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 trainingProgram 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 trainingProgram 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 trainingProgram 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 guardingProgram 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 anxietyProgram 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 trainingProgram 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 classesProgram 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 trainingProgram 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 dogsProgram 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 classesCustomer-reported
Support between sessions
Personalized training plans
Assistance and working dogs
Therapy dog training
Dog sports
AgilityProgram 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 workProgram 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 householdsProgram 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 TrainingProgram 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 TrainingProgram 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.
5/5Margaret’s dog training expertise made such a positive impact on both my dog Cooper’s life and my own. Margaret personalizes training sessions based on your dog’s needs and communicates next steps to help keep the progress going. She is very flexible, patient, and you can tell sh…Read full reviewClose full review
Margaret’s dog training expertise made such a positive impact on both my dog Cooper’s life and my own. Margaret personalizes training sessions based on your dog’s needs and communicates next steps to help keep the progress going. She is very flexible, patient, and you can tell she has a natural ability to connect to dogs and people. Her training methods are based on years of experience which is centered around understanding the underlying behavior and correcting it using positive reinforcement. Cooper loves his sessions with Margaret and I trust her implicitly. We now have a lifelong cheerleader supporting and rooting for us. I truly can’t thank Margaret enough for giving me and Cooper the skills to live a much more calm life.
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Elizabeth Keuler
5/5I cannot recommend Margaret more highly! Her joy and love for the animals and people she works with shines in every interaction. Margaret meets you and your pup wherever you are in your journey and makes the training fun, realistic, and achievable. She has a plethora of ideas and…Read full reviewClose full review
I cannot recommend Margaret more highly! Her joy and love for the animals and people she works with shines in every interaction. Margaret meets you and your pup wherever you are in your journey and makes the training fun, realistic, and achievable. She has a plethora of ideas and is so great about adjusting plans & teaching as dogs grow and develop. My pup Lilo and I absolutely adore her and would recommend her to anyone looking for a personable, hard working, and fun trainer to help their pup!
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Anna Veltman
5/5Can’t rave about Margaret enough. As a first time dog owner she gave me and my pup the tools we needed to build a connection and strengthen his confidence as a new city pup! I learned so much and truly looked forward to every session. Margaret has so much incredible knowledge but…Read full reviewClose full review
Can’t rave about Margaret enough. As a first time dog owner she gave me and my pup the tools we needed to build a connection and strengthen his confidence as a new city pup! I learned so much and truly looked forward to every session. Margaret has so much incredible knowledge but equally as important she is kind, patient and empathetic. I am a better dog owner as a result of our time together, thank you Margaret!
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Deana Guarino
5/5
Wonderful trainer! Helped me and my pup Brisket through her height of anxiety and reactivity. Highly recommend, very patience and effective.
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Aneta Pietraszek
5/5
Margaret is the absolute best trainer! She is so patient with my dog, Maja and myself, as I learn more about her behavioral issues! 10000/10 and highly recommend.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
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