Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

The Best Dog Trainers in Chicago, IL of 2024

David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

This is a list of the top dog trainers in Chicago, IL, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

  • Margaret Fraser Photo

    Margaret Fraser

    CPDT-KA, CGC Evaluator

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Chicago neighborhoods and some nearby suburbs

    I am a Chicago-based trainer that believes training should be fun, sustainable, and kind. I want to help you and your pup better understand each other and use training and management solutions that work with your individual needs and lifestyle. I rely on positive reinforcement training with a focus on science-based methods.


  • Ali Evanson Photo

    Ali Evanson

    CDBC, FDM, KPA CTP, CTDI

    Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, Puppy training

    Huntley, IL

    Ali is a graduate of The Karen Pryor Academy, earning her Karen Pryor Certified Training Partner title (KPA CTP). She is a certified dog behavior consultant (CDBC) and a certified family dog mediator (FDM). Ali continues her education and professional growth by attending several seminars each year. She makes every effort to provide her clients the individual training solutions their dog needs....


  • Katie Morgan Photo

    Katie Morgan

    ABCDT

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

    Chicago suburbs, Rockford, roscoe, rockton, south Beloit, Beloit.

    I am certified through Animal Behavior College (ABCDT) and have a wealth of continued education since my certification. I specialize in Reactive/aggressive dogs. And love the Canine sports as I hope to be adding more sporting options to clients.

    My training outside of Canine sports is focused more on everyday application of obedience cues and applying them to everyday manners.
    <...


  • Mary Thompson Photo

    Mary Thompson

    CTC with Honors from Jean Donaldson's Academy for Dog Trainers, PMCT1 from Pat Miller's Certification academies, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Professional

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

    Northwest Suburbs of Chicago including but not limited to Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Roselle, Itasca, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Park Ridge, Edison Park, and more.

    Hi! My name is Mary Thompson, I have been working with dogs for almost my entire life and have owned by own training business, Happy Hound University LLC since 2017. I got into training the way most of us get into training: because of my problem dog Regis. Regis had dog reactivity, stranger directed aggression, barrier frustration, handling issues, resource guarding... pretty much everything wo...


  • Liz Silberman Photo

    Liz Silberman

    CBCC-KA, AKC Evaluator, Certified Canine First Aid and CPR Instructor

    Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

    Chicago and north shore suburbs

    I have been training dogs for close to 20 years. I started my career teaching all levels of basic through advanced obedience. Immediately I realized my love for working with anxious and fearful dogs, and how using positive reinforcement methods helps change the emotions behind the behavior. My goal is always to help dogs become more confident in their environment and to feel more comfortable an...


  • Angela DePalma Photo

    Angela DePalma

    CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, AKC CGC Evaluator

    Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

    Illinois: Park Ridge, Wilmette, Barrington, Winnetka, Inverness, Long Grove, Lake Zurich, Glenview, Hawthorn Woods, Naperville, Geneva, St. Charles, Glen Ellyn, Chicago, Wisconsin: Lake Geneva

    I have been dog training professionally for over 10 ten years. I am certified in dog training and behavior consulting. I also am an AKC Evaluator and have so much fun working with the AKC programs. I love creating working relationships with my clients and their pups and watching them attain their goals whether it may be becoming a therapy dog team or entering trick competitions.


  • Debbie Bickford Photo

    Debbie Bickford

    CTC - Certificate of Training and (behavior) Counseling - with honors - Academy for Dog Trainers - 2000 CTDI - Certified Trick Dog Instructor CCFC - Canine Conditioning Fitness Coach

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Chicago and Chicago-land suburbs

    Debbie has worked as a professional dog trainer for over 20 years.

    Her group classes are taught at For Your K9 - where she teaches Puppy, Basic, Canine Life and Social Skills/Canine Good Citizen, Tricks, and Rally Free.

    Debbie is a long-time member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the Pet Professional Guild.

    She is one of just 70 trainers worldwide...


  • Gina Nichols Photo

    Gina Nichols

    CPDT-KA, ABCDT, Fear Free Certified

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

    Belvidere, Cherry Valley, Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Poplar Grove, Caledonia, Marengo, Garden Prairie, DeKalb, Kingston, Genoa

    "I have been training dogs using positive training techniques since I was a child, luring my first dog with hot dogs through an agility course made of dressers, plywood, ladders and hula hoops."

    Gina is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). She graduated Animal Behavior College with honors, where she earned her Animal Behavior Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT) certification. She ...


