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Balanced Behavior Dog Training Center

Palatine, Illinois

5/5· 124 Google reviews

About Balanced Behavior Dog Training Center

Balanced Behavior Dog Training Center specializes in professional dog training and behavior modification for dogs struggling with reactivity, aggression, anxiety, fear, and resource guarding. We go beyond basic obedience by addressing the root cause of problem behaviors and creating lasting results. Our programs are designed to help dogs learn calm, reliable behavior while teaching owners how to provide structure, leadership, and confidence. From leash reactivity to stranger danger to separation anxiety, we transform difficult behavior into cooperation and trust, helping families build safe, happy, and balanced relationships with their dogs.

Training & services

Training goals

  • Behavior consultation
  • Crate training
  • Leash training
  • Obedience training
  • Socialization

Behavior support

  • Aggression training
  • Fear and confidence
  • Reactivity training
  • Resource guarding
  • Separation anxiety

How training happens

  • Board and train Customer-reported
  • Group classes
  • In-home training
    Program details

    Struggling with specific behavior challenges at home? An in-home training session provides targeted, one-on-one coaching in the environment where your dog lives, learns, and demonstrates behaviors. Bill or Krista will come to your home for a one-hour session tailored to your dogs immediate needs and your familys goals. During the session, your trainer will: Evaluate your dogs behavior in its natural home environment to identify triggers, habits, and areas for improvement. Provide step-by-step guidance and strategies to address pressing concerns, including obedience, reactivity, anxiety, threshold manners, and more. Create a customized action plan designed to help you and your dog build consistent routines, reinforce training, and achieve long-term success. In-home sessions are ideal for owners who want practical, real-world solutions applied directly where they matter most. They offer the unique benefit of coaching you as the handler, ensuring you gain the confidence and skills to guide your dog effectively. Please note that availability for in-home sessions is limited due to Bill and Kristas schedule at the training facility. Scheduling is handled directly with your trainer; after booking, Bill or Krista will reach out to confirm a convenient time. · Listed price: From $250.00

  • Online or virtual training
  • Owner coaching
  • Pack walks
    Program details

    EXCLUSIVE TO GOAT CAMP GRADUATES! Loving Leaders Pack Walk Program This monthly program gives GOAT Camp graduates the opportunity to refine social skills, maintain training, and practice real-world application of learned behaviorsall in a supportive, guided environment. Led by Bill, each hour-long walk takes place in local parks and focuses on reinforcing handler engagement, calm leadership, neutrality, and precise leash communication amidst the natural distractions of other dogs, people, and the environment. Spots are limited to 10 dogs per walk to ensure personalized attention and hands-on guidance. Program Goals: Community Building: Connect with other dedicated dog owners and cultivate a network of like-minded individuals who are committed to positive, results-driven training. Handler Engagement & Skills: Strengthen your ability to remain neutral, maintain focus, and communicate effectively with your dog in dynamic, real-world scenarios. Dog Socialization & Pack Drive: Enhance your dogs cooperative behaviors, reinforce pack-oriented play and work drive, and cultivate harmonious interactions within a group setting. Training Maintenance & Generalization: Apply and generalize skills learned in GOAT Camp to new environments and situations, helping your dog stay reliable and responsive outside of the home. Real-Time Feedback: Receive individualized guidance and corrections from Bill and Krista throughout the walk, ensuring practical application and continuous improvement. Participant Expectations: Arrive on time with exercised, well-prepared dogs. Dogs must remain leashed, maintain safe distances, and follow learned commands. Owners actively follow Bills guidance, remain calm, and reinforce positive behaviors. Bring high-value rewards to support focus and engagement. Participate in post-walk discussion and Q&A to review progress, troubleshoot challenges, and deepen understanding. Walk Structure: Arrival & Briefing (10 min): Check-in, introductions, and a controlled start with initial guidance on positioning, engagement, and leash handling. Guided Walk (30 min): Variable-distance walking while navigating distractions. Bill and Krista provide live feedback, coaching, and demonstrations tailored to each dog and handler. Q&A & Review (20 min): Post-walk discussion to ask questions, address challenges, and review lessons learned during the session. This program not only helps maintain your dogs skills but also empowers you as a handler, reinforcing the principles of leadership, communication, and positive guidance that make GOAT Camp so effective. Join the pack today and keep your dog learning, engaged, and fulfilled! · Listed price: From $50.00

