This is a list of the top dog trainers in Naperville, IL, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
IAABC-Accredited dog trainer (ADT), IAABC-Shelter Behavior Affiliate (SBA) and Family Paws Parent Educator
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy 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...
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy 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 ...
In home training, Puppy training
Lisa is a Trainer at Over the Moon and has had a lifelong love of dogs. Her particular love affair with Bullmastiffs began when she read a book about dog breeds and found the Bullmastiff to be her perfect fit. That first book led to other books, videos, and anything else she could find to research the breed. She eventually found a wonderful breeder, and got her first Bullmastiff, Hemi, ten year...
In home training, Puppy training
Ashley is a Certified Trainer at Over the Moon Positive Dog Training. Ashley teaches group classes from Smart Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Tricks class, Nosework and everything in between. She also offers private 1:1 sessions, In-Home Training and runs the Sit, Stay, Learn Drop Off Day Training program and Puppy Socials/Calm and Confident Socials here at Over the Moon. With a background ranging ...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train
Beau began his training through his extensive career as a military working dog handler in the United States Air Force during his 10 years of service. Working with different breeds in different environments such as New Mexico, Texas, Florida, and South Korea. Beau has an extensive knowledge on the importance of environmental factors that can help bring a dog to its full potential. Beginning his ...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train
Traci earned her bachelors degree in Technology and Engineering Education from Illinois State University and has been in the teaching profession for over a decade. Formerly a teacher at West Aurora High School, Traci is a firm believer in differentiation within her teaching strategies so she can help individuals reach their full potential and she also carries this over to her dog training ideol...
In home training, Puppy training
Lisa Bowles is an Assistant Trainer at OTM Positive Dog Training. Lisa's first French Bulldog became a certified therapy dog through a local therapy dog club which is where she met Lora Johnson. Her next French Bulldog was quite a challenge to train. She attended many different training classes with him to learn how to interact with him in a positive way and learn different strategies for man...
Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Jacquee has been with Enjoy Your Dog as a trainer for many years and is always excited to share new and exciting training information with her students. Jacquee understands that each dog learns in its specific way - and that having a multitude of tools in an owner's toolbox helps better the relationship for both parties.Jacquee has attended Susan Smith's Raising Canine' professional training co...
Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training
Boss Canine, LLC. dates back to 2010 when our Master Trainer, Justin Brooks discovered his passion and love for dogs. Justin purchased his first Cane Corso puppy and quickly realized the importance of having a well-behaved canine. Justin has spent many years perfecting a technique that uses positive reinforcement to increase comprehension. Our master trainer is committed to building the bridge ...
In home training, Puppy training
Jasmine is an Assistant Trainer at Over the Moon. In addition to dog training, she is currently a full-time receptionist and veterinary technician at Valley Animal Hospital in Geneva. Jasmine began her career with animals in 2018 when she started working at a local dog daycare and volunteering at a nearby shelter. As she gained experience, eventually becoming the manager of the daycare, she r...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Taylor Duffy (she/they) is a dog trainer and behavior consultant with Pet Harmony. Her love for training animals began when her family adopted a nervous Spaniel named Tyson from rescue. Taylor learned all her early training with him and has been passionate about working with dogs ever since. Nowadays, she works with pet owners to create realistic solutions for their companions so they can live ...
Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Debbie is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI), Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator, and Stunt Dog Judge. Debbie teaches dog owners how to work with their puppy or dog on obedience, problem behaviors, tricks, beginning agility, Canine Good Citizen certification, stunt dog skills, Rally-Fre, getting r...
Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Liz is an AKC Certified CGC/Star Puppy/Trick Evaluator. Before she became a trainer, she was a playroom manager for a doggie daycare, where she had plenty of opportunities to learn all about dog body language, a dog walker and she has an Etsy shop that personalizes lunch or travel containers for dogs and snuffle mats. The link to her shop is below. As a dog walker, she really enjoyed working wi...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Lesley Gurule (she/her/hers), is a dog trainer and behavior consultant with Pet Harmony. She thrives on demystifying unwanted behaviors, collaborating with pet parents, and approaching every animal as an individual with unique needs. So if you're looking for a custom approach to training your pet, Lesley's one consultation call away!t all started when she became an active volunteer animal rescu...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Tiffany Holmes (she/they) is a dog trainer and behavior consultant with Pet Harmony. She has provided group and private dog training in the bustling metropolis of Fort Wayne, Indiana since 2021. Tiffany believes that all relationships' between members of the same species or different species' are an opportunity to learn from each other and grow together for the duration. An opportunity we shoul...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
Gracie brings positive energy and enthusiasm to everything she does and is passionate about learning and teaching. She competed in England with her agility champion Miniature Schnauzer, Guster, as part of the 2024 AKC European Open team. She also competes in AKC and UKI agility with her Sheltie, Kudos.
Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Sara grew up working with dogs as the daughter of a dog groomer. She first got started washing dogs for her Mom and taking their family's dogs to training classes. Sara earned her BS in Equine Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She spent several years working with horses before making the transition back to dogs. Since then she has earned certificates in Dog Grooming (Animal ...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
Ginger has been breeding and competing with her Labrador Retrievers since 2000. She has competed in multiple venues (AKC, UKC & NACSW) and titled her dogs in conformation, obedience, nosework, agility, hunt test and dock diving. She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, has passed the Karen Pryor puppy start right program, and will complete her CPDT certification Fall 2022. Ginger especially...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Hi, I'm Kristen and just like you, I have a passion for dogs. My passion for training dogs started when I was 20 years old. I encountered a very well-behaved German Shepherd Dog and was instantly intrigued. Consequently, I adopted a German Shepherd puppy and three months later I also adopted his sister. With my hands full and without much experience, I immersed myself in training. I knew a well...
In home training, Puppy training
As owner and Lead Trainer for Over the Moon Positive Dog Training, LLC, Lora believes that training a dog is about establishing a positive relationship built on clear communication, mutual respect and fun! Humans and dogs are different species and don't automatically understand each other. Lora believes that teaching humans how to read and interpret their dog's body language will give them the...
Board and train, In home training
Dog training classes have their place, but I find they don't do busy people justice. It's just too much emphasis on results in the classroom to see results at home. And all the homework! Who has time?I want my clients to see real change in their dogs. That's why I work one-on-one with a small number of clients at a time. This allows me to customize the training plan to your goals and actual lif...
Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Lori has been an animal lover all of her life. Knowing she couldn't save them all, she started making sure the animals in her care would have the best possible life. Her love of working with horses led to her becoming a riding instructor. She ended up adopting a third dog, and he came with a solid foundation of formal obedience training, sparking her journey to working and competing with dogs.L...
Puppy training
I started my dog training journey with my own dog about 23 years ago. He was a Great Dane / Boxer mix who weighed 140 lbs. One day, not long after getting him, my wife was walking him through our neighborhood when he decided to chase a motorcycle that happened to be driving by. He ended up dragging my wife, skinning her knees, and almost getting free. At that point I was determined to find a wa...
In home training, Puppy training
As a little girl, I always wanted to be a veterinarian. My love for animals started as a small child and continued to flourish into adulthood. Life circumstances prevented the achievement of becoming a vet and owning a dog but that dream and my love for animals never stopped. But I always longed for a dog, my BFF. At last, I was able fulfill my dream later in life. And what a joy I received Ja...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Claire Laster (she/her/hers) is a dog trainer and behavior consultant with Pet Harmony. Claire's favorite part of her work is creating communication and understanding between furry friends and their people. She knows that understanding what your animal is trying to tell you is the key to cultivating a more confident pet and more harmonious lifestyle for the both of you.Claire's journey started ...
In home training, Puppy training
Sarah Majewski is a Trainer at Over the Moon Positive Dog Training. She has had a lifelong passion for dogs. One day in 2018 she received a brochure for the Fall classes at Waubonsee Community College reading, "Become a Professional Dog Trainer!" Sarah completed the course work, found that she loved working with the dogs and their families, and the rest is history. Accountant by day, this...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Hi, I'm Katie! I grew up in the Southwestern Chicago suburbs and have always loved dogs. Before my husband and I decided to open up our own Dog Training Elite, I was a high school science teacher in the Chicago suburbs. We have grown our family in the area and love the community! We have always had dogs, and love to be out with our pups. Our dogs are a major part of our family, and really compl...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Hi, I'm Tim. I grew up in the Southwestern Chicago Suburbs, and love the community. Before my wife and I decided to open our own Dog Training Elite, I was an educator in the Chicago suburbs. Dogs provide us with love, companionship, and so many amazing services. Our family, 3 kids, and 2 dogs, loves going out and doing all sorts of different activities together. I look forward to helping you cr...
In home training, Puppy training
Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior ConsultantGraduate of Animal Behavior CollegeBusiness Owner of Dog Gone Good Dog Training Inc.Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)Dog owner and pet lover dedicated to working with dogs and their peopleMichele has worked as a consultant in the behavior modification field since 1995 and has specialized in canine behavior since 2002. Michele's do...
Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Mindy has an expansive knowledge of dogs and training from her experience as a vet assistant, working at doggy daycares, shelter volunteering, and zookeeping internships. She combines her experience and knowledge with her great sense of humor when she works with owners and their dogs, no matter what kind of behavior or training issues arise. Mindy graduated from Hope College with a Bachelor's i...
Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Karla is certified through the Animal Behavior College (ABCDT). She has trained a variety of dogs and taught classes both in Downers Grove and Chicago. Karla has a deep understanding of dog communication and body language by serving as a playgroup leader for several dog daycare businesses. She also enjoys using clicker training, which can often help speed up your dog's learning process for both...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
Coralyn has a passion for the science of behavior. Their connection with animals began with their childhood dogs, and their interest in training started with horses. While still in high school, they worked & performed at the equestrian theater, The Noble Horse Theatre (yes - horse circus!). Coralyn started their canine career in Chicago, then interned at a working dog kennel in West Virginia, w...