  • Yvonne Feeney Photo

    Yvonne Feeney

    CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, In home training, Puppy training

    Chicago

    I'm one of a handful of certified behavioral consultants in Chicago and have been invested in the rescue community since 2009.


  • Shir Limazati Photo

    Shir Limazati

    ABCDT, CPDT-KA

    Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Chicago

    When I was younger, I was always told " you only get one more chance". Even at a young age, I felt the pressure of having to get it right by the second time. As I went through life as an adult, I noticed so many names of companies called "second chance..." and it brought me back to that feeling of defeat when I was a child. I made it my mission to give humans and dogs as many chances as it t...


  • Sonia Fetherling Photo

    Sonia Fetherling

    LDFM-T, CPDT, CAP 2

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training

    Chicago, Orland Park, Homewood, Tinley Park, Aurora, Oak Park, Aurora, Frankfort, Schereville

    I started training professionally over 2 decades ago after adopting a Coonhound mix and soon thereafter ending up crying on the floor, surrounded by puddles of pee, not sure what to do! My commitment to learning and growing my knowledge has not stopped since then. I have multiple certifications, have completed many in-person and online courses, and have attended many learning expos and seminars...


  • Rendy Schuchat Photo

    Rendy Schuchat

    Certified Professional Dog Trainer

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

    Chicago

    I am the owner of Anything Is Pawzible Dog Training in Chicago, Illinois. I created this company 23 years ago and it has grown to the largest dog training company in Chicago. With 19 trainers on staff and 4 locations I am proud to offer so many unique classes and offerings to our clients. Anything Is Pawzible has classes ranging the entire span of a dog's lifetime from puppy classes to senior...


  • Julia Lane Photo

    Julia Lane

    CPDT-KA

    Reactive dog training, Agility training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Bartlett, Batavia, Campton Hills, Downers Grove, Elgin, Geneva, Maple Park, Naperville, St. Charles, South Elgin, Streamwood, Wayne, West Chicago, Wheaton, Winfield

    Julia Lane, CPDT-KA, has been a professional dog trainer specializing in agility, obedience & reactivity for over 15 years. She owns Spot On K9 Sports, LLC, a 17,500 sq. ft. dog sports training facility featuring group classes, private lessons, seminars & agility trials. She also provides in-home dog training.


  • Julia Mendes Photo

    Julia Mendes

    Wag! Certified trainer

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Agility training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Chicago area and surrounding suburbs

    As a lifelong animal lover, I finally decided to take the leap and start my own training business. I am especially passionate about rescuing animals (currently I have two rescues of my own) and exploring the many benefits of the animal-human connection.


  • Nancy Paolucci Photo

    Nancy Paolucci

    CPDT-KA

    Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

    Glenview, Wilmette, Winnetka, Northbrook, Northfield, Golf, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, Niles, Skokie, Evanston, Highland Park, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Wheeling

    Nancy Paolucci, CPDT-KA did not discover her passion for dogs and training until she adopted her first dog in her 20's. Nancy graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa with a degree in Marketing and found herself in the world of promotional products where she met her husband. They adopted their first dog, Abby an English Setter, in 2007 and Nancy never looked back. She delved into trainin...


  • Cassie Williams Photo

    Cassie Williams

    Karen Pryor Academy-Certified Training Partner

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

    Chicago and the entire Chicagoland Area

    I worked in special education for 30 years. I started my journey as a school social worker and ended my career as the assistant superintendent of special education. I have loved animals all my life and have been pet parent to quite a menagerie including rats, birds, dogs and cats. About 9 years ago, I became the mama of a wheaten terrier puppy who had significant anxiety and reactivity to other...


  • Yasmin Baylor Photo

    Yasmin Baylor

    KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe, Belvidere, Byron, Loves Park, Machesney Park, South Beloit, Davis Junction, Winnebago County, Boone County

    Hi! I'm Yasmin Baylor, KPA-CTP and CPDT-KA. I am a Certified Training Partner and graduate of the internationally-esteemed Karen Pryor Academy, as well as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the CCPDT accreditation council.

    After earning my Bachelors in Computer Science and Graphic Design, and working for years in the business world, I knew it was time to switch gears and comm...


