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The Best Dog Trainers for Reactive Dog Training in Chicago, IL of 2024

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David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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

  • 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....


  • 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...


  • 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...


  • 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 ...


  • 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...


  • 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.


  • 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...


  • Cassie Williams Photo

    Cassie Williams

    Karen Pryor Academy-Certified Training Partner

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

    Chicago and the entire Chicagoland Area

    I worked in special education for 30 years. I started my journey as a school social worker and ended my career as the assistant superintendent of special education. I have loved animals all my life and have been pet parent to quite a menagerie including rats, birds, dogs and cats. About 9 years ago, I became the mama of a wheaten terrier puppy who had significant anxiety and reactivity to other...


  • Yasmin Baylor Photo

    Yasmin Baylor

    KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA

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

    Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe, Belvidere, Byron, Loves Park, Machesney Park, South Beloit, Davis Junction, Winnebago County, Boone County

    Hi! I'm Yasmin Baylor, KPA-CTP and CPDT-KA. I am a Certified Training Partner and graduate of the internationally-esteemed Karen Pryor Academy, as well as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the CCPDT accreditation council.

    After earning my Bachelors in Computer Science and Graphic Design, and working for years in the business world, I knew it was time to switch gears and comm...


  • Cailin Patracon Photo

    Cailin Patracon

    CPDT-KA CPT

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

    Chicago

    I've been a full time dog trainer for 2 years and use science-based, humane training methods.


  • Megan Ores-Uhrich Photo

    Megan Ores-Uhrich

    KPA CTP, CPDT-KA

    Reactive dog training, Off leash training

    Megan and Jennifer started Capricorn Dog Training, LLC in 2012. After working her magic with many Chicago dogs and their owners, Megan relocated to St. Louis in late 2021. She now works in the behavior department of the Humane Society of Missouri. The dogs and people of Chicago will miss her extraordinary dog behavior and training knowledge. Megan is currently not taking new clients.


  • Ronnie Gutierrez Photo

    Ronnie Gutierrez

    CPDT-KA, Cert. SAPT, CCDT

    Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

    Chicago

    I am a Chicago-based dog trainer focused on using science-based methods to improve the lives of dogs and their humans. I strive to provide quality training that is fun for everyone.


  • Alison Doubleday Photo

    Alison Doubleday

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

    A lifelong animal lover, Alison entered the training world thanks to her two Australian Cattle Dogs, Fox and Rocket. Both Fox and Rocket participated in group classes at Anything is Pawzible when they were first adopted. Helping these two rescue pups work through various challenges and making sure they feel safe and happy in the world has been an inspirational experience and has impacted every...


  • Coco Johnson Photo

    Coco Johnson

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

    Coco grew up with a love and understanding of dogs from a young age. Family pets consisted of Golden Retrievers from her grandparents to German Shepards who were too goofy to become police dogs.Prior to working in a caregiver capacity with animals, Coco worked in the entertainment industry. From working as a Radio Engineer at Clear Channel to Promotional work at Victory Records and finally a Mo...


  • Courtney Johnson Photo

    Courtney Johnson

    Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training

    Courtney graduated from Downers Grove South High School in 2013. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Special Education from University of St. Francis in Joliet as well as a Master's degree in Educational Technology from American College of Education. Courtney is a teacher at West Leyden High school for students with severe and profound disabilities. She grew up around dogs and her love for t...


  • Rebekah Reynolds Photo

    Rebekah Reynolds

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

    Rebekah has been animal-crazy since the time she could hold a pencil and draw all of the animals that lived in her imaginary farm, but dogs have always had a special place in her heart. She started training her Nintendogs from a young age, but at 15, her family got their very first dog, and Rebekah was finally able to teach fun tricks, build PVC agility equipment, and play frisbee with a real d...


  • Mario Rodriguez Photo

    Mario Rodriguez

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

    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...


  • Kristina Rosinia Photo

    Kristina Rosinia

    MPH (Master of Public Health), KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner), CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed)

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

    Chicago and surrounding areas, as well as virtually

    Kristina has a passion for helping families learn how to communicate better with their animals. She is both a technically skilled trainer and compassionate for the humans and animals she supports. A desire for science-based methods and an approach through which animals enjoy learning led Kristina to pursue training with the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA). The KPA Professional Dog Training Program he...