In home training, Puppy training
Valerie is a Trainer at Over the Moon Positive Dog Training.Valerie has loved training with her own dogs for 20+ years. She says she truly loves all dogs; however it seems that Shelties (Shetland Sheepdogs) melt her heart just a little bit more. Over the years, she has adopted 5 Shelties and hosted 3 foster dogs through a rescue organization.Valerie has trained and competed with her dogs in man...
In home training, Puppy training, Agility training
Izzy's greatest teacher and soulmate is her rescue mix, Piper, whose intense fear and anxiety sparked Izzy's passion for understanding dog behavior. They discovered a love of trick training and dog sports that brought joy and confidence to Piper. Izzy also enjoys agility, herding, disc and more with her enthusiastic, affectionate Border Collie, Grayson. She also fosters bully breeds and mixes f...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Stephanie graduated from Ripon College with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry-Biology and additional minor areas of study in Spanish and Psychology. She went on to attend Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL in their occupational therapy program, graduating in 2015. Stephanie is currently a registered and licensed pediatric occupational therapist, with a passion for children, birth through...
Aggressive dog training, Puppy training, Herding training, In home training
Stephanie graduated from Ripon College with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry-Biology and additional minor areas of study in Spanish and Psychology. She went on to attend Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL in their occupational therapy program, graduating in 2015. Stephanie is currently a registered and licensed pediatric occupational therapist, with a passion for children, birth through...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
In 2010 we adopted a puppy who became anxious and reactive. In learning to change his behavior, I changed as well. I was amazed and relieved at the difference it made to have a calm, responsive and happy dog. Learning how to help and effectively communicate with my dog was so fulfilling, I decided to make dog training my profession. I wanted to give other owners and dogs this gift and help them...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Emily Strong (she/they) is a behavior consultant and co-owner of Pet Harmony, LLC. She is committed to a Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective (LIFE) and science-based approach to training, behavior modification, and teaching people about the animals she understands and adores. She loves working with learners of all species. Read on for the extensive list of species Emily has been fortunate ...
In home training, Puppy training
Anna-Lisa is a Certified Trainer at Over the Moon Positive Dog Training. She is passionate about strengthening the relationship between people and their pups through positive reinforcement, and understanding canine communication. Anna-Lisa completed her dog training certification through Animal Behavior College (ABCDT) and loves using that knowledge to help pet parents.Anna-Lisa lives in Batavi...
Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Pam has over 25 years of experience training dogs. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator, and Therapy Dog International Evaluator (TDI). Pam prioritizes giving dog owners effective solutions so they can see improvement in a short amount of time. She uses positive reinforcement dog training because she kn...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Ellen Yoakum (she/her/hers) is a trainer and behavior consultant with Pet Harmony. She loves helping families build communication and cohabitate successfully by developing strategies and plans that will benefit everyone.Ellen's passion for animal welfare and training was ignited during her undergraduate studies at the University of Washington where she was able to work as a research assistant f...
Welcome to Naperville’s list of top dog trainers. The Naperville, Illinois list is based on 141 votes from the Illinois Sniffspot community. Only the Naperville dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with MaryKaye Kendrick at the top of this list with 97 votes. We also counted 2369 votes for Illinois, with the remaining trainers listed outside of Naperville.
Our rankings include trainers certified by IAABC-Accredited dog trainer (ADT) and IAABC-Shelter Behavior Affiliate (SBA) and Family Paws Parent Educator. They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.
Naperville dog trainer services include:
Behind every successful Naperville training session lies a passionate professional. MaryKaye Kendrick shares why they chose this path: I have always loved animals and about 13 years ago I began volunteering in a local shelter (where I am now employed.) I know it sounds like a cliche but I wanted to help and make a difference. I was fascinated by understanding the whys of behavior and with the background I had in case management and teaching, it was a logical progression for me. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to do what I love!. All 41 trainers on this Naperville list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Naperville trainer, Randa Clark, uses the following methods: Tailchasers uses positive reinforcement training where we reward the behaviors we want your pup to show and find alternative behaviors for the ones you want to decrease. All of our training programs are customized to your pup's needs with a behavior plan made just for your pup!.
Explore the top dog trainers in Naperville as voted by our community:
Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list
I have always loved animals and about 13 years ago I began volunteering in a local shelter (where I am now employed.) I know it sounds like a cliche but I wanted to help and make a difference. I was fascinated by understanding the whys of behavior and with the background I had in case management and teaching, it was a logical progression for me. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to do what I love!.
Observe and learn body language! I believe it is the most important skill for anyone sharing their home with a pet to have.. This advice is particularly relevant for dog owners in Naperville looking to improve their dog’s behavior.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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?
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.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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.
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.
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.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.