  • Donna Orlowski Photo

    Donna Orlowski

    CGC Evaluator, member of APDT

    Agility training, In home training, Puppy training

    Fox Vally Area

    I have at the present time 2 dogs. I have trialed in both agility and herding. I have been helping people and their dogs since 2012


  • Janice Triptow Photo

    Janice Triptow

    CDBC, CPDT-KA

    Service dog training

    While practicing law, Janice Triptow began training her own dogs in 1992. She started instructing dog training classes in 1997 and has been offering a broad spectrum of dog behavior and training services since 1999. Janice is a certified professional dog behavior consultant (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) and a professional dog trainer (Council of Certified Profession...


  • Cailin Patracon Photo

    Cailin Patracon

    CPDT-KA CPT

    Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Chicago

    I've been a full time dog trainer for 2 years and use science-based, humane training methods.


  • Megan Ores-Uhrich Photo

    Megan Ores-Uhrich

    KPA CTP, CPDT-KA

    Reactive dog training, Off leash training

    Megan and Jennifer started Capricorn Dog Training, LLC in 2012. After working her magic with many Chicago dogs and their owners, Megan relocated to St. Louis in late 2021. She now works in the behavior department of the Humane Society of Missouri. The dogs and people of Chicago will miss her extraordinary dog behavior and training knowledge. Megan is currently not taking new clients.


  • Ronnie Gutierrez Photo

    Ronnie Gutierrez

    CPDT-KA, Cert. SAPT, CCDT

    Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

    Chicago

    I am a Chicago-based dog trainer focused on using science-based methods to improve the lives of dogs and their humans. I strive to provide quality training that is fun for everyone.


  • Sophie Amphlett Photo

    Sophie Amphlett

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Deaf dog training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    I was born in North Wales, U.K., living in a rural area and my closest companion as a child was my black labrador dog, Nellie, with whom I would spend hours a day walking in the woods.

    ‚ÄãAfter school, I moved to London and worked in the city for 14 years where I met my husband.

    We moved to the USA, had some kids, adopted a dog, Bentley, and our family was complete. As our you...


  • Judit Arroyo Photo

    Judit Arroyo

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    Judit was only 17 years old when she found herself in over her head with her first dog, Puffy. Always a timid pup, at two years old he became very aggressive and reactive towards people and other dogs. Not willing to give up on her dog and not able to afford training Judit was determined to learn the art of dog training. In 2002 she launched her career as a professional dog trainer when he appl...


  • LaShaunti Bailey Photo

    LaShaunti Bailey

    Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    LaShaunti is a Chicago native raised in the southern suburbs. She’s loved animals ever since she was a kid, but she’s always had a special love for dogs. Her first dog was a long-haired dachshund who lived to be 12. She was a girl’s best friend and fueled her passion for animals. As a kid, LaShaunti was constantly watching Animal Planet with her dog and various other pets.

    After ...


  • Nate Banos Photo

    Nate Banos

    Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Nate grew up surrounded by dogs and cherished every opportunity he had to spend time with his family’s dogs. He was raised in Chicago and went to college at Michigan Tech, where he received a B.S. in Mathematics. During his time in college, Nate worked as a math tutor and fell in love with teaching. After completing his degree, he moved back to Chicago and began to pursue his other passion–...


  • Lin Barrett Photo

    Lin Barrett

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    Lin has always been passionate about all animals. Having grown up in a small town in Connecticut, they grew up around dogs, cats, horses, goats, chickens, you name it! Their passion for dogs stumbled into their life with a tiny Westie puppy their parents adopted for the family. Lin took every opportunity to learn about dogs and training after that. With this passion in their back pocket, they m...


  • Lorree Bartlett Photo

    Lorree Bartlett

    In home training, Board and train

    Lorree has been around animals all her life with dogs being the biggest part. With
    a degree from Penn State with a B.S. in Environmental Education with an
    emphasis on wildlife, she’s worked in education for the National Park Service, IN
    State Park Service and Brookfield Zoo. She holds certifications for dog training
    from Animal Behavior College (ABCDT certification) and Canine...


  • Corinne Batterman Photo

    Corinne Batterman

    In home training, Board and train

    Corinne started training agility when she was looking for a way to give her 1st Austrailian Shepherd, Auddi, a healthy outlet for her energy 10 years ago. Since then she has worked with her own dogs in agility, nosework, obedience, herding, dock diving, canine fitness, Canine Good Citizen, Canine Good Citizen Advance, Canine Good Citizen Urban, and is a Certified Therapy Dog Team with her dog G...


