FirstBarkMargaret is awesome. We got a second dog last year who is young and smart but also anxious and reactive. We are just getting started but Margaret has been kind, patient and thoughtful about how best to help. Looking forward to having a calmer, happier dog!
Copilot Dog Training
Chicago, Illinois
About Copilot Dog Training
We are a dog training facility in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago, focused on helping dogs and their people succeed in city life. We offer group classes, private in-home training, and drop-off programs at our facility. Our training is designed specifically for urban environments, helping dogs navigate distractions, noise, and busy streets with confidence while giving owners practical tools they can use every day.
Training & services
Training goals
- House training
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- Leash training
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A structured class designed to help dogs walk calmly without pulling, lunging, or dragging you down the block. We focus on engagement, leash skills, and real-world walking strategies that make daily walks more enjoyable for both ends of the leash. · Listed price: [object Object]
- Obedience training
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- Puppy training
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Foundational training for puppies focused on confidence, manners, and real-life skills. We cover potty training, crate comfort, socialization, biting, calm behavior, and building strong habits from the start. · Listed price: [object Object]
- Socialization
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Behavior support
- Cooperative care
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- Fear and confidence
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- Reactivity training
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Specialized training for dogs who bark, lunge, freeze, or struggle around other dogs or people. We focus on reducing stress, building coping skills, and helping dogs feel safer and more confident in the world. · Listed price: [object Object]
- Resource guarding
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Specialized training for dogs who growl, snap, or guard food, toys, spaces, or people. We focus on safety, trust-building, and changing how dogs feel about resources through a thoughtful, behavior-focused approach. · Listed price: [object Object]
- Separation anxiety
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Specialized support for dogs who struggle when left alone, including panic, vocalization, destruction, or distress. Training focuses on gradual independence, emotional regulation, and building calm, safe alone-time through a thoughtful, dog-centered plan. · Listed price: [object Object]
How training happens
- Day training
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We come to your home and work with your dog during the day while you’re busy. Ideal for puppies, behavior work, leash skills, and dogs who learn best in their real environment. · Listed price: [object Object]
- Group classes
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Small, structured group classes that teach dogs how to learn and work around real-world distractions. Classes focus on obedience, engagement, impulse control, confidence, and calm behavior in shared spaces. · Listed price: [object Object]
- In-home training
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- Online or virtual training
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- Private training
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One-on-one training tailored to your dog, your home, and your real-life routines. Ideal for behavior challenges, confidence building, leash skills, anxiety support, and personalized guidance that meets your dog where they’re at. · Listed price: [object Object]
Dog age
- Adult dogs
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Trainer-led play sessions for small adult dogs that prioritize safety, communication, and appropriate social skills. Structured, monitored play in a calm, supportive environment — not open chaos. · Listed price: [object Object]
- Puppies
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Training level
- Beginner training
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Class options
- Small classes Customer-reported
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Support between sessions
- Personalized training plans
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Assistance and working dogs
- Therapy dog training
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Dog sports
- Agility
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A foundational agility class focused on body awareness, confidence, and teamwork — not speed or competition. Dogs learn to navigate beginner obstacles in a supportive, low-pressure environment designed for fun and skill-building. · Listed price: [object Object]
- Scent work
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A beginner-friendly class that teaches dogs how to use their natural scenting abilities through fun, confidence-building search games. Great for dogs of all ages looking for mental enrichment, confidence, and a job they love. · Listed price: [object Object]
Your dog’s background
- Multi-dog households
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Training designed for homes with more than one dog. We help improve coexistence, reduce tension, manage resources, and create calmer routines so dogs can live together more peacefully. · Listed price: [object Object]
- Rescue dogs
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Training approach
- Positive reinforcement
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Other listed services
View 11 additional details
- Animal Rescues
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- Consultation Services
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- Continuing Education
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- Dog Basics
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- Dog Training Techniques
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- Drop-Off Training
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Structured, trainer-led training sessions where your dog works on skills during the day and goes home tired and accomplished. Includes obedience, confidence building, enrichment, and calm behavior practice. · Listed price: [object Object]
- Group Sessions
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- Jump Start
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- Rescue & Newly Adopted Dog Training
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Support for rescue dogs and newly adopted dogs as they adjust to their new life. Focuses on decompression, confidence, routines, and helping dogs settle in at their own pace. · Listed price: [object Object]
- Starting Training
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- Training Assistance
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Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Customer reviews
Google listing5
111 Google reviews
Mentioned in reviews
- managing reactivity 20
- knowledgeable trainer 19
- reactivity training 15
- knowledgeable team 12
- private sessions 6
- personalized training 5
All 10 topics
- compassionate training 4
- drop off training 3
- foster pup training 3
- loose leash walking 3
Google review topics, not confirmed services.
I did an initial phone consult with Margaret after rescuing my 3-year old dog. After the first session with Ronnie, I knew I would want to book more lessons! Ronnie did a great job meeting me and my dog where we were at and set us up for success. My dog had come so far with our lessons and I already can’t wait to sign up for an in-person class with copilot!
We had help with our rescue pup in our home for tips to help her get through transitioning and then took a class here and this place was great! Clover our pup seemed to start feeling more confident in just what we learned from our at home session and one class. We will be back for more.
Copilot is the best!! We have enjoyed working with Cailin so much and our dog’s behavior has improved remarkably. Almond Joy (left) can now relax in her “spot” at home and is able to give her brother some much needed space! Thank you Cailin <3
We had a wonderful experience working with Cailin. It was clear that she tailored her training to our specific needs. She gave us simple and straightforward guidance to use for our dog. Cailin is a great dog trainer and her calm/kind demeanor made it easy for us and our dog to le…Read full reviewClose full review
We had a wonderful experience working with Cailin. It was clear that she tailored her training to our specific needs. She gave us simple and straightforward guidance to use for our dog. Cailin is a great dog trainer and her calm/kind demeanor made it easy for us and our dog to learn from her. Additionally, we liked that Copilot offered a la carte sessions that were completely customized to our needs. It was a pleasure to work with Cailin & Copilot and we'd definitely recommend them.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.