FirstBarkWe are so lucky to have found Copilot! My dog has food allergies and is easily overstimulated, and a lot of positive reinforcement trainers don’t know how to work with a dog like Goose. Margaret came up with creative solutions for every curveball Goose threw. Margaret has helped strengthen my bond with Goose and improve her everyday behavior so much!
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.
Margaret is amazing! She’s helped me with 1. a foster pup who was wild, young and needing structure. 2. a foster fail who was reactive, fearful of the world and in need of a chance 3. my most recent dog who is stubborn, curious and in need of enrichment. No matter what your pup …Read full reviewClose full review
Margaret is amazing! She’s helped me with 1. a foster pup who was wild, young and needing structure. 2. a foster fail who was reactive, fearful of the world and in need of a chance 3. my most recent dog who is stubborn, curious and in need of enrichment. No matter what your pup needs, Margaret will have a solution. She meets you and your dog where you’re at and she builds a plan for success. Definitely recommend and tell all your friends!
So it all started in December 2023 when I burst into tears in front of Margaret, owner of Copilot Training 😅 Seriously though, we adopted our dog Citra from a local rescue, and she was...A LOT. Every time we thought we were making progress in one area, a new one would emerge. …Read full reviewClose full review
So it all started in December 2023 when I burst into tears in front of Margaret, owner of Copilot Training 😅 Seriously though, we adopted our dog Citra from a local rescue, and she was...A LOT. Every time we thought we were making progress in one area, a new one would emerge. I wasn't kidding when I said I burst into tears when we met Margaret because I was crying...everyday...UNTIL we met Margaret. Her empathy for all of us (humans and dogs alike) was so comforting. And the way she approaches training with a balance of practicality, humor, patience and kindness - it was exactly what we needed. She also loves dogs...like REALLY loves dogs...and it shows in big and small ways (including giving treats to our senior dog Hops just because he loved her a lot, too). Citra has made such massive progress since working with Margaret. We still have a lot of work to do (and likely will for the rest of her life because she's got one heck of a lizard brain), but we no longer feel like we're drowning in a sea of unmanageable behaviors. Margaret gave us a set of tools so that when new things pop up, we have strategies to manage them. If you need a trainer, please don't wait until you've gone through all your tissues to contact Copilot Dog Training!!!
We have been working with Margaret for over 2 years and she’s done wonders with our high energy puppy. She taught us how to tire his brain out & helped us with his reactivity. She initially taught us the basics as first time dog owners and was extremely patient with both us & Bernie. Bernie is absolutely obsessed with her and was excited to see his friend again at Fun & Games.
My partner and I have had such a positive experience working with Margaret and could not recommend her more! Margaret has worked with us and our dog Lily who has a somewhat unusual presentation of stranger danger. With Margaret's help we've been able to come up with a solid plan …Read full reviewClose full review
My partner and I have had such a positive experience working with Margaret and could not recommend her more! Margaret has worked with us and our dog Lily who has a somewhat unusual presentation of stranger danger. With Margaret's help we've been able to come up with a solid plan to help Lily feel more comfortable with strangers which has helped us all feel way more comfortable. Margaret is patient, understanding, kind, knowledgeable, and only uses positive reinforcement which we love.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.