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A Comprehensive Guide to Dog Exercise
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The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States
The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States
See all...The Best Dog Trainers in Illinois of 2026
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Illinois, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
Margaret Fraser
CPDT-KA, CGC Evaluator
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog 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
CDBC, FDM, KPA CTP, CTDI
Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Board and train dog 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
Deaf dog training, Off leash dog training, Agility dog 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
ABCDT
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog 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
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, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog 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
CBCC-KA, AKC Evaluator, Certified Canine First Aid and CPR Instructor
In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Board and train dog 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
CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, AKC CGC Evaluator
In home training, Puppy dog training, Board and train dog 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
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, In home training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog 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
IAABC-Accredited dog trainer (ADT), IAABC-Shelter Behavior Affiliate (SBA) and Family Paws Parent Educator
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog 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
CPDT-KA, ABCDT, Fear Free Certified
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Board and train dog 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
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
CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Agility dog 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
ABCDT, CPDT-KA
In home training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training, Agility dog 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
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training, Agility dog 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
LDFM-T, CPDT, CAP 2
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Board and train dog 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
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog 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
CPDT-KA
In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training, Agility dog 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
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training, Board and train dog 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
Wag! Certified trainer
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training, Board and train dog training, Agility dog 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
CPDT-KA
In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog 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
- Cailin Patracon
- Cassie Williams
- Corinne Collier
- Donna Orlowski
- Janice Triptow
- Jill Snyder
- Jodie Varner
- Kristina Rosinia
- Liz Vanderhoef
- Megan Ores-Uhrich
- Ronnie Gutierrez
- Todd Greene
- Yasmin Baylor
The Best Chicago, IL Dog Trainers In 2026
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.
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....
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.
<...
The Best Naperville, IL Dog Trainers In 2026
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...
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 ...
The Best Peoria, IL Dog Trainers In 2026
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.
<...
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 dog training, Reactive dog training amongst other training programs.
Illinois dog trainer services include:
- Puppy dog training
- Reactive dog training
- In home training
- Aggressive dog training
- Off leash dog training
- Deaf dog training
- Board and train dog training
- Agility dog training
- Service dog 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 33 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:
See The Best Dog Trainers By City In Illinois
FAQ: Meet the Top Puppy dog training Dog Trainers in Illinois
Who are the top Puppy dog training dog trainers in Illinois?
What motivates Illinois dog trainers?
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./. Similarly, Ali Evanson and Stacey Hawk have unique motivations, withWhen I was growing up I had always wanted a dog of my very own to teach lots of tricks to but was never allowed. The second I bought my first house I adopted my first dog, Sasha. I got heavily involved in the rescue world and began fostering only a couple months after Sasha came home. I fostered some easy cases and then more difficult dogs. I learned all I could to try and help these dogs as best as I possibly could. I didn’t become a trainer until I adopted my second dog, Chunk. Chunk was an easy puppy but developed some severe behavior issues as an adolescent. I started learned how to help her and that is how I became interested in becoming a dog trainer to help more dogs like her. I realized how much I had helped my own dog and wanted to share that with other people and dogs who were struggling. I became certified through the Karen Pryor Academy and have been doing this professionally ever since.andDogs are the BEST! I wanted to help others learn how to have fun and have the best relationship ever with their dogs!driving their passion.
What is Margaret Fraser biggest tip?
Management is just as important (if not more!) as training..
What do Illinois trainers love most about their work?
I love being able to help owners understand their pets more thoroughly and to give them the skills and knowledge to help their struggling companions., and
I love being able to help owners understand their pets more thoroughly and to give them the skills and knowledge to help their struggling companions., respectively.
How do you become a certified trainer in Illinois?
Why are these certifications crucial in Illinois?
How do their methods differ?
Every client gets a free 30-minute phone consultation/ intake. Private sessions last about 60 minutes and take place in the home and at locations around the city. Every session comes with follow-up notes and homework. Clients who purchase packages or day training also receive a training plan and support between sessions.. Meanwhile, Ali Evanson says:
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.. As you can see, there are diverse approaches to Aggressive dog training in Illinois.
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Top dog trainers in the US
The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2026
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2026
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2026
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2026
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2026
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
City dog parks guides
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
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
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
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
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.
The Best Small Dog Parks in the United States
Choosing the right dog park environment can be tricky, especially if your pet is a toy breed who isn’t always up to running with the big dogs. While there are always risks involved with visiting a public dog park, many cities don’t have space for large runs — which makes small fenced-in options the best way for some apartment dwellers and other local residents to let their dogs off leash.
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Dogs breeds
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
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.
Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Discover the Golden Retriever, a 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.
Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.
Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Discover the Australian Shepherd, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States for herding beginning in the 1950s.
Explore the Siberian Husky: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Discover the Siberian Husky, a breed celebrated for its curious, intelligent, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, Siberian Huskies were originally bred in Russia for sledding, beginning in the early 20th Century.
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