Dog Obedience Training in Illinois

"Dogs make us laugh. They comfort us when we're sad. They patiently listen to us complain about everything. And they don't care how bad we look in the morning... they still give us a kiss. They give us so much and ask for so little. We owe it to our dogs to train them!"
– Karen Okura, The Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago, IL

At Doggy Day Camp, Inc., you and your dog will be under the tutelage of a knowledgeable trainer who cares about your relationship with your dog. Good manners are easily handled with a little bit of understanding, a sense of humor, and gentle, consistent training. There is no magic wand or secret pill to instantly achieve canine etiquette. Commitment, cooperation and patience by the owner, along with the guidance of a knowledgeable trainer, are the keys to success. Our trainers have many years of experience helping dog owners communicate with their canine friends.

We cater to families who love having a dog in their lives. We teach a family how to live happily together with their canine friend, using positive reinforcement methods that are conducive to learning and retention. Unlike punishment-based techniques, which create unwanted side effects such as fear and distrust, a reward-based approach provides the foundation for a confident dog and harmonious relationship within the family. Our programs are designed to nurture mutual understanding and good relations between dogs and their families. After all, preserving the human-animal bond is what keeps our canine friends in their homes for a lifetime ---- and fewer pets being abandoned and dropped off at shelters.
We advocate easy, effective, and enjoyable training methods that are both dog-friendly and user-friendly. We apply positive motivation and reinforcement techniques, which focus on what the dog does right, not punishing what he has done wrong. The handler encourages the dog to do a behavior and then rewards the dog with food, praise, play, and attention. Experience has taught us that proactive training methods motivate the dog and handler to try new things, translating into an upbeat, enthusiastic attitude whereby the dog and handler enjoy working together as a team.

We believe in providing an educational service at an affordable price so all dogs and their respective families have an opportunity to receive the training they need to live happily together. Class sizes are small - typically eight students or less - to ensure students receive plenty of one-on-one attention.

NOTE: In order to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants in a class, we reserve the right to decline entry to any dog who presents behavior issues that may be overly dangerous, disruptive, or that may be exacerbated by participation in a group class. If behavior issues are discovered, our trainer will discuss other available options that are in everyone's best interest.

Course Descriptions

Course: Puppy Kindergarten
Length: 8 weeks (60-to-75 minutes per session.)
Requirements: Open to pups between 10 and 18 weeks of age at the start date of class with 2 DHLPP vaccinations, one of which must have been administered after 8 weeks of age but at least 7 days prior to the first session. Please bring veterinary records documenting immunizations to the first class.
Description: This class is 8 weeks of puppy fun! The majority of this course is taught off-lead and includes socialization with people and other dogs, confidence building, bite inhibition (gentle jaws), an introduction to basic manners and information on family living skills (i.e., house training, chewing, jumping on people, grooming, etc.) Come without your puppy the first week so we can get in some vital (and fun) human training!
Includes: E-textbook, handouts, homework, and certificate of completion.
Registration: Advance registration is required since class sizes are limited.

Course: Pet Dog Manners I
Length: 10 Weeks (60-to-75 minutes per session.)
Requirements: Open to all dogs over four months of age that are friendly to both people and other dogs, with proof of rabies vaccine. Please bring veterinary records documenting immunications to the first class.
Description: You and your dog won’t want to miss this fun, reward-oriented course. We teach you and your dog the basic skills needed for a mannerly pet and how to apply those skills to your day-to-day routine. Exercises covered include: attention, sit, down, stand, back, come when called, loose-leash walking, stay, various hand signals, polite greetings, and more. Classes are taught on lead at all times, utilizing praise, treats and encouragement. Come without your dog the first week so we can get in some vital (and fun) human training!
Includes: Textbook, homework, handouts and certificate of completion.
Registration: Advance registration is required since class sizes are limited.

We are happy to have other family members and children attend our classes. In order to make it a fun and safe experience for everyone in the class: