Improve your relationship with your dog and make for a peaceful household with these 6 great dog training classes.
Pets rule our lives. We rush home to see them after work. We use our hard-earned money to spoil them with treats and toys. We make sure they’re taken care of by walkers during the day, and dog sitters when we’re out of town. We love them and they love us back.
Just because you want to keep your dog happy, it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t make your lives more enjoyable too. A pup with poor behavior can wreak havoc on a household. The important thing to remember is that you’re not stuck with that disobedience. Professional dog training classes not only can help you right your pet’s wrongs, but they can also bring you both closer.
Chicago is definitely a dog-friendly city. For that reason, we’re flush with training class and facilities. However, if you’re looking for the best, try the options below.
Tucker Pup’s Pet Resort
Address: 219 N. Carpenter St., Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Open daily, 6:45 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Phone: 312-829-8787
Don’t let the posh name fool you. Tucker’s will have your dog working hard! In addition to offering boarding services, the facility has an in-house trainer who leads private lessons, seminars, group classes, and more. Not sure if you’re in need? Tucker’s addresses everything from simple behaviors like crate training and fetch to difficult challenges such as aggression or introductions to a new baby or pet in the household. You’ll work with a professional trainer using positive reinforcement methods to achieve your goals. Free consultations are available to assess your dog’s personality and discuss your family’s schedule. In-home lessons are also offered.
Address: 1933 N. Marcey St., Chicago, IL 60614 (Blazer Building Training & Foster Center)
Hours: Vary by class
Phone: 773-935-7297
Paws has been a longtime leader in the Chicago pet community. The volunteer-based, no-kill shelter provides everything from adoption to spaying and neutering services to training. In fact, the organization has its own facility designated for training in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Adopting a shelter dog is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s best to get ahead of their behavior when bringing them into your home.
Paws classes are specialized for dogs of all ages and focus on anything from basic puppy training to competition agility.
Downtown Dogs
Address: 2440 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60612
Hours: Open daily, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Phone: 312-436-2122
Downtown Dogs is a tight-knit operation of dog lovers ready to help make your pet the best he or she can be. Classes range in levels of intensity and focus mostly on behavior modification, socialization, and impulse control. Private and group classes are available, but you can also enroll your dog in the facility’s in-depth, three-week Board & Train program — where he or she will receive around-the-clock training. You’ll start with a free one-on-one consultation and then decide on the best method for your pup.
Zen Dogs Chicago, Inc.
Address: 1924 W. Fulton St., Chicago, IL 60612
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Phone: 312-226-2222
We all need Zen moments from time to time. The trainers at Zen Dogs will help your rambunctious pup reach a state of calm while respecting his instinctual behaviors. You’ll learn to establish a power dynamic between you and your pet based on trust and communication. Once you and your dog have completed your free evaluation, you can decide on the best plan of attack — be it private lessons (starting at $75 per session), Train & Play day school ($450 for two weeks), or boarding school (starting at $1,025). Who knows? The Zen Dogs team’s belief in clear communication, consistency, and contentedness might rub off on you, too!
K9 University Chicago
Address: 2945 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL 60612
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone: 773-533-5959
Looks like you’re headed back to school! K9 University has been providing day care, boarding, and training to eliminate problematic behaviors in dogs for more than two decades. Starting with puppy-specific classes, its program includes a variety of dog training classes. Even if you’re just looking to teach your new furry friend basic obedience, manners, and socialization, K9 University is an excellent place to start. You might even look into their agility training programs if your dog shows a special flair for following instruction. Group-class rates start at $175, and private lessons are around $100 per session.
Sit Means Sit Dog Training
Locations:
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Chicago: 3266 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 | P: 312-618-9663
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Schaumburg: 928 Hartford Court, Schaumburg, IL 60193 | P: 847-457-0720
Hours: Vary by location
Sit Means Sit swears by its abilities to improve your dog’s behavior and impulse control, especially in high-distraction areas like downtown Chicago. In addition to teaching basic obedience, this facility’s trainers are experienced in addressing dogs with anxiety, aggression, or special needs –such as deafness or blindness. Training programs start with in-home classes for puppies under 6 months ($99 per lesson) and move up to group and specialty courses for older dogs. Free consultations and demonstrations are available, and don’t worry, all training classes also make room for a little fun and playtime.
Did we mention all the best dog training classes around Chicago? Let us know in the comments below!
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