  • Marie Smith Photo

    Marie Smith

    Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training

    Marie Smith is a seasoned competitor in both rally and traditional obedience. Marie and her poodle, Noelle, have earned nine AKC titles and were qualifiers in the AKC Rally National Championship invitational in 2020. After earning their Rally Master title in 2019, Noelle and Marie are working toward their RACH Rally Championship title. Marie loves competing and sharing knowledge about how to br...


  • Robin Taylor Photo

    Robin Taylor

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

    Robin got started in dog training 10-years-ago when she adopted Dylan from the Anti-Cruelty Society. Because Dylans energy and drive needed an outlet, she got started in agility and nose work. Her second dog didn't have the same drive for sports but loved people, which took them down the path of therapy dog work at grade school reading programs and in hospitals. Today Robin is continuing her ag...


  • Courtney Temen Photo

    Courtney Temen

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

    Courtney completed her Bachelors of Science, Zoo Science, from Friends University in 2019. In 2017 she completed an internship at Brookfield Zoo where she was able to clicker train tamanduas under supervision. She spent all of her college free time interning and volunteering at Sedgwick County Zoo with various mammals and birds, including gorillas, red river hogs, maned wolves, and lemurs! Afte...


  • Alex Urbanski Photo

    Alex Urbanski

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

    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 Reactive dog training in Chicago, IL is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Reactive dog training, we received 1675 total votes, resulting in 29 dog trainers who focus on Reactive dog training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Reactive dog training listed first.

Dog trainers for Reactive dog training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Margaret Fraser, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Reactive dog training in Chicago, IL. Margaret Fraser’s favorite part of their job is: Seeing people live their best lives with their best friends..

At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Margaret Fraser, as well as the other dog trainers on this Reactive dog training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog. Margaret Fraser encourages owners with this dog training tip: Management is just as important (if not more!) as training..

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Frequently Asked Questions About Reactive Dog Training in Chicago, Illinois

How were the top Reactive dog training dog trainers in Chicago selected?

We evaluated over 1675 votes from local dog owners to identify the best Reactive dog training trainers in Chicago. This process resulted in highlighting 20 exceptional trainers known for their expertise in Reactive dog training.

What qualifications do the leading Reactive dog trainers in Chicago hold?

Top Reactive dog training trainers in Chicago are recognized for their expertise through certifications such as CPDT-KA, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, ABCDT, FDM. These credentials ensure they are equipped to address specific training needs in the region.

Who is the leading Chicago dog trainer in Reactive dog training and why?

Margaret Fraser is celebrated as the top Reactive dog training trainer in Chicago due to their impressive 302 votes and their proficiency in Aggressive dog training and Reactive dog training, distinguishing them as a top choice in the area.

What behavioral issues do Reactive dog trainers focus on in Chicago?

In Chicago, top Reactive dog training trainers like Margaret Fraser concentrate on issues such as A, R, P. Other trainers might focus on areas like D, R, P.

What are the common training techniques used by Reactive dog training trainers in Chicago?

Training methods vary among top Reactive dog training trainers in Chicago. For instance, Margaret Fraser uses a method centered on: 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., while others like Ali Evanson adopt: 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.. Each approach is customized to suit local dogs.

How should I select the best Reactive dog trainer in Chicago?

To find the ideal Reactive dog training trainer in Chicago, consider their certifications, such as CPDT-KA, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, ABCDT, FDM, and their expertise in services like Puppy dog trainingand Reactive dog training. Reviewing their past results with dogs in Chicago can also guide your decision.

What’s the top advice for training dogs in Chicago?

When it comes to Reactive dog training training, Margaret Fraser advises: Management is just as important (if not more!) as training. which is crucial for enhancing your dog’s behavior in Chicago.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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    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 thumbnail

    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. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.

  • Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ 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.

  • Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.

  • Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ 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

  • Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names thumbnail

    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