just finished our last class and feel we have come along way. Matt K has been very patient with both our dog Beau and us. He is walking pretty better, and we know how to work with his reactiveness. We. still have socialization to work on in group classes. Tiffany and Matt K did a few sessions together with us to help with a specific issue. Overall,this has been a great experience.
  • Seth Forbes
    Dec. 8, 2024
    We just finished our second day of training and we absolutely love working with our trainer. Every week we are becoming better trained and our puppy is doing a fantastic job. We really do believe that a big portion of a well trained dog is having well trained parents. We are getting better everyday thanks to DTE!
  • Claire Butrimowicz
    Nov. 1, 2024
    Matt is SO helpful. Marvin and I are making great progress with his firm but kind approach. And he is patient with me as well! Marvin knows place, sit, down, back to sit, come. Not jumping. Working on walking and pulling less. Happy boy!!
  • Sydny Douglas
    Dec. 4, 2024
    I can't express enough how impressed I am by this company. They are on top of communications, and very respectful of your time. Patrick especially was extremely knowledgable, professional and friendly. Do yourself (and your dog) a favor and sign up!