FirstBarkWhere do I even start?! I can’t speak highly enough about Margaret. She has been working with us for almost a year now and our dog is OBSESSED with her. After welcoming a new baby, my anxiety about bringing her home was at an all time high-Margaret did not hesitate to stop by and help with the transition. She has been absolutely wonderful to work with.
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
- Leash training
Program details
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: $200.00
- Obedience training
- Puppy training
Program details
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: From $145.00
- Socialization
Behavior support
- Cooperative care
- Fear and confidence
- Reactivity training
Program details
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: From $145.00
- Resource guarding
Program details
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: From $145.00
- Separation anxiety
Program details
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: From $145.00
How training happens
- Day training
Program details
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: From $1,170.00
- Group classes
Program details
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: From $200.00
- In-home training
- Online or virtual training
- Private training
Program details
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: From $145.00
Dog age
- Adult dogs
Program details
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: $35.00
- Puppies
Training level
- Beginner training
Class options
- Small classes Customer-reported
Support between sessions
- Personalized training plans
Assistance and working dogs
- Therapy dog training
Dog sports
- Agility
Program details
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: $250.00
- Scent work
Program details
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: $250.00
Your dog’s background
- Multi-dog households
Program details
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: From $145.00
- Rescue dogs
Training approach
- Positive reinforcement
Other listed services
View 11 additional details
- Animal Rescues
- Consultation Services
- Continuing Education
- Dog Basics
- Dog Training Techniques
- Drop-Off Training
Program details
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: From $1,285.00
- Group Sessions
- Jump Start
- Rescue & Newly Adopted Dog Training
Program details
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: From $145.00
- Starting Training
- Training Assistance
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’ve been working with Margaret with my reactive and aggressive dog for a couple of months now, and we have made SO much progress! I had tried other trainers before, but we were still struggling. Margaret is so kind and encouraging and has helped both of us develop confidence to …Read full reviewClose full review
I’ve been working with Margaret with my reactive and aggressive dog for a couple of months now, and we have made SO much progress! I had tried other trainers before, but we were still struggling. Margaret is so kind and encouraging and has helped both of us develop confidence to go on walks. She has so much advice and helpful tips. She’s also helped talk me through medication questions and is just so helpful and supportive with all my (many) questions. Love working with her and will continue to do so - can’t recommend enough!
I have worked with Margaret a ton with my foster fail dog and she’s hands down the best . She is very patient, has excellent knowledge and builds report easily with dogs. She also follows up with an email so you have a review of all of the training information you went over in the session. She’s also readily available for chats if you need more urgent help!
Margaret is an incredible positive reinforcement trainer! She not only has a gift for quickly building rapport with dogs, but her warm personality has helped the rescue fosters I’ve worked with to feel supported as they work to help their foster dogs address sometimes challenging…Read full reviewClose full review
Margaret is an incredible positive reinforcement trainer! She not only has a gift for quickly building rapport with dogs, but her warm personality has helped the rescue fosters I’ve worked with to feel supported as they work to help their foster dogs address sometimes challenging behaviors. After each training session, she sends a follow up email to reiterate what was worked on in the session and gives concrete ways to continue training between sessions. She provides the tools needed to work with their dog outside of the session. Margaret brings patience and humor to her training and I’ve seen dogs and their adopters/ fosters make significant strides with her support!
Our whole family loves Margaret! She’s a natural & clearly doing what she was meant to do. She interacts effortlessly with dogs, and despite Izzy’s anxiety around people she doesn’t know, Margaret became her BFF within minutes (& it wasn’t just the treats). Margaret has given us…Read full reviewClose full review
Our whole family loves Margaret! She’s a natural & clearly doing what she was meant to do. She interacts effortlessly with dogs, and despite Izzy’s anxiety around people she doesn’t know, Margaret became her BFF within minutes (& it wasn’t just the treats). Margaret has given us tools to manage Izzy’s reactivity towards dogs on tv & some of her other “quirks.” What I love most about Margaret is that she is willing to try new things & will keep coming up with ideas until something works for you & your dog. She’s also funny & our sessions are as much for socialization as they are for training! Highly recommend!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.