We know that your choice of dog trainer can make all the difference in whether your dog works out in your home.
We also know it can take hours (that you don’t have) to find the perfect dog trainer for your own situation.
We’ve done the research for you and gathered a list of some of the best dog trainers in Chicago along with their areas of expertise. In this post, you’ll discover:
- What we absolutely love about each of these Chicago dog trainers
- The dog trainer that prepares your dog to behave at weddings (no kidding:)
- The trainer that offers dog cooking sessions (she’s canine nutrition certified)
- Heart warming dog rescue stories (get your Kleenex)
- The trainer whose life mission is helping Pit Bulls (what a saint)
These Chicago dog trainers don’t necessarily have a big marketing budget or fancy website. Many of them operate with only one to two trainers from their homes.
We love to dig deep and find those local dog trainers that have made dog training their lives. That’s where the gold is.
Wise Dogs Behavior and Training
Trainer owner Kirsten Watry is CPDT-KA certified but here’s what’s even better: She started training dogs at a Wisconsin animal rescue in 2009 where she helped at risk dogs become more adoptable. (We’re impressed!)
Her college degree is in psychology with an emphasis on animal behavior. She has for years and still does participate in ongoing dog behavior training.
Kirsten’s services include private and day training for Chicago and its suburbs. She also has virtual dog training at reasonable prices.
Read a few heart warming dog rescue success stories.
What We Love: Everything!
Found Chicago Boarding & Training Center
Located just north of downtown Chicago, this dog trainer also offers board and train, daycare and train, and a variety of training focuses.
For example, their Adventure Dog Program helps you prepare your dog for outings, such as dining out with you or going on beach excursions. Their rehabilitation program addresses the needs of aggressive dogs that bite or have other issues. The structure of their programs varies and includes videos, private lessons, and/or group lessons.
Owner Fabian Romo-Vargas has 15 years of dog training experience. His certifications include a CCPDT-KA, and CGC.
Fabian and his wife own multiple dog businesses. They compete in Toss and Fetch. Fabian oversees the Protection Sports Committee of the International Association of Canine Professionals.
Learn more about their upcoming dog training programs.
What We Love: Seeing over 485 great reviews. They’re clearly doing something right:)
Another Chance Training
Owner trainer Shir’s qualifications include Animal Behavioral College ABCDT and a canine nutrition certification. She is an Association of Professional Dog Trainers member.
Shir’s program formats vary. She offers private training in your home for up to 4 sibling dogs. This could be ideal for someone needing different rules for different dogs in the same household, or just getting more bang for your buck!
She also has “in the field” training at locations near your home. You don’t have to be present for these sessions. Shir offers adventure training for experiences such as patio dining, dog parks, and vet visits.
Shir can even help you celebrate your dog’s birthday or facilitate your dog’s attendance at wedding or engagement parties! In your home cooking sessions are yet another option for this outside the box dog trainer. (Remember, she’s canine nutrition certified.) Group classes and dog owner support groups are other options.
Holy cow! Now we see why Shir sometimes has a waiting list so go ahead and check out her dog training programs asap if you’re interested.
View this profile on Instagram
What we love: Shir’s hands on creative and unique training programs.
Back to Basics Dog Training Chicago
Founder and lead trainer Wen Tze has worked at a zoo, a dog boarding facility, a veterinary clinic, and a pet insurance company. Let’s also note she trained as a dog handler with the U.S. Marine Corps. Her college majors were psychology and animal science.
Wen does have a very small team of dog trainers, so you may not get her as your trainer, but she developed the training method used at Back to Basics Dog Training.
Back to Basics Dog Training Chicago offers a range of programs including dog behavior modification training programs that address aggressive dog issues such as attacking other dogs and biting. Their work is available in and around Chicago.
What We Love: Owner trainer Wen’s extensive background working with dogs and Wen’s a veteran.
