If you have adopted a puppy, we strongly encourage you to sign up for a Puppy Preschool Socialization Class right away. Puppy Classes begin for puppies as early as age 10-16 weeks, when puppies are in their “socialization period”, therefore, time is of the essence! Training continues for the life of your puppy, and we encourage you to continue to take classes to educate yourself and your dog to ensure that you will both live many happy years together. (Many puppy classes will require your puppy to have most or all of its puppy vaccinations)

Below you will find just a few of the many trainers in the Chicagoland area offering basic obedience and training classes for both dogs and puppies. (Many offer discounts to PAWS Chicago dogs and other shelter/rescue dogs). PAWS Chicago is familiar with these trainers and their methods, but does not intend to show preference. You should always call, research and/or visit a class to find an appropriate training class for you and your dog. To find a dog trainer in your area, visit the Association for Pet Dog Trainers website at www.apdt.com.

Dog Training Classes:
 
PETCO locations throughout the Chicagoland area
(PETCO offers a coupon book for adopted pets, with a coupon for dog training inside)

PetSmart locations throughout the Chicagoland area
www.petsmart.com

K-9 University*

Alan Rapata
773.533.5959
2945 West Lake Street Chicago, IL

Boarding & Daycare, Training, Agility

Animal Sense*
Jamie Damato
Oak Park and Chicago, IL
773-880-9970
15% Shelter Dog Discount
www.animalsense.com

Call of the Wild*
773-539-1088
3027 North Rockwell Street
www.callofthewildschool.com
 

Canis Familiaris* (Specializing in behavior issues and bully breeds)

Curtis Scott, Certified Professional Dog Trainer & Behavior Counselor

773-865-6160

curtis5759@sbcglobal.net

www.canisfamiliaris.info

Anything Is PAWSible!
Rendy Schwartz
773-919-PAWS
www.anythingispawsible.com

Emily Weiss Consulting - Dr. Emily Weiss *
(Dr. Weiss is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist specializing in severe behavior issues such as separation anxiety, elimination issues and aggression)
www.emilyweiss.com

A Treat to Train (specializing in Puppy Preschool/Puppy Socialization classes)
Elizabeth Hammond
Chicago, IL
773-610-5634
PAWS Chicago Discount
www.treattotrain.com

Animal Behavior Training Concepts, Inc.*

Laura Monaco Torelli, CPDT
laura@abtconcepts.com
www.abtconcepts.com
815-353-0014
**$20 off group classes for adopted dogs. Proof of adoption required**

Dog Training with Dennis Hill
847-662-5150

PAWS Chicago adopters: If you are a PAWS Chicago adopter and have attended a training class with your PAWS Chicago dog or puppy within 4 months of adoption, don’t forget to get a certificate or letter stating that you and your pet have COMPLETED a training class. Mail or fax this letter to PAWS Chicago and we will not process the payment that you submitted at the time of adoption. Send certificates to:
PAWS Chicago: 3516 W. 26th St. Chicago, IL 60623
Fax: 773-521-1142
Attn: Training Deposit

* The asterisk next to a trainer listing indicates that, in addition to basic obedience classes, these groups have worked with specialized behavior issues. Remember, most behavior and aggression problems are a result of animals not being properly socialized. It is your responsibility to work with your dog to help prevent and modify inappropriate behavior. Ideally, you should train and socialize your dog as soon as possible to prevent any undesirable behaviors from developing. You can help to prevent behavior issues by attending a basic training class as soon as possible. If your dog does develop behavior issues or you adopt a dog with inappropriate behavior, don’t give up! With patience, persistence and continued work most behavior issues can be solved.