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Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Worcester

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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 and rely on positive reinforcement 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.

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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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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • 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. 9, 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!
  • Katrina Guenette
    Dec. 3, 2024
    If I could give more than five stars, I would absolutely amazing Trainer 🐾!!!!!!
  • Mike Corrado
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Excellent job on day 1! We are confident our money was well spent and we learned a lot on the 40 mins he spent with us and our dog. We are very happy.
  • Caitlin Bogue
    Nov. 23, 2024
    Marcus came to my house for a consultation. He was calm and knowledgeable, and made me feel like he had my family’s best interest in mind.
  • Melanie
    Nov. 23, 2024
    Matt is truly a dog person. He understands them and my dog loves him. He doesn’t get upset if you’re doing a command wrong and will correct you as many times as it takes. I recommend him and Elite 100% to anyone who’s looking to train your puppy!!
  • Joseph Clem
    Nov. 17, 2024
    He was very professional and attentative to my dogs needs. He was confident and it showed by how he was able to take control of the dog without hurting him.
  • Paul Flanagan
    Nov. 19, 2024
    Tiffany did a great job! It was nice to have her in the apartment meeting our dog in a comfortable space for her, and we were really happy with how it went.
  • Rob Shaw
    Nov. 19, 2024
    Extremely professional, very impressive from the first moment. Exceeded expectations. I have a lot of confidence we can train my 4-year-old dog
  • DavidandJulie Safaii
    Nov. 14, 2024
    Matt has been patient, clear, and very intentional in his work with my dog and me. I highly recommend him, as well as the team at Dog Training Elite. In 6 sessions, I have seen the rewards of the training on our rescue dog in so many ways & have learned skills that I will use everyday.
  • Anna
    Oct. 1, 2024
    Patrick came and did assessment of our dog and took time to listen to us and hear what we wanted to do with training for our almost 1 year old dog. i feel so relieved and happy that we will learn (and out dog) how to handle any situation with ease. We completed individual lessons which Patrick listened to our requests and did training in walks meeting dogs and in the field and gave us so many new ways to interact and create learning with our dog. We are going on to group lessons next so building on what we have done and just really keep our dog well behaved in many situations. thank you Patrick and Elite dog training!
  • Ryan Hall
    Nov. 12, 2024
    The communication and information has been great from Dog Training Elite. A trainer (Matt) came very punctual to do a no-cost assessment, meet our dog and even brought his 1.5 year old pup to demonstrate the training that has been done first hand. Very fair pricing for training that will last a lifetime for our dog.
  • Julie Karlson Safaii
    Oct. 30, 2024
    The best investment I have made. Matt is great - I get so much out of our sessions!!
  • Dean Shapley
    Oct. 30, 2024
    DTE was very flexible working with my erratic schedule. The trainers I worked with were professional, knowledgeable, and personal. I would recommend to anyone for basic or therapy dog training.
  • Christopher young
    Oct. 30, 2024
    We just had our free consultation done and Marcus was great. He was very calm and collected when meeting our pups, answered all of our questions in a way that we could understand, and after his live demo with his pup we knew it was worth the investment.
  • Trina & AJ
    Oct. 28, 2024
    She’s doing so well!! Very obedient!!!