  • Private training
    Program details

    Our private 1-hour training sessions are designed for clients who may not needor be ready forour full GOAT Camp program but still want hands-on, professional guidance. These sessions are offered a la carte, giving you the flexibility to work on exactly what matters most for you and your dog. During your session, well focus on your specific goals. Whether its leash manners, obedience, behavior issues, or simply building a better relationship with your dog, well tailor the training to your needs. If youre not sure where to start, dont worrywell begin with the foundations and build from there. All sessions take place at our training facility, giving us the ideal environment to set your dog up for success. By the end of the hour, youll walk away with practical skills, clear guidance, and a plan to continue progress at home. Perfect for dog owners looking for professional support without committing to a full programthese sessions are flexible, effective, and all about you and your dog. · Listed price: From $225.00

Dog age

  • Puppies

Support between sessions

  • Follow-up support
  • Homework and practice

Dog sports

  • Agility Customer-reported

Your dog’s background

  • Rescue dogs Customer-reported

Additional services

  • Grooming

Other listed services

View 3 additional details
  • GOAT Camp
    Program details

    GOAT Camp is our signature, results-driven training program for owners who want meaningful transformation and a clear, teachable system they can confidently apply at home. It delivers all the benefits of a traditional board & trainintensive, high-quality training for your dogwithout sending your dog away or leaving you out of the process. Instead, you learn alongside your dog every step of the way. This program blends immersive daily training with thorough owner education, structured homework, and real-world practice so your dogs progress continues long after each session ends. Included: 8 Training Days focused on behavior improvement, obedience, leash skills, neutrality, confidence building, settle training, and breed-appropriate fulfillment. Eight 30-Min 1:1 Owner Sessions to teach you exactly how to handle, guide, and maintain your dogs training. Daily Training Video explaining the concept youll practice during your 1:1 session. Daily Homework with step-by-step instructions to keep your routine consistent. Lifetime access to six of Bills behavior-focused programs designed to build solid foundations, prevent owner-created issues, and guide you through resolving the most common behavior challenges. GOAT Camp is perfect for owners who want structure, clarity, and a proven training system. You gain everything needed to build a reliable, fulfilled, and well-balanced dogpaired with the guidance to maintain those results long after the program ends. · Listed price: From $1,995.00

  • GOAT Camp Plus
    Program details

    GOAT Camp Plus is our most complete, results-driven training program for owners who want real transformation and long-term success. This program blends intensive daily training with thorough owner education, clear structure at home, and real-world follow-up support so your dogs progress continues well beyond the program. Included: 8 Training Days focused on behavior improvement, obedience, leash skills, neutrality, confidence building, settle training, and breed-appropriate fulfillment. Eight 30-Min 1:1 Owner Sessions to teach you exactly how to handle, guide, and maintain your dogs training. Daily Training Video explaining the concept youll practice during your 1:1 session. Daily Homework with step-by-step instructions to keep your routine consistent. Lifetime access to six of Bills behavior-focused programs designed to build solid foundations, prevent owner-created issues, and guide you through resolving the most common behavior challenges. Plus These Extras: 1 In-Home Session to address your dogs behavior where it matters most. 1 Refresher Session to tighten things up after graduation. 1 Pack Walk to practice neutrality around other dogs in real life. 1 Stay & Train Day for a tune-up at the facility. GOAT Camp Plus is perfect for owners who want structure, clarity, and continued support. You gain everything needed to build a reliable, fulfilled, and well-balanced dogalong with the guidance to maintain those results for the long haul. · Listed price: From $2,495.00

  • Field Trip Training Session
    Program details

    True success with your dog goes beyond obedienceits about having a dog who can navigate life calmly, confidently, and reliably. In this one-hour Field Trip Training Session, Bill personally accompanies you and your dog to a public location, providing hands-on coaching and guidance tailored to your dogs current skill level and real-life challenges. During the session, you will: Practice engagement and focus in distracting environments such as pet stores, coffee shops, malls, or other public spaces. Receive professional guidance in high-stress locations, including veterinary offices, grooming appointments, or anywhere your dog may struggle with anxiety, fear, or excitement. Learn strategies to manage challenges in real time, building trust, confidence, and self-control in your dog. Gain actionable tools to maintain and reinforce these behaviors at home, ensuring lasting success beyond the session. Each outing is fully customized to your dogs abilities and needs, emphasizing not just exposure, but teaching your dog to process new environments correctly and respond reliably to your guidance. Whether practicing calm behavior, polite greetings, or self-regulation around distractions, these sessions provide real-world experience with expert support. By the end of your Field Trip session, youll leave with practical strategies, a more confident and composed dog, and the peace of mind that comes from learning directly from Bill in real-life settings. · Listed price: From $295.00

Confirm current programs and availability directly.

