Out and About Program
The Out and About training program focuses on helping your dog be able to go with you around town, such as walking on a loose leash, lying comfortably at a cafe, walking past the el tracks, going to a store together, passing other dogs nicely, and even going past the dog park without pulling towards it. This is an incredible set of skills to have, and will change your relationship with your dog.
Program Description
- Politely walking through the lobby of your building and throughout your neighborhood
- Calmly sitting at a cafe with you
- Sitting at a park bench with you
- Walking past the el tracks
- Going to a grocery store
- Walking past the dog park
These are challenging scenarios, and we cannot guarantee immediate success, but we typically make significant progress.
- $835 for a minimum of 6 sessions. We can add more sessions if necessary.
- Plus $10 housecall fee per session if we come to your home or meet you somewhere, and any parking fee that we incur
- The training sessions
- Treat pouch and optional clicker if you are new to our programs
- Access to TrainTrack™ proprietary software platform for accessing recaps of your sessions, including videos of exercises covered.
This could include from one of these programs:
- Our Puppy or Adult Manners Program
- Our Puppy or Adult Manners classes
- Our Dropoff Training Program
- Private lessons focused on basic manners
- Similar training to one of the these programs, from a reputable, positive reinforcement trainer
- This program is for dogs who are comfortable being outside and have learned leash basics. It is not intended to address leash reactivity, fear or sensitivity about the environment, or other emotional challenges. Those would be addressed in another program (see our section about fears and emotions).
- If you have worked with one of our trainers in a different program, we can attempt to pair you with the same trainer, for continuity.
- Six sessions is a starting point, and many dogs can be successful in this amount. It is very normal that some dogs struggle a little and need more time - we can always add sessions if necessary.
- If your previous training has been somewhere besides Tucker Pup's, we may need to conduct an assessment first before proceeding, just to make sure we are creating the right training plan for your dog.
- If you want to add elements from other programs, that may be OK and would likely require additional sessions. Just ask!
Our Travel Radius
One of our trainers can home to your home if you live within our travel radius. We routinely go all throughout Chicago each day, including to Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Bucktown, Wrigleyville, Gold Coast, River North, downtown, East Loop, West Loop, South Loop, and all neighborhoods in between.
These boundaries go north to Irving Park Road, east to the lake, south to Roosevelt, and west to Western Avenue.
If you live a few streets beyond these boundaries we can likely still come to your home.
Otherwise, you would need to come to our training facility.
Our Trainers Travel All Over Chicago
FAQs
Where do the sessions take place?
If you live in our travel radius, we are happy to come to your home. Otherwise, we can work at our training facility.
Do most puppies truly finish the program in 6 sessions?
Yes, most puppies can finish the program in 6 sessions, although this is not a guarantee since there are factors out of our control, not the least of which is that you do your homework each week. But if you need to add more sessions, that is no problem.
What if I want to add or change behaviors?
This is not a problem, within reason. The program can be customized, and we can certainly add sessions and tackle additional behaviors. Having said that, if a behavior is likely too challenging until others are learned, we will discuss that with you. Just talk with us about your goals and we will help achieve them.
Why does it say "Intro to Leash Walking"? I want my puppy to go everywhere with me
The program teaches leash walking foundational mechanics, but there is a lot to learn that is outside of the scope of a 6-session program focusing on numerous skills. Having said that, after going through this program, your puppy can advance to the next level and start learning to go everywhere with you, plus much more such as lying down calmly at a cafe with you. Just ask if you want to tackle that next.
What if my puppy is not finished with all rounds of vaccinations?
If we are coming to your home, that is not a problem. If you are coming to our training facility, it is not a problem as long as your vet believes your puppy is on track and you have completed at least two of the three rounds. Rabies is not required for puppies.
What if my puppy is shy or lacks confidence?
This is very common, and could make leash training go more slowly. We are happy to add more sessions, plus add in confidence-building games and exercises. We would also recommend our Confidence Builder puppy social, which can work wonders.
What can we do after earning this certificate?
After graduating from the Puppy Manners Program, you can start to take any number of paths, including our Out and About Program (focusing more on outdoor walking and sitting at cafes), Intermediate Manners training (in class or with private lessons), and even start preparing for Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification.
What if my puppy doesn't graduate? Do I still get a certificate?
There is not really a formal "test", and it is OK if your puppy can't perform all of the behahviors by the end of the six sessions. Most importantly, we will have shown you what to do, and you must practice.
Positive Reinforcement Methods
Tucker Pup's only uses positive reinforcement methods. We do not use prong collars, choke chains, shock collars, poking, yelling, leash popping, or other aversive methods. Dominance can easily cause your dog to distrust you, and to only comply in order to avoid a negative outcome. This isn't truly learning, and can cause your dog's behaviors to become much worse.
Positive reinforcement is much more effective for creating long-term learning and a stronger relationship with your dog. Dogs love training when this style is being used, are much more responsive to their owners, and are much happier in general. In short, positive reinforcement gives you the best chance of success, and can be the fastest way to get results. If you are hesitant, please trust us on this one and feel free to ask us questions.
Positive reinforcement combines an encouraging tone of voice, clear instruction, relaxed body language, the use of rewards (e.g., treats, favorite toy), patience, and empathy.
If you are concerned about giving treats, keep in mind that they work very well for most dogs, you can phase them out at your discretion, and it is possible to use something else that your dog values, such as a favorite toy.
Neighborhoods We Serve
Tucker Pup's is located in the West Loop / Fulton Market District neighborhood. People come to us from all over Chicago, especially from Bucktown, Gold Coast, Lake View, Lincoln Park, Old Town, River North, River West, South Loop, Streeterville, Ukrainian Village, University Village, West Town and Wicker Park.