  • Monica Bedrosian Photo

    Monica Bedrosian

    In home training, Board and train

    Monica earned her B.A. in Biology from North Central College and minored in French at Iowa State University. She is a member of the National Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the International Marine Animal Trainers Association. She has earned multiple competitive agility titles with her Dalmatians, Hannah, and Drake.

    Monica is interested in helping anyone train any type of dog. She ...


  • Bobby Brown Photo

    Bobby Brown

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train

    Bobby Brown started professionally training dogs in 2015. He earned his certification through CATCH and the Council of Professional Dog Trainers. Bobby has 2 personal dogs, Bella, a Bully Breed Mix, and Sugar, a Border Collie/Lab Mix. Together, they enjoy training and competing in Dock Diving, Flyball, Nose work, and their newest passion, Agility. In addition to dog training, Bobby has trained ...


  • Justyna Buettner Photo

    Justyna Buettner

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    Justyna has fostered and helped rescue several animals since her early 20s and is completing her certification with Animal Behavioral College. Jusyna has been training puppies with Anything Is Pawzible for the last two years. When not at work she likes to spend time with her three kids, her fur babies Cooper (dog) and Ziggy (cat) and her reptile babies Ocho (bearded dragon), Pearl (snake) and B...


  • Aliya Carey Photo

    Aliya Carey

    Board and train, Puppy training, Agility training

    Aliya has currently worked in the pet training field for 10 years and was certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). The training facilities she has worked with specialize in pet obedience, intensive behavioral modification, and the fostering/training of rescue dogs. This experience has given her the knowledge of how to implement effe...


  • Evan Dallas Photo

    Evan Dallas

    Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    As a Chicago area native, Evan grew up spending as much time with dogs as he possibly could (despite not being able to have one at home due to a sibling's allergies). As an adolescent, he spent his free time training the dogs of family members and soon realized he had a passion for working with animals. During his college years, Evan worked as a dog walker while living in Chicago and spent his ...


  • Danielle Davis Photo

    Danielle Davis

    In home training, Board and train

    Danielle has 15 plus years of agility experience. She has put MACHs, ADCHs, NATCHs, and UGRACHs on multiple dogs. Has qualified for AKC Nationals in 2010-2015, USDAA Nationals 2010-2014, and NADAC Championships 2010-2011. She has also gone to AKC World/International Team Tryouts in 2012-2014 and was a member of the AKC International team in 2013. She also actively competes in Obedience, Rally, ...


  • Pamela Davis Photo

    Pamela Davis

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train

    Pamela is a teacher and coach who specializes in helping people understand, communicate with, and train their pet dogs. Her training methodology is compassionate and science-based and focuses on rewarding desired behaviors. Pamela’s approach is also informed by her background in theatre and education. She prioritizes empathy, clear communication, and active participation from both human and c...


  • Andrew Donnelly Photo

    Andrew Donnelly

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    Andrew has been a dog walker for over seven years, serving River North, Streeterville and Gold Coast. After attending Fetch Find Academy’s training program, he became a Field Operations Manager for Chicago Pet Sitters where he trained staff members in safe-handling techniques. His passion for training and educating dog owners stems from a cynopraxic philosophy: enhancing the human-dog relatio...


  • Alison Doubleday Photo

    Alison Doubleday

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training

    A lifelong animal lover, Alison entered the training world thanks to her two Australian Cattle Dogs, Fox and Rocket. Both Fox and Rocket participated in group classes at Anything is Pawzible when they were first adopted. Helping these two rescue pups work through various challenges and making sure they feel safe and happy in the world has been an inspirational experience and has impacted every...


  • Rachel Fein Photo

    Rachel Fein

    Aggressive dog training, Agility training, Puppy training, Herding training, Deaf dog training

    Rachel grew up working with dogs. Her first experience with training came with her dog, Nico, when she was seventeen. She later trained a rescue dog named Kali. Kali went on to earn a champion title in agility as well as titles in obedience and tricks. Rachel has participated in agility, dock diving, tricks, obedience, nose work, and therapy work. Her dog, Flash, is competed in agility and disc...


  • Ari Fleishman Photo

    Ari Fleishman

    Agility training, In home training, Board and train

    Ari has spent the better part of the past 25 years training and studying from the greatest dog trainers in the world. His obsession began while attending the University of Kansas with a German Short Hair Pointer/Lab mix named Bo, and flourished from there. Since then Ari has dedicated himself to formulating a system that allows him to successfully teach dogs and humans how to communicate.


