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The Best Dog Trainers in Illinois of 2025

David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

This is a list of the top dog trainers in Illinois, 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....


  • Stacey Hawk Photo

    Stacey Hawk

    Deaf dog training, Agility training, Off leash training

    Training at Numerous Chicago area training facilities, and Evanston, IL

    I have been teaching Agility full-time and competing with my GSDs for over 25 years, and teaching and competing in Scentwork for the past 10 plus years. My dogs and I also enjoy DockDiving and we dabble in herding.
    I am the founder (and still chair) of Chicago's first dog park, Wiggly Field, spending years working to change local city, county and State ordinances and laws to allow the desi...


  • 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...


  • MaryKaye Kendrick Photo

    MaryKaye Kendrick

    IAABC-Accredited dog trainer (ADT), IAABC-Shelter Behavior Affiliate (SBA) and Family Paws Parent Educator

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

    Western suburbs of Chicagoland

    I have been professionally providing dog training and behavior consulting for the past 4.5 years. I also work in an animal shelter as a member of the training/behavior team. I have a BA in Psychology and a background in case management for a social service agency as well as many years of teaching in a Montessori school that served students from 3-6 years old. I consider myself a lifelong learne...


  • 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 ...


  • Allie Bender Photo

    Allie Bender

    CDBC, CPDT-KA, SBA

    Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training

    Remote

    Allie Bender, CDBC, CPBT-KA, SBA has been working and volunteering in various animal welfare-related fields since 2006 and professionally training since 2012. She is the founder and co-owner of Pet Harmony animal behavior and training, co-author of Canine Enrichment for the Real World, co-host of the Enrichment for the Real World podcast, has made TV & commercial appearances, and is a national ...


  • 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...


  • Judit Arroyo Photo

    Judit Arroyo

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

    Northside of Chicago

    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...


  • 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.


  • Randa Clark Photo

    Randa Clark

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

    Northwest Suburbs of Chicago

    Randa has been training dogs for 23 years and began her journey as a professional by spending 8 weeks at Arizona Canine Academy. Randa takes every opportunity to soak up knowledge and has studied under many experts in the field and attended conferences and intensives all over the country. Randa developed a training based enrichment daycare program that focuses on the mental wellbeing of dogs ...


  • 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...


See More Trainers In Illinois


The Best Chicago, IL Dog Trainers In 2025

  • Margaret Fraser Photo

    Margaret Fraser

    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.

    View profile

  • Ali Evanson Photo

    Ali Evanson

    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....

    View profile

  • Katie Morgan Photo

    Katie Morgan

    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.
    <...

    View profile

The Best Naperville, IL Dog Trainers In 2025

  • MaryKaye Kendrick Photo

    MaryKaye Kendrick

    I have been professionally providing dog training and behavior consulting for the past 4.5 years. I also work in an animal shelter as a member of the training/behavior team. I have a BA in Psychology and a background in case management for a social service agency as well as many years of teaching in a Montessori school that served students from 3-6 years old. I consider myself a lifelong learne...

    View profile

  • Randa Clark Photo

    Randa Clark

    Randa has been training dogs for 23 years and began her journey as a professional by spending 8 weeks at Arizona Canine Academy. Randa takes every opportunity to soak up knowledge and has studied under many experts in the field and attended conferences and intensives all over the country. Randa developed a training based enrichment daycare program that focuses on the mental wellbeing of dogs ...

    View profile

  • Ashley Balsitis Photo

    Ashley Balsitis

    Ashley is a Certified Trainer at Over the Moon Positive Dog Training. Ashley teaches group classes from Smart Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Tricks class, Nosework and everything in between. She also offers private 1:1 sessions, In-Home Training and runs the Sit, Stay, Learn Drop Off Day Training program and Puppy Socials/Calm and Confident Socials here at Over the Moon. With a background ranging ...

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The Best Peoria, IL Dog Trainers In 2025

  • Todd Greene Photo

    Todd Greene

    Todd has been training dogs for five years. He completed coursework with training certifications including ongoing CEU. Notably, he is a Karen Pryor Academy certified training partner (KPA-CTP). Todd is also committed to bringing the most current, successful animal learning techniques (focused on positive reinforcement in a fear-free environment) to the Central Illinois area.


    <...

    View profile


Welcome to Illinois’s list of top dog trainers. The Illinois list is based on 2369 votes from the Sniffspot community. Only the Illinois 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.

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

Illinois dog trainer services include:

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

Dog trainers in Illinois selflessly set pets up for success. 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 116 trainers on this Illinois list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Illinois 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 Illinois as voted by our community:

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See The Best Dog Trainers By City In Illinois


FAQ: Top Dog Trainers in Illinois

How did Sniffspot determine the best dog trainers in Illinois?

After collecting 2369 votes, we compiled a list of the top trainers in Illinois. These experts have proven their skills in Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, and more with Margaret Fraser leading the pack.

What sets Margaret Fraser apart in Illinois?

With certifications like CPDT-KA, CGC Evaluator, Margaret Fraser offers a well-rounded approach to Aggressive dog training and Reactive dog training. They focus on Aggressive dog training, ensuring that each training session addresses specific behavior challenges.

What motivates Illinois dog trainers?

Margaret Fraser began their journey into dog training 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’s the top training advice from Margaret Fraser?

According to Margaret Fraser, the key to successful Aggressive dog training training is Management is just as important (if not more!) as training..

What do other trainers recommend in Illinois?

Ali Evanson suggests focusing on Don't underestimate the value of reinforcing what seems like nothing in the early days. Your dog is laying on the ground calmly, treat that! Your dog checks in with you(especially without jumping), treat that! Find opportunities to reinforce your dog so they WANT to repeat those behaviors over and over., Stacey Hawk emphasizes Be patient, and set your dog up for success..

What qualifications do these Illinois trainers have?

All of the trainers on our list hold certifications like Aggressive dog training, reflecting their expertise and commitment to professional development. Many also volunteer with Illinois rescue organizations.

Why are these qualifications important?

These certifications ensure that the trainers are well-versed in the latest Aggressive dog training and Reactive dog training training techniques, providing your Illinois dog with the best possible care.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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  • Golden Retriever: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners thumbnail

    Golden Retriever: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ 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.

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    American Staffordshire Terrier: Your Complete Guide

    Think American Staffordshire Terriers are tough? Think again. While their muscular build might intimidate some, these dogs are known for their playful and loyal personalities. This guide draws on the experience of nearly 10,000 AmStaff owners to reveal the truth about this often misunderstood breed. Want to learn more about caring for an American Staffordshire Terrier? You're in the right place.

  • Australian Shepherd: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners thumbnail

    Australian Shepherd: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ 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

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    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