Our Training Philosophy
We believe that humane, force/fear free, evidence-based training methods, enrichment and socialization are key for a happy, healthy and harmonious life for humans and pets. We believe in prioritizing positive reinforcement training as aligned with the American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior's most current position statement on humane og training, without the use of fear, force, or aversive methods (such as prong, shock/electric, or choke collars). We believe that pets thrive on enrichment and that mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise in keeping pets happy and content. Socialization throughout a pet’s life with people and other animals is incredibly important to promote positive relationships and safe interactions within the home and community. These three pieces are key for preventing new and working through any behavioral concerns you may have.
AVSAB Position Statement on Humane Training
We’re proud to work with many, highly skilled trainers, facilities, and programs in the community. We do not condone the usage of aversive and punishment-based training methods. Aversive and punishment-based methods are not effective long-term they can cause increased fear, mistrust, negative association, and aggression. Some aversive “tools” include choke, prong, and shock collars. This is just the tip of the iceberg on why we do not allow or condone the use of them on our foster or adopted dogs.
https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/The-Dangers-of-Training-Collars.pdf
Chicagoland R+ (Positive) Reinforcement- Force Free Training Recommendations
A Sound Beginning - Chicagoland and surrounding areas In-home training and group classes
Affinity Dog Training -St. Charles, IL In-home and group training options.
Animal Intuitions - Geneva, IL Group classes.
Animal Behavior Training Concepts - Chicago, IL Private training.
Anything is Pawzible - Chicago, IL and Winnetka, IL Group and Private training options.
Best Choice Dog Training - Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, South Barrington, Sutton, Inverness, Barrington, Barrington Hills, Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, Streamwood, Hanover Park, Bartlett, Keeneyville, Bloomingdale, Roselle, Medina, Itasca, Wood Dale, and neighboring communities in northwest Cook County, southwest Lake County, northern DuPage County, and northeast Kane County
Best Of Behavior, LLC - Chicago and south suburbs, all the way west to Channahon type area and east into Indiana
Blue Line Dog Training - Chicago and surrounding areas In-home training.
Capricorn Dog Training - Chicago, IL Private in-home training.
Clicker Canines - Southwest Chicago Suburbs Group classes and private training options.
Cloud K9 Academy - Naperville, IL Group classes and private training.
Copilot Dog Training – Chicago, IL Group classes and private training.
Dancing Hearts Holistic Learning Center - Manhattan, IL Private training.
Darci Reagan - Wheaton, IL Group classes.
Debbie’s Dogs - Elmhurst, IL Group classes and private training.
Dog Behavior Solutions - Chicago, IL Group classes and private training.
Dog Forward Training - Service area is a 35-minute radius around West Dundee, including the suburbs of Elgin, St. Charles, Crystal Lake, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, and more. Private Sessions and puppy socialization field trips.
Doggie Depot - Downers Grove, IL Group classes and daycare.
Dog is Your CoPilot- Milwaukee, WI Private and group classes.
Dog Obedience by Gina - Belvidere, IL Group classes and private training.
Dogz’N Harmony - Burr Ridge, IL Group classes and private training.
Enjoy Your Dog –DownersGrove, IL Group classes and in-home training.
For your K9, Inc. - Elmhurst, IL Group classes.
Go Fido Good Fido - Chicago, IL Group classes and private training.
Happy Hound University - Elk Grove Village, IL Group classes and private training options.
I Got This Sit - Huntley, IL Day training, limited board and train, and group classes.
Intuitive Animal Behavior - Woodstock to Libertyville, Wisconsin Border to Hoffman Estates/Schaumburg. Also offers virtual sessions, +R board and train and behavioral boarding
It’s a ‘Paws’-itive Thing - Justice IL. Group classes, in-home, and private training.
Kiki Yablon Dog Training - North and near northwest sides of Chicago, as well as some nearby suburbs. Private sessions
Loving Paws, LLC - Kenosha WI. Group classes and private training.
Loyal Companions - St Charles, IL. Group Classes.
Lucky Dog Academy - Plainfield, IL Classes and in-home training.
Matilda’s Doggie Dreamland - North Chicago suburbs, Evanston, and Skokie area.
Mindful Methods Companion Coaching - Greater Chicagoland area
Narnia Pet Behavior & Training - Plainfield, IL Group classes and private training.
One Happy Dog - Mundelein, IL Private, in-home, and group classes.
Over the Moon Positive Dog Training - Batavia and surrounding areas. Group classes and private training options.
Pooch Parenting - Virtual sessions to help families and dogs to be successful when kids and dogs are living together.
Principled Pets - Schaumburg area and virtual. In home and day training
The Puppy Professor - Glen Ellyn, IL Private and group training options.
Root Dog Training - Northbrook, IL Group classes and private training options.
Sally Bushwaller - Chicago, IL Group classes in Wilmette and private training throughout Chicago.
Spot on K9 Sports - West Chicago, IL Group training classes.
Throw Me A Bone, LLC - Delavan, WI Private, In-home training.
TopNotch K9 Professional Dog Training - Marengo, IL Group Classes.
TwoPaws Up Dog Training - Waukegan, IL Group classes and private training.
VGB Dogs, Inc - Glen Ellyn and surrounding area. Group classes and private sessions.
Wise Mind Canine - Western Chicago suburbs. Private and virtual sessions.
Behavioral Consultant:
Pet Harmony - Western Suburbs of Chicago, IL In-home private training.
Veterinary Behaviorist Consulting:
Dr. Fiaa Jokela - Schererville, IN Chicagoland Veterinary Behavior Consultants.
Dr. Kelly Ballantyne - Chicago, IL Insight Animal Behavior Services
Dr. Susan Krebsbach - Oregon, WI Creature Counseling (virtual!).