Customer reviews

Google listing
5
out of 5124 Google reviews

Mentioned in reviews

  • Knowledgeable trainers 21
  • Dog reactivity 17
  • Reactive dog training 14
  • Leash pulling 12
  • Obedience training 9
  • Communication with dog 6
All 10 topics
  • Confident dog 6
  • Crate training 3
  • Anxious dog training 2
  • Rescue dog training 2

Google review topics, not confirmed services.

100 collected reviews

Text reviews first · newest first
Sue Fennelly
5/5
I probably cant articulate enough what a great experience we had with Balanced Behavior Dog Training. We adopted a puppy from the shelter in early November. Since he was a shelter pup of 6 months we had little background on his history. After a few weeks his energetic and sa…Read full reviewClose full review

I probably cant articulate enough what a great experience we had with Balanced Behavior Dog Training. We adopted a puppy from the shelter in early November. Since he was a shelter pup of 6 months we had little background on his history. After a few weeks his energetic and sassy behavior really started to show itself and we knew he would need training. Upon our initial meeting with Bill and Chrysta we were impressed by their knowledge, professionalism, and approach to training and decided this was the place for us and our pup. Each training session was organized and followed up with showing us what work we needed to do with our dog and some behavioral modification we needed to work on. Upon graduating from the program our dog’s behavior improved for the better. He no longer tugs on the leash during walks, he’s no longer reactive on walks, his puppy nipping has been reduced to nothing, he listens to commands, and loves his crate. Moreover, they taught us how to run our high energy dog on the treadmill which was much needed during the cold January. This really was a life changing experience for all of us. I had a much stronger bond with my dog and he is very aware of our expectations. This would have never been achieved on our own and without the knowledge and dedication of Balanced Behavior - Bill and Chrysta. Although our pup has graduated the program we continue to drop him off once a week because it is his absolute FAVORITE place to go. I highly recommend them!!!

Klaudia Dziedzic
5/5
If could give this place a 1000 stars I would but 5 is going to have to do. I cannot say enough incredible things about Balanced Behavior Dog Training. Working with Bill and Krista has truly changed both my life and Blondie’s life in ways I didn’t even realize were possible. Befo…Read full reviewClose full review

If could give this place a 1000 stars I would but 5 is going to have to do. I cannot say enough incredible things about Balanced Behavior Dog Training. Working with Bill and Krista has truly changed both my life and Blondie’s life in ways I didn’t even realize were possible. Before I brought Blondie into training, I thought our relationship was good but I definitely found out that we lacked a lot of things. I didn’t really understand her and she didn’t understand what I wanted and needed from her as her mom and owner. I didn’t always know how to lead her in a way that made her feel safe and confident. Bill and Krista didn’t just “train my dog” — they taught me how to communicate with her in a clear, calm, and balanced way.Blondie has grown into such a confident girl. She’s more secure in who she is, more relaxed, and so much more responsive — but the best part is that she is still her silly, goofy self. They didn’t suppress her personality. They helped her shine in a healthier, happier way.Our relationship has completely transformed-there is no more frustration when it comes to training my dog and they truly taught me how to communicate with my dog and what my dog needs from me to be the best version of herself. There’s more trust, more respect, and so much more peace in our home. I finally understand how to be the leader she needs (and yes… she definitely understands who the boss is now 😉).Bill and Krista truly care. They’re patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive every step of the way. This wasn’t just obedience training — it was relationship training. And I am forever grateful.If you’re even considering training, do it and MAKE SURE YOU PICK THIS PLACE. It’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made — not just for my dog, but for our life together. Thank you, Bill and Krista, for giving me the best version of my girl ❤️You guys are TRULY the BEST!

