“We cannot recommend Steve highly enough. His ability to connect not only with dogs, but also with their owners, truly sets him apart. He takes the time to listen carefully, understand concerns without judgment, and patiently troubleshoot challenges in a way that feels manageable and encouraging.
Working with our anxious and reactive shepherd has been a journey, and Steve has been instrumental in helping us build both our dog's confidence and our own. Rather than offering quick fixes, he provided practical stepping stones that helped us make steady progress in a variety of real-life situations. His calm demeanor, knowledge, and thoughtful approach made such a difference for a dog who struggles with anxiety and reactivity.
What we appreciated most was how supported we felt throughout the process. He consistently adapted strategies to fit our dog's needs and gave us tools we could realistically use day to day. Thanks to his guidance, we've seen meaningful improvements in our shepherd's confidence, ability to cope, and overall quality of life.
If you are looking for a trainer who is compassionate, knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in both the dog and the human side of training, we wholeheartedly recommend him.”
Steve the Dogman
Certified Dog Trainer in Chicagoland
We go beyond commands, focusing on manners, communication, confidence, and stronger dog-owner relationships.
What we do
Customized Training Programs
Practical, individualized training focused on manners, communication, and real-world results.
Driven by Passion.
With over a decade of hands-on experience, including extensive volunteer work across animal rescues and humane societies, I bring a depth of real-world experience to every lesson.
See a session
What the training actually looks like
Doorways, gates, the edge of the yard. A dog who understands where the boundaries are will hold that line without being reminded. That is less about good manners than it is about keeping them safe.
More videos on YouTubeAbout Us
Meet Steve
I'm Steve, a certified dog trainer through Animal Behavior College, an AKC Evaluator, and a Certified Aggression Specialist. My training journey began in 2013, and what started as a passion quickly became my calling. For over a decade, I've worked hands-on with dogs and families across Northern Illinois and the Chicagoland area—focusing on real-world manners, clear communication, and lasting results.
Real progress starts when you look beyond basic commands. Whether you're navigating everyday obedience or tackling complex reactivity and aggression, my goal is to help you build a calmer, more confident relationship with your dog.
Through Private In-Home Lessons, Virtual Coaching, and exclusive Board & Train programs, we provide practical, individualized training designed specifically for your household and everyday life.
Recent work
See where we've been.
Reviews
Dog owners who count on us.
Rated 5.0 from 39 reviews by local customers.
“Steve was absolutely great with our dogs (one reactive and other anxious)! He helped us with the basics and taught us skills that have already made a huge difference in behavior. He was extremely professional and very knowledgeable. Would 100% recommend him!”
“We had a fantastic experience with Steve the Dogman. He is professional and extremely knowledgeable about positive reinforcement techniques. Steve was patient and calm with us and our dogs. The emphasis on positive reinforcement made training sessions enjoyable for myself and our dogs. Our younger dog, Mia experienced serious separation anxiety. With Steve's help, she can now be left at home safely for an appropriate amount of time. I highly recommend Steve the Dogman for dog training needs.”
Service area
Communities we serve
Based in Burlington, serving Kane, McHenry, DuPage, DeKalb, Cook and Winnebago counties.
Before we start
A few useful answers.
What training methods do you use, and will you take on a nervous or reactive dog?
And yes, absolutely. Worried dogs, barky dogs, dogs who guard the food bowl or lose the plot at the end of a leash are all welcome, and nothing about your dog is going to shock me. I'm an Animal Behavior College graduate, an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, and I've completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course. That work is part of private lessons and board & train rather than something separate you have to book.
How does a Board & Train program differ from Private In-Home Lessons?
Board & Train Programs are immersive stays where your dog lives and trains directly with me. I handle the heavy lifting of building fundamental behaviors and consistency, followed by comprehensive handoff sessions to transfer that control smoothly back to you.
