Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

Dog Training Dog Reactivity Dog Enrichment Sniffspot Community Top Dog Trainers City Dog Parks Dog Breeds Dog Names Dog Rescues & Shelters

Home

Blog

Dog Trainers

Illinois

Chicago

Protection/guard dog training

The Best Dog Trainers for Protection/Guard Dog Training in Chicago, IL of 2024

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Protection/guard dog training in Chicago, IL. Based on feedback and votes from our Protection/guard dog training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the Chicago area.

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. After 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 youngest kid became of sc...

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
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 graduating high ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 relations...

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 dog ...

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 unders...

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
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 teaching privat...

Laura Krill
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
There hasn't been a time where animals weren't a part of Laura's life. She grew up with a dog and a cat, had an amazing rabbit, and to her mother's dismay, even some mice. Laura always wanted to surround herself with animals, so her first job, at 16, was working as a kennel assistant for her local vet. She moved to Chicago after college, and for the last 18 years, Laura has worked in the Veteri...

Jess Kupsik
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
I developed an interest in training when I adopted my first American Bully, Kona, in 2017. While we bonded quickly, our relationship flourished once we started training and speaking the same language. Shortly after adopting Kona, I started fostering bully breeds for various Chicago rescues. I realized how much training helped these dogs find homes and stay in those homes.While fostering, I bega...

Rachel LaMere
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
I began my career in pet care in 2004 when I moved to NYC with a degree in opera/classical voice from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA and I started walking dogs as a side hustle while I pursued a career in the performing arts.My grandfather was a veterinarian, so growing up, our home was never short on animals with behavioral and/or medical challenges, which may explain why I quickly...

Sabrina Lopez
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Sabrina spent the majority of her childhood surrounded by family dogs. Her parents adopted the first of many dogs when Sabrina was just three years old. Sabrina took a lead role in loving and working with the dogs from a young age. In addition to spending time with the family dogs, she loved running cross-country and track.Sabrina has a long history of making customers happy! She spent years wo...

Nelson Medrano
Agility training, Puppy training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training
Nelson comes from a family with a strong tradition of dog training; both his father and brother are dog trainers. While Nelson was growing up, his father was a hunting dog trainer and he would tag along as his father taught clients both basic and advanced hunting skills. Nelson would help with the dogs as much as he could and saw firsthand how happy the dogs would be when given a job to do. Tho...

Ania Pniewska
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
Dogs were always Ania's biggest passion. From a young age she believed that there was something magical about dogs and felt deeply connected with them. Back in her hometown of Szczecin, Poland, Ania volunteered at the local shelter and at the wild bird rehabilitation center. Shortly after receiving her BA in Sociology with a Psychology minor, Ania moved to the USA.For over 11 years Ania managed...

Mario Rodriguez
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
I'm a life-long animal lover and my introduction to formal dog training was in 2011, attending a Basic Obedience class at Anything Is PAWZible with my first girl, Willow. The delight Willow expressed during training and the connection we made in that class led us to pursue additional training classes, opening up an incredible level of human-canine communication and creating a stronger bond betw...

Alex Urbanski
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, Protection/guard dog training, In home training, Board and train
My passion for dogs began at a young age. After several years volunteering in shelters and reading books on training, I finally decided to attend Triple Crown Academy. It was at TCA where I learned skills in Basic Obedience, Scent Detection, Protection and Bite Work, Search and Rescue and my personal favorite, Agility. It was also at TCA where I adopted Roxee and Skylar, the dogs I was assigned...

Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Protection/guard dog training in Chicago, IL is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Protection/guard dog training, we received 0 total votes, resulting in 19 dog trainers who focus on Protection/guard dog training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Protection/guard dog training listed first.

Dog trainers for Protection/guard dog training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Sophie Amphlett, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Protection/guard dog training in Chicago, IL.

At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Sophie Amphlett, as well as the other dog trainers on this Protection/guard dog training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog.

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

See The Best Trainers For Protection/Guard Dog Training In Other Cities Near Chicago

See The Best Dog Trainers By Type In Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions About Protection/Guard Dog Training in Chicago, Illinois

How can I get in touch with these dog trainers?

Each of the trainer profiles contains a link to their website. You can click through to their website where you can find more contact information.

Are these dog trainers certified professionals?

Each dog trainers certifications are listed in their profile. Dog training is not regulated at the federal or state level, so there is no standard dog training certification. However, many private institutions offer certifications. Some of the top certifications in the dog training industry are CPDT- KA, IAABC, Karen Pryor Academy - KPA certification, Jean Donaldson's Academy - CTC certification and Fear Free Certification.

What methods do these dog trainers teach?

There are many methods for teaching dogs. All of the trainers included on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. You can see more information in each trainer’s profile regarding their training specialties.

How much do these dog trainers cost?

Dog trainers have a wide range of costs for different services. We recommend first picking a trainer that provides the services that you are looking for, then reaching out to them to get up to date pricing.

Is training a dog good for the dog?

Yes! Training has many benefits for dogs. Going through a training process with your dog can improve the bond that you share with them. Also, training can do a lot to improve the confidence of a dog; it gives them more certainty that they understand how the world around them works. And lastly, it’s just fun for the dog and for you. Training can be very stimulating and enriching for a dog.

Can an aggressive dog be trained?

Yes! Any dog behavior can be worked on through training. Aggression is a serious issue, but it is also a term that is used very broadly. Many dogs that are thought to be aggressive are actually reactive, which is a different behavior altogether. If you believe you have an aggressive dog, we recommend reaching out to one of your local top trainers to get their diagnosis and advice.

I am a trainer. How can I get listed here?

We update this list once per year, normally starting in January. Make sure to keep an eye on our social media and sign up for email updates with Sniffspot in order to be in the loop on the next round of nominations.

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

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

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

Most recent articles

The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

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

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners

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

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

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners

The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

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

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

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

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Signs, Causes, and How to Handle It
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Dog Reactivity Chart: Understand and Fix Dog Reactivity
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
How to Socialize Your Reactive Dog
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Definitive Guide: What is Dog Reactivity?
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2024
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 2024
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 2024
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 2024
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 2024
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.

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

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
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
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
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
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

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Dog Trainers for Protection/Guard Dog Training in Chicago, IL of 2024

Sophie Amphlett

Judit Arroyo

LaShaunti Bailey

Lin Barrett

Justyna Buettner

Evan Dallas

Andrew Donnelly

Tamara Gansz

John Hughes

Brooke Janke

Elizabeth Jefferis

Laura Krill

Jess Kupsik

Rachel LaMere

Sabrina Lopez

Nelson Medrano

Ania Pniewska

Mario Rodriguez

Alex Urbanski

See The Best Trainers For Protection/Guard Dog Training In Other Cities Near Chicago

See The Best Dog Trainers By Type In Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions About Protection/Guard Dog Training in Chicago, Illinois

How can I get in touch with these dog trainers?

Are these dog trainers certified professionals?

What methods do these dog trainers teach?

How much do these dog trainers cost?

Is training a dog good for the dog?

Can an aggressive dog be trained?

I am a trainer. How can I get listed here?

David Adams

About Sniffspot

Follow us

Related articles

All categories

Most recent articles

Related articles

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top dog rescues in the US

About Sniffspot

Browse by top cities

Atlanta

Austin

Boston

Calgary

Chicago

Columbus

Dallas

Denver

Edmonton

Houston

Las Vegas

Logan

Los Angeles

Milwaukee

Minneapolis

Nashville

New York

Old Toronto

Omaha

Ottawa

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

San Antonio

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

Tampa

Washington

Westminster

Browse by top states