My Clever Canine
Owner and trainer Caz has been working with dogs for over 10 years and training dogs since 2016. They’re located just north of downtown Chicago between Edgewater and Evanston. Caz’s certification is from the Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
This small dog training business could be ideal for reactive, timid, or senior dogs that haven’t been able to attend a dog daycare. Note that furry clients must complete their Clever Canine training program before applying to their dog daycare program, Dynamic Daycare; this makes a lot of sense.
They also offer a two week board and train program with limited capacity. They accept aggressive dogs in this program, although they may need an additional week.
The dog daycare is an extension of their training programs. Daycare can also include exercise such as walks, treadmills, and agility activities, depending on the dog.
What We Love: How My Clever Canine meets the unique needs of dogs that need to attend dog daycare but haven’t been able to do so previously.
Note: Unfortunately, we cannot link to My Clever Canine and their phone number isn’t listed but a quick Google search will find them online for you. We didn’t want you to miss out on them if they are just what you and your dog need simply because of their website missing an SSL certificate:)
Koppel’s K9s
Owner and dog trainer Sarah Koppel founded this small business in 2016. Their only focus is dog training, and that can be a good thing.
Her dog training programs can be customized to include in home training, virtual training, or other services needed. Training can even be done at a Chicago dog park.
Sarah’s programs address basic dog training needs such as potty training, nipping, and other common behavior problems.
What We Love: Sarah is the only trainer so you know who you’re getting, and your dog gets to know her during various training programs.
The Fine Canine Dog Training & Boarding
Dog trainer and behavior counselor Monica Bedrosian founded this multi facteted canine business which includes dog acting services, training, and boarding. She is a member of the National Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Her own Dalmatians have participated in agility competitions.
Aimee Schilling is the other trainer; she has titled dogs in agility, obedience, and hunt tests. She serves on the board for the American Brittany Rescue. Her training and experience is extensive.
You can read the dog trainer bios.
What We Love: Founder Monica is establishing an agility club for children and dogs. What a great and unique “off screen” activity.
Downtown Dogs Chicago
The lead trainer at this downtown Chicago dog trainer, Ari, has been studying dog training and training dogs for 25 years. Ari is heavily involved with dog sports, as a Board of Director member, a judge, and a competitor with the North American Ring Association (NARA).
View their dog training programs which include Board and Train services.
Wolf’s Lair K9
Carlos, the owner and trainer at this Northbrook, IL business began dog handling in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2003 through 2009. Additional extensive experience since then includes hunting dog training, service dog training, working with search and rescue dogs, and more.
Carlos’ partner and fellow trainer, Elizabeth, has a love for Pit Bulls, in particular. Her extensive canine background includes work at dog shelters and service dog training.
Their dog training programs include boot camps, private lessons, day training, and specialized programs including service dogs and personal protection dogs.
What We Love: Carlos’ and Elizabeth’s extensive backgounds and ability to train in multiple areas. We also love to feature veteran owned businesses.
Call Of The Wild School For Dogs
Call Of The Wild School for Dogs offers just about everything when it comes to canine needs from their downtown Chicago location. They offer skilled training courses, agility courses, and therapy dog certifications, as well as “highly structured” doggie daycare and dog boarding.
Owner and trainer Jennifer Boznos founded this long established dog school in 1992. She and her team of dog trainers have served over 10,000 dog owners.
Jennifer is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, competes nationally in AKC and UKC obedience competitions, and has studied under multiple iconic dog trainers.
Boznos is a member of the Wisconsin Working Stockdog Association and evaluates for the Chicago location of the nonprofit Canine Therapy Corps.
Note from Camille: We normally don’t include businesses without an SSL certificate on their website since we cannot link to them, but there was no way we could exclude Call of the Wild School for Dogs from our list of best dog trainers in Chicago. You can reach them at (773) 539-1088.
What We Love: Jennifer’s clear love for dogs and her commitment to their well being.
Summary
I think Chicago has the most highly qualified dog trainers of any city we’ve researched! If you live here, you’re sure to find a dog trainer that can meet your needs.
BTW, none of these Chicago dog trainers have paid to be listed here, although we are open to sponsors so we can continue to find and support small local dog training businesses.
