Dropoff Dog Training in Chicago

• Focused repetitions. Our trainers work with your dog very consistently throughout the week, putting on the reps necessary for success. Most of our customers don't have the time, energy, patience, or knowledge to get the results that we can.
• Structured system. Our exercises build on each other and get more and more difficult. By the end of the program, your dog should be able to perform a wide range of skills very reliably.
• Resources. Our training facility has the resources necessary for success, such as cones, tunnels, different harnesses, numerous treats, other dogs, and other staff. We can even train dogs from different households at one time, strengthening their listening under distractions.

We work closely with you to achieve your goals

You may find other businesses offering some version of in-house training, and may be wondering why you should choose ours. We can't comment on other businesses, but we feel confident that when you ask lots of questions of others you may be considering, the choice is clear.

• Our Dropoff Training program is run by experienced trainers. Our trainers have many years of combined experience and numerous industry-standard credentials. We do not just hire people who call themselves a trainer.
• Your dog will gain exposure to multiple trainers and staff members, which is important for socialization purposes.
• We only use positive reinforcement. No choke chains, shock collars, prong collars, or dominance methods. We are very transparent and have nothing to hide. The fact that some call it "Boot Camp" should be your first red flag that they may be using domination, which is not necessary and is very outdated.
• Your dog goes home each night. For places that offer a "Boot Camp" where your dog is gone for 2-3 weeks (or longer) this can be very stressful and demoralizing for them. Our format helps your dog build his relationship with you, and he will be able to sleep in his own bed at night. Dropoff Training dogs typically come bounding through the door the next day and are happy to be here.
• Training is a major component of our business and we take it very seriously. We have the largest and most comprehensive dog training program in Chicago, including with classes, private lessons, puppy socials, and more. This is not something we just happen to do on the side.
• Your dog has the option to be in play for a portion of each day, for socialization purposes. The play includes our outdoor play area, which is the nicest in Chicago and includes grass meant for dogs, pools, and playground equipment.
• We train indoors and outdoors, including on walks around the neighborhood. Our training facility is spacious and is great for indoor exercises, such as with the use of cones.
• You meet with your trainer once per week at our training facility for progress meetings, so you can stay consistent at home and have a deep understanding of what we are working on. In many other businesses, you only have a brief meeting at the end, if at all, and it can be very overwhelming to take it all in.

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.