Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

Mary Thompson

Dog trainer in Chicago

https://www.happyhounduniversity.com

Service areas:

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 would be an issue when he was young. When I decided I needed help and went to look at local trainers I found that almost all of them used old fashioned, inhumane training methods that I simply would not subject my dog to. So, I taught myself. Regis and I learned A LOT together during those first years (trial by fire!), and I saw what positive reinforcement could do for dogs who were struggling. After completing a mentorship as well as some certification programs, I decided I'd go all in and Happy Hound University was formed!

Certifications:

CTC with Honors from Jean Donaldson's Academy for Dog Trainers, PMCT1 from Pat Miller's Certification academies, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Professional

Dog training services include

Aggressive dog training
Reactive dog training
In home training
Puppy training

More info about Mary Thompson's dog training:

I offer in home private training throughout the Northwest Suburbs, and group classes in Des Plaines, Illinois. In home training is for anything from basic manners to behavior consulting including reactivity and other serious behavior issues. I offer over 10 group classes a week as well with a special focus on puppy and puppy socialization.

Behavioral issue focus:

Reactivity, Resource Guarding, Extreme Fear, Stranger Danger

Dog training methods:

All of my services, private training and group classes, utilize the most up to date training sessions supported by science, which means we focus on positive reinforcement and do not use anything to intimidate, scare, or coerce dogs into doing what we like. Because we specialize in pet dog training we mostly use food to train, but if a dog has something else they find more rewarding that we can easily harness and use we'll use that as well!

Why I became a dog trainer:

Regis, my 10.5 year old beagle mix, was the inspiration for me to become a dog trainer; when he was 1 year old he had every issue under the sun, dog reactivity, body handling issues, stranger directed aggression, resource guarding, the list goes on. I needed help, but the only trainers in our area used old school, inhumane methods, so I ended up having to teach myself so that I could help him!

My favorite part of being a dog trainer:

Feeling like I'm really making a difference for people and their dogs. When someone tells me about a success they had, and how they're so pleased with how their dog's training is going, nothing can compete with that!

My #1 dog training tip:

Notice the good! It's so easy to get hung up on when our dog is being "bad", but if you start to notice when your dog is doing things you like, and reinforcing them with real, tangible rewards like food treats and play in those moments, your dog will start to offer those more desirable behaviors more often! Notice the good!

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

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.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

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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.

Mary Thompson

Certifications:

Dog training services include

More info about Mary Thompson's dog training:

Behavioral issue focus:

Dog training methods:

Why I became a dog trainer:

My favorite part of being a dog trainer:

My #1 dog training tip:

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David Adams

About Sniffspot

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