Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Reactive dog training in Naperville, IL. Based on feedback and votes from our Reactive dog training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the Naperville area.
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 ...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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, 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 ...
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...
Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Reactive dog training in Naperville, IL is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Reactive dog training, we received 141 total votes, resulting in 21 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 MaryKaye Kendrick, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Reactive dog training in Naperville, IL. MaryKaye Kendrick’s favorite part of their job is: I love my clients, both human and dog alike! I love being able to troubleshoot with clients. I love watching their relationship with their pet grow. I love watching my clients' confidence blossom. I love watching dogs gain skills they were lacking before. I love teaching. Plus, dogs are the best!
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At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. MaryKaye Kendrick, 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. MaryKaye Kendrick encourages owners with this dog training tip: Observe and learn body language! I believe it is the most important skill for anyone sharing their home with a pet to have.
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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., which is crucial for successful Reactive dog training training. Additionally, Randa Clark recommends:
Incorporate training into your daily routine, so your dog learns every single day.for improving your dog’s behavior in Naperville.
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.