We had a wonderful experience with Shaina and Phaedra. Rex is a handful - lots of energy and (positive) reactivity to other dogs. We have been implementing all of the strategies on our daily walks. We are seeing progress.
- Leanne Beaudoin Ryan
I have worked with Natalie since the day I brought home my Golden Retriever puppy at just 10 weeks old, and she’s been with us every step of the way through puppyhood.
Raising a high-energy puppy in a downtown Chicago high-rise comes with its own unique challenges, and Ralph ended up developing some behavioral concerns that were much more complex than typical puppy training. Throughout that process, Natalie has been incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and responsive. She has always taken the time to listen to my (very detailed and admittedly helicopter mom) updates, answer my endless questions, and thoughtfully adjust our training plan as Ralph’s needs evolved.
One thing I especially appreciate is that Natalie never took a one-size-fits-all approach. As Ralph matured, she helped us recognize that some of his behaviors weren’t simply obedience issues, but were rooted in overstimulation, frustration, and anxiety. She worked closely with her supervisors and collaborated with our veterinary behavior team to make sure we were approaching his training from every angle.
It’s clear how much she genuinely cares about both the dogs she works with and their owners. She celebrates the wins with us, is always willing to brainstorm through setbacks, and has been an incredible source of support during what has sometimes been a challenging first several months of puppyhood - especially for someone who is doing it on their own for the first time.
If you’re looking for someone who is compassionate, knowledgeable, communicative, and truly invested in your dog’s success, I would absolutely recommend Natalie. My pup adores her, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything she’s done to help him!
- Victoria Mpistolarides
Maureen was excellent. Our Pittie/staffie pup went from needing fences and sheets between him and strangers (sessions 1-4) to having Maureen doing home visits and, during our last session, allowing me and my partner to leave him and Maureen alone in the house. The progress has been outstanding, and we’ll continue to use Tucker Pups—Maureen specifically—for future training needs.
- Zoe Lindner
Great training - very professional, and extremely helpful for our whole family. Thank you!
- Lauren Berry
The Whippersnappers puppy social was as good for the humans as it was for the dogs. The leaders, Phaedra and MJ, were good at coaching/explaining
- Nick Barton
The Whippersnapper puppy social was such a great experience for my 15 week old golden retriever. Helena and MJ were excellent and it was such a positive experience - we’ll be back!
- Taylor Herring
Leia loved Natalie! It was very helpful participating in the Puppy Starter Program as a first-time dog owner. Natalie came to our apartment and gave us advice on how to help Leia become independent, gave ideas for enrichment activities, and guided us on how to expose Leia to the outside world.
- Vanessa Makris
Phaedra is fantastic. She explains everything and is so calm and positive in the puppy socials.
- Michelle Black
Jessie was great! Super helpful with great tips. We feel a lot more equipped after working with her!
- Erica Joseph
Attending puppy socials is our pup's favorite activity! It's an invaluable offering and we're so happy with the format and experience.
- Leigh Kile
Whittaker and I had a great time at the puppy social! The structure of play and training is perfect for his phase of puppy and he learned a lot! The trainers were great, always sharing information of what to look for, when to intervene, and of course they just love the dogs! Can't wait to be back.
- Alysha Baker
Courtney was always on time and helpful. I'm transitioning to group classes now, but happy I had some private sessions to begin with.
- Jim Mosley
Puppy socials are amazing week over week!!!
- Grace King
Courtney was so helpful and gave me a new dog mom a ton of information and resources. I feel like I can actually handle raising my puppy now.
- Megan Morriss
Helena and MJ were spectacular! My dog loves them so much. She’s very shy around other dogs and they did a great job encouraging her to be comfortable.
- Sarah Young
Ozzie had a great time at puppy social and Helena and MJ were wonderful trainers with lots of helpful tips!
- Janna Shell
Helena and MJ were great in the puppy social! They were kind and knowledgeable. The obedience and body language tips were SO helpful. Helena handled the room of rambunctious puppies like a champion, all while managing teaching the humans. We were SO impressed with everything, and our chaotic puppy was happy and tired after. Thank you!
- Shayna Rubin
The puppy socials are very well run and the trainer does a great job of incorporating each puppy in a nice and safe way
- Daniel Gryzlo
First puppy social and it was a hit!
- Nick Barton
Jessie has been absolutely wonderful to work with. With Dewey being our first pup she has really supported us with all areas of our life and his. We plan on booking a few more sessions with Jessie!
- Kaylie Lewkowski
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.
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