Dog Training Experts in Chicago
We have delivered expert dog training in Chicago since 2006, with undeniable results. We offer professional programs throughout the Chicago area at your home or in our state-of-the-art training facility located in the West Loop / Fulton Market District. We have Our certified trainers use positive reinforcement techniques tailored to your dog's behaviors and needs.
From private dog training and puppy training programs to adult dog training classes, puppy socials, and much more, we help dogs of all breeds learn in a safe, fun, and engaging environment. Explore the Our Training Services section below to find the right program for your dog.
Our training is highly effective. Whether you're addressing behavioral issues, building better manners, or just got a puppy, we can strengthen the bond between you and your dog. As a business with over 1,000 5-star reviews, we are Chicago's top-rated dog training destination.
Sample Manners Behaviors Taught in Our Training Program
Our Training Services
Tucker Pup's has the most comprehensive set of dog training services in Chicago.
Puppy Training Programs
- Puppy classes and socials
- Dropoff training
- Private lessons
Adult Manners Training Programs
- Obedience classes
- Dropoff training
- Private lessons
Anxiety and Reactivity Training Programs
- Separation anxiety
- Leash reactivity, barking, resource guarding
- General anxiety and nervous behavior
Life Change Training Programs
- Acclimating a new rescue dog
- Introducing a new baby
- Introducing a new dog
Book a Free Consultation
Why Choose Tucker Pup's Training?
Positive Reinforcement Methods
Tucker Pup's only uses positive reinforcement, which combines the use of rewards, an encouraging tone of voice, and relaxed body language.
We do not use aversive methods include prong collars, choke chains, shock collars, poking, yelling, or leash popping. If you are using any of these with your dog, we can help you successfully stop, and still get the results you want.
Positive reinforcement gives you the best chance of success, and can be the fastest way to get results. Aversive methods cause distrust, fear, and potentially pain or discomfort, all of which can be detrimental to getting the results and relationship that you want.
Common questions:
- Do I need to carry treats for the rest of my dog's life? Treats are for teaching behaviors - once your dog can reliably perform, treats can be phased out at your discretion.
- Do I need to carry treats at all times? No. If there are times where you are not carrying treats, our methods can still work.
- Can I use a different type of reward than treats? It may be possible to use something else your dog values, such as a favorite toy.
- Is positive reinforcement too soft for my dog? Not a bit. The best way to build reliable skills is through trust and motivation. Being tough with your dog can cause him to shut down, have anxiety, ignore you, and not truly learn.
- I have tried treats, but they don't work for my dog. You were likely using low-value treats, including from a store. We will recommend high-value treats that work beautifully for most dogs, including in high-distraction environments.
- Will it take longer to achieve results? This is a common myth. Positive reinforcement can create faster results than aversive methods, because your dog is motivated to listen to you, and truly wants to learn.
- Is it bribery? No! All animals learn behaviors from being rewarded, including humans. You wouldn't go to work for free, would you? Motivation + repetition = new behaviors.
If you are hesitant, please trust us on this one and feel free to ask us questions.
Why Work with a Professional Dog Trainer?
Working with a trainer delivers faster, more reliable, and longer-lasting results
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
Customer Reviews
Yelp has listed Tucker Pup's as one of the top 100 local businesses in the country in 2025. We are the only pet business who made the list from Chicago, and the only pet resort / training business who made the list nationally.
See the List
Success Story
Featured Trainer
Jessie Sanfillippo, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA
We did a 6 pack of training sessions with Jessie and absolutely loved working with her. She was super helpful each week with delivering new techniques for Brinley (our dog) and we can already see the hard work paying off with how he listens to us and responds to cues. She was very gentle and informative when it came to training + we really valued our sessions!
- Addie Martanovic
FAQs
Does positive reinforcement training really work better than other methods?
Yes, we can honestly tell you that positive reinforcement is the best format for training a dog. The goal is to build trust, not fear. We have successfully used it with thousands of dogs, and dominance methods would have set them back substantially.
How long does training take?
Many dogs show massive improvement with a 6-8 week program with weekly sessions. If your dog is experiencing strong fears or anxieties, the timetable could potentially be longer, but will still likely be showing improvement along the way. Every dog is a little different. We would give you our honest opinion when assessing your dog.
Can you train older dogs?
We have trained dogs of all ages, and it can work well even for an older dog. Training is about establishing a new method of communication and motivation for your dog.
How much does dog training cost?
We have dog training options at all budget levels. You can enroll in a puppy social for $35, take a training course for $275, and can make great progress with an 6-session manners private lesson program for a little more than $800. Check out each training service above for more details.
Should I choose a group class or private lesson format?
Classes are the most affordable option and can be great for learning under distractions, hearing questions from other people, and being a part of group exercises. It does assume that your dog can handle being around other dogs or people. Private lessons are great if you need one-on-one attention, if you want more scheduling flexibility, if you want the trainer to analyze your home environment, and is better if your dog struggles when around other dogs.
Are your dog trainers certified?
The majority of our trainers are certified at leading orgnizations, and any others are in the process of earning their certifications. In addition, they all stay up-to-date on the latest training advice.
Customer Testimonials
We enjoyed the training with David. He was always patient and positive and understood our wirehair fox terrier's stubbornness.
Tamara Hirsch
David is a great trainer! I emailed him a few times with questions and he was very responsive. The techniques he uses produce results. I would highly recommend him and Tucker Pups for training.
Elissa White
David was very professional and extremely patient with our puppy. His tips were helpful and we are continuing with our at home training. I would highly recommend Tucker Pup's to all our friends!
Steve and Lisa Pascua
Classes were great, we learned a lot of training tips and tools that we will be able to use outside of class. David is a great teacher and is very knowledgeable.
Joe Wilush an Alex O'Connor
Inquire About Our Training Program
Talk to us! We are happy to discuss our program, answer your questions, and help you decide how to move forward. Want to have that conversation in person? Not a problem - you are welcome to come to our facility.
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.