  • Ari Fleishman Photo

    Ari Fleishman

    Board and train, Puppy training, Agility training

    Ari has spent the better part of the past 25 years training and studying from the greatest dog trainers in the world. His obsession began while attending the University of Kansas with a German Short Hair Pointer/Lab mix named Bo, and flourished from there. Since then Ari has dedicated himself to formulating a system that allows him to successfully teach dogs and humans how to communicate.


  • Tamara Gansz Photo

    Tamara Gansz

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    Tamara Gansz has been obsessed with dogs since her earliest days. While her degree is in Art History, she started Pets-Chicago, a dog walking company, in 2003 and has been humbled and learning every day through the beauty of the animals she cares for. Leeloo, Jinx and Sevro are Tamara’s three rescue dogs and each has been a beacon for her to dive deeper and learn more. Leeloo, a therapy do...


  • Heather Haggerty Photo

    Heather Haggerty

    In home training, Board and train

    Heather is the owner/operator of Lucky Dog Academy. She is a Certified Dog Trainer and mentor trainer graduated with honors from Animal Behavior College, an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). She has two Border Collies and has competed in UKI, USDAA, CPE, AKC and Nadac agility, and also enjoys herding, nosework, obedience and trick trai...


  • Grace Huffman Photo

    Grace Huffman

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training, Board and train

    For as long as she can remember, dogs have been apart of Grace's life; from getting her first dog at 5 years old, to religiously playing Nintendogs on her DS, and eventually to training her own Service Dog in college. At Urban Pooch, Grace teaches all levels of Agility and Disc as well as puppy and LEVELS classes. Grace has 3 personal dogs: Guster (Mini Schnauzer), Rafiki (Standard Poodle) and ...


  • John Hughes Photo

    John Hughes

    Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Born and raised in Lake Bluff, IL, John has spent his entire life in the Chicagoland area and currently resides in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago. From a very early age, he’s had a fascination with nature and all of its creatures. Growing up right next to forest preserves allowed him to spend his formative years outside exploring and taking in everything he could to better unde...


  • John Hughes Photo

    John Hughes

    Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    Born and raised in Lake Bluff, IL, John has spent his entire life in the Chicagoland area and currently resides in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago. From a very early age, he’s had a fascination with nature and all of its creatures. Growing up right next to forest preserves allowed him to spend his formative years outside exploring and taking in everything he could to better unde...


  • Brooke Janke Photo

    Brooke Janke

    Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

    Brooke has always had a special place in her heart for dogs! Growing up in a pet-loving family, Brooke was blessed to have several four-legged family members that made her childhood feel complete. In addition to dogs, horses have also played a significant role: she has been a riding instructor for the last 16 years and has competed for most of her life.

    Driven by her childhood dream, ...


  • Brooke Janke Photo

    Brooke Janke

    Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training

    Brooke has always had a special place in her heart for dogs! Growing up in a pet-loving family, Brooke was blessed to have several four-legged family members that made her childhood feel complete. In addition to dogs, horses have also played a significant role: she has been a riding instructor for the last 16 years and has competed for most of her life.

    Driven by her childhood dream, ...


  • Elizabeth Jefferis Photo

    Elizabeth Jefferis

    Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train

    Elizabeth Jefferis grew up on a horse farm in Southeastern Pennsylvania training, competing, and hunting with her family’s hunter/jumper horses. Teaching has always been so rewarding for Elizabeth, from college sociology professor to property rehab mentor to certified yoga instructor to dog trainer. (Don’t tell anyone, but “dog training” is really “people training.”) She has been te...


  • Coco Johnson Photo

    Coco Johnson

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training, Agility training

    Coco grew up with a love and understanding of dogs from a young age. Family pets consisted of Golden Retrievers from her grandparents to German Shepards who were too goofy to become police dogs.Prior to working in a caregiver capacity with animals, Coco worked in the entertainment industry. From working as a Radio Engineer at Clear Channel to Promotional work at Victory Records and finally a Mo...


Welcome to Chicago’s list of top dog trainers. The Chicago, Illinois list is based on 1830 votes from the Illinois Sniffspot community. Only the Chicago dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Margaret Fraser at the top of this list with 302 votes. We also counted 2369 votes for Illinois, with the remaining trainers listed outside of Chicago.

Our rankings include trainers certified by CPDT-KA and CPDT-KA. They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.

Chicago dog trainer services include:

  • Puppy training
  • In home training
  • Aggressive dog training
  • Board and train
  • Reactive dog training
  • Agility training
  • Off leash training
  • Deaf dog training
  • Protection/guard dog training
  • Herding training
  • Service dog training

Behind every successful Chicago training session lies a passionate professional. Margaret Fraser shares why they chose this path: I first became interested in training when I adopted my dog Bea (Arthur) in 2013 while living in New York City. I had to quickly learn how to manage a behaviorally challenging dog in an urban environment. This led to a passion for rescuing, fostering, and training dogs. I have fostered over 20 dogs for local animal rescues and continue to volunteer my time helping animals in need.. All 86 trainers on this Chicago list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Chicago trainer, Ali Evanson, uses the following methods: We first begin with an info sheet which has a lot of specific questions on it related to what the owners are seeing from their dogs which helps tell us which program would fit best for them as well as if they're right for our board and train program. We then get them on the books for their stay and set up an initial consult which is done at my training center. This lets me meet the dog and determine if they will likely be successful in our program. They would then begin their program which is usually 2-3 weeks long. We use all positive reinforcement methods and believe in treating dogs kindly. When they check in we let them decompress and work on basic behaviors and anything we think they should learn to be successful at their bigger goals. If they're working on reactivity we will systematically work with one of my neutral dogs to counter condition and desensitize before we begin working out in the real world. A follow up consult is included when you pick up your dog from their stay. We offer continuing education that can be added on to each package which can be done in home, virtually or at my training center..

Explore the top dog trainers in Chicago as voted by our community:

Sniffspot Dog running on field

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Trainers In Other Cities Near Chicago

Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list


See The Best Dog Trainers By Type In Chicago


FAQ: Meet the Top Chicago, Illinois Dog Trainers

Who are the top-rated dog trainers in Chicago, Illinois?

In Chicago, Margaret Fraser has earned the highest recognition for their expertise in Aggressive dog training. They, along with Ali Evanson and Katie Morgan, provide personalized training services to meet the diverse needs of Chicago dog owners.

What drives Chicago dog trainers to excel in their services?

Margaret Fraser and other leading trainers in Chicago are motivated by a passion for helping dogs and their owners. Margaret Fraser was inspired to offer their services in Chicago because I first became interested in training when I adopted my dog Bea (Arthur) in 2013 while living in New York City. I had to quickly learn how to manage a behaviorally challenging dog in an urban environment. This led to a passion for rescuing, fostering, and training dogs. I have fostered over 20 dogs for local animal rescues and continue to volunteer my time helping animals in need..

What are the top services offered by Chicago trainers?

The top trainers in Chicago, such as Margaret Fraser, specialize in providing Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, In home dog training, Off leash dog training. They describe their services as: In home private sessions, day training, virtual sessions, field trips.

What is Margaret Fraser’s best piece of advice for Chicago dog owners?

Margaret Fraser recommends: Management is just as important (if not more!) as training.. This advice is particularly relevant for dog owners in Chicago looking to improve their dog’s behavior.

How can I choose the right trainer in Chicago for my dog’s needs?

Choosing the right trainer in Chicago involves considering their services, such as Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Board and train dog training and Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, In home dog training, as well as their qualifications, including CPDT-KA, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, ABCDT, CDBC.

Why are certifications important for Chicago dog trainers?

Certifications like CPDT-KA, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, ABCDT, CDBC are crucial for trainers in Chicago as they ensure that each trainer has the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective and positive training.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

Sniffspot Dog swimming in pool
David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Follow us

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

TiktokInstagramFacebookYoutube
Related articles
Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners
Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners
All categories

Most recent articles

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners

Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners
Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners

Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Explore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners
Explore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners

Explore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

Explore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

  • How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.

  • Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.

  • How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog? thumbnail

    How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?

    More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.

  • What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression thumbnail

    What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression

    You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?

  • Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop? thumbnail

    Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?

    Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

  • The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

    Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.

  • Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

    Best Toys for Herding Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

  • The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?

  • Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

    Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

    You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.

  • Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

    Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

  • The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

    The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

    From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.

  • How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

    How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

    Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.” 

  • Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

    Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

    Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.

  • How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

    How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

    Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.  

  • Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

    Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

    Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

  • The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.

  • The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.

  • The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.

  • The Best United States Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best United States Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!

  • The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

Dogs breeds

  • Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

    Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.

  • Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

    Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.

  • Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.

  • Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.

  • Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.

Top dog names in the US

  • Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names thumbnail

    Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
  • Most Popular Male Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Male Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
  • Most Popular Female Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Female Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
  • Most Popular Golden Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Golden Retriever Names

    Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
  • Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names

    Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US