ashlee gonzalez
5/5
It’s hard to know where to begin with this review. I am a single mom to a miniature Australian Shepherd, Marshall. I truly believed I could raise and train him on my own by watching YouTube videos. I was wrong. Every part of caring for him felt overwhelming. He became unpredictab…Read full reviewClose full review

It’s hard to know where to begin with this review. I am a single mom to a miniature Australian Shepherd, Marshall. I truly believed I could raise and train him on my own by watching YouTube videos. I was wrong. Every part of caring for him felt overwhelming. He became unpredictable, reactive, and developed severe guarding behaviors that terrified me. I was bitten twice, and so were members of my family. I felt defeated and ashamed to admit I needed help. Thankfully, my sister found Bill and Krista at Balanced Behavior. From the very first consultation, they listened carefully and created a training plan that worked around my unusual schedule. My family helped with drop-offs and pick-ups, and I would attend classes after work to learn everything Marshall was being taught. Bill and Krista provided one-on-one training and, more importantly, helped me understand why Marshall behaved the way he did. They taught me structure, discipline, and how to communicate in a way Marshall could understand. They were patient, supportive, and always willing to answer questions. Each class left us feeling hopeful and excited for the next. Bill even scheduled an in-home visit, which was incredibly insightful. We practiced real-life scenarios, including safely working through a resource-guarding situation using high-value treats. For the first time, I felt confident instead of afraid. Bill reminded me that while he teaches and guides, success comes from consistency and dedication at home. That encouragement meant everything to me. Today, I can walk Marshall with confidence and be relaxed. He no longer pulls, barks excessively, or reacts the way he once did. Marshall can be his true happy self. I feel confident, structured, and connected to my dog in a way I never thought possible. Because of this I can now say I have the loving connection I was looking for in the beginning. I am beyond grateful to Bill and Krista at Balanced Behavior for transforming not only Marshall’s behavior, but my confidence as a dog owner. Seeking professional help was the best decision I could have made. Thank you, Balanced Behavior!

Estelle Gonzalez
5/5
This place is beyond amazing. Bill and Krista give clear direction! Instruction and explanation! Every question was answered! We completed the Goat training program. It has given us all the tools and knowledge needed to succeed. And YES! As a dog owner, it works! Are there chal…Read full reviewClose full review

This place is beyond amazing. Bill and Krista give clear direction! Instruction and explanation! Every question was answered! We completed the Goat training program. It has given us all the tools and knowledge needed to succeed. And YES! As a dog owner, it works! Are there challenges? Yes of course. The key is consistency and following the tools provided! It has been a blessing working with Bill and Krista!! My family can’t thank them enough!! Marshall is also very greatful. He is a much happier fur baby!

Lilly Gonzalez
5/5
Not sure where to even start but if I can give Bill and Krista a 100000/5 stars I would! I initially came to Bill for my sisters mini Australian shepherd puppy due to my entire family feeling lost. Marshall is the sweetest dog and has such a firecracker personality, but soon bec…Read full reviewClose full review

Not sure where to even start but if I can give Bill and Krista a 100000/5 stars I would! I initially came to Bill for my sisters mini Australian shepherd puppy due to my entire family feeling lost. Marshall is the sweetest dog and has such a firecracker personality, but soon became scary due to his extreme guarding. I’m talking about going from 0 to 100 very fast to very sweet, and then all of a sudden a mini cujo. My sister felt defeated as she tried so much to break him from the obsession of things he felt were being taken away from him. My sister and I come from a family of animal lovers, and we’ve never dealt with a dog of this magnitude, and clearly needed the extra guidance to help fulfill Marshall! I was able to advocate for Marshall and my sister and get Marshall the help he needed with The GOAT training Camp! Bill heard me out. He listened to my concerns, and allowed me to be vulnerable during our consult. He understood that giving up wasn’t an option, and that understanding Marshall’s needs was a priority. This program not only made Marshall better , but allowed ME to see my sister is a different light. I saw her confidence and happiness back in her eyes. I saw Marshall be his sweet self again BUT with structure. My whole family had to understand the type of mental and physical exercise Australian Shepherds needed that we weren’t aware of before. Bill and Krista gave my sister that training and confidence that she needed in order to give Marshall the best possible life. I can’t thank them enough because of the complete turn around I see in him and my sister. It truly is an amazing feeling. I will always recommend this program and forever be grateful that such amazing people like them still exist !

Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.

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