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BOARD AND TRAIN CHICAGO IL

Looking for the most effective board and train Chicago IL has to offer? My intensive board and train program delivers faster results than traditional training sessions. Your dog stays with me for complete immersion training, then comes home with advanced obedience skills, better behavior, and the manners you’ve always wanted. Perfect for busy dog owners who need serious results fast.

WHAT IS BOARD AND TRAIN?

Board and train is an intensive dog training program where your dog lives with my professional dog trainer for 2-4 weeks. During this time, I work on everything from basic commands to complex behavioral issues using proven training techniques. Your dog gets multiple training sessions every day in a structured environment designed for learning.

This isn’t doggy daycare. This is serious, focused training that transforms dog behaviors quickly and effectively. When your dog comes home, they’ll know basic manners, respond to commands reliably, and have the foundation for being the well-behaved family dog you deserve.

WHY CHOOSE BOARD AND TRAIN?

Fastest Results Available – Multiple daily training sessions mean your dog learns in weeks what would take months with weekly lessons. My board and train program delivers the quickest transformation of any training option we offer.

Expert Training Around the Clock – I work with your dog throughout each day, capturing teaching moments you might miss at home. This constant guidance from dog training experts accelerates learning dramatically.

Perfect for Serious Behavioral Issues – Some behavior issues need intensive intervention. Aggression, severe separation anxiety, reactivity, and other complex problems respond best to my immersive behavior modification approach, where I can address issues immediately as they arise.

Ideal for Busy Dog Owners – No need to schedule weekly sessions or practice daily homework. I handle the heavy lifting while you’re at work or even on vacation. You get a trained dog without disrupting your schedule.

Real-World Training – I don’t just train in one location. Your dog practices commands at parks, stores, and around distractions throughout the Chicago area. This creates reliable obedience everywhere, not just in controlled environments.

Peace of Mind – Know your dog is in expert hands, getting professional attention and making real progress every single day. I have years of experience and have successfully worked with hundreds of dogs with all types of challenges.

WHAT YOUR DOG LEARNS

Steve the dogman sitting with 2 dogs

BASIC COMMANDS & OBEDIENCE

Your dog will master essential basic commands including sit, down, place, stay, and come. These aren’t just tricks, they’re the foundation of good behavior and give you control in any situation.

Steve The Dogman

IMPULSE CONTROL

Dogs with poor impulse control jump on guests, chase squirrels, steal food, and ignore commands when excited. I build self-control so your dog can make good choices even with distractions present.

Steve The Dogman
Steve the Dogman winning a medal with his german shepherd puppy

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

I address specific behavioral issues, including aggression, reactivity toward people or dogs, destructive behaviors, excessive barking, and anxiety. My behavior modification approach identifies the root cause and fixes problems at their source.

Steve the Dogman giving a private in home lesson

POTTY TRAINING & BASIC MANNERS

For younger dogs, I establish solid potty training habits and teach basic manners like not jumping on people, staying calm during greetings, and respecting boundaries in the home.

Steve The Dogman walking his dogs
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PUPPY SOCIALIZATION

Puppies in my program get crucial puppy socialization with people, other dogs, and new environments during their critical developmental window. This prevents future behavioral issues and builds confidence.

Steve the Dogman sitting on a couch with a german shepherd

SEPARATION ANXIETY MANAGEMENT

Dogs with separation anxiety panic when left alone. I help your dog learn to feel safe and confident when you’re gone, reducing stress for both of you.

Steve the Dogman sitting on a couch with a german shepherd
Steve the Dogman giving a private in home lesson

LOOSE LEASH WALKING

Say goodbye to leash pulling forever. I teach your dog to walk calmly beside you without dragging you down the street. My training techniques make walks enjoyable instead of exhausting.

Steve the Dogman petting a puppy

OFF LEASH RELIABILITY

For dogs ready for advanced obedience, I work toward off leash control. Imagine your dog responding to commands even without a leash, giving you freedom and confidence during activities.

Steve the Dogman petting a puppy

HOW MY BOARD AND TRAIN PROGRAM WORKS

Free Consultation – I start by meeting you and your dog to discuss behavioral issues, training goals, and your dog’s unique needs. This helps us create a customized training plan that addresses your specific situation. I’ll explain my training methods and answer all your questions.

Drop-Off Day – Bring your dog to us with their food, any medications, and favorite toys. We’ll review your training plan one more time and make sure you’re comfortable with everything. Many dog owners feel nervous, but I promise your dog will be in excellent hands.

Daily Training Sessions – Your dog receives multiple focused training sessions throughout each day. I use positive reinforcement and proven training techniques that build confidence and create lasting results. Between sessions, your dog has time to rest, play, and decompress.

Real-World Practice – I take your dog to parks, pet-friendly stores, and busy areas around the Chicago area. This real-world exposure ensures your dog listens everywhere, not just in my training environment. I practice around other dogs, people, traffic, and all the distractions your dog will face at home.

Progress Updates – I send regular updates with photos and videos showing your dog’s progress. You’ll see them mastering basic commands, working on behavioral issues, and becoming more confident each day.

Go-Home Day – When your dog completes the program, I schedule a comprehensive handoff session. This typically takes 1-2 hours, where I show you everything your dog learned and teach you exactly how to maintain their training. You’ll practice commands, learn my training techniques, and get comfortable handling your dog’s new skills.

Follow-Up Support – I include follow-up training sessions after your dog comes home. These check-ins ensure you’re successful in maintaining your dog’s training and give us a chance to fine-tune anything needed. my commitment to your success doesn’t end when the program does.

CERTIFIED TRAINER

Your dog will spend weeks in my care. I am a professional dog trainer, so naturally you want to know they’re in expert hands. I am the best dog trainer in the Chicago area with proven experience transforming even the most challenging dogs.

Years of Proven Experience – I’ve completed hundreds of successful board and train programs with dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments. From nervous rescues to aggressive dogs to wild puppies, I have seen it all and know how to help.

Professional Certifications – I maintain professional certifications and continuously update my education on the latest training methods and canine behavior research. I am recognized by the American Kennel Club and committed to using humane, effective training techniques.

 

Real Results – My reviews speak for themselves. Families across the Chicago area trust us because I deliver genuine transformation. Dogs leave my program with better behavior, more confidence, and skills that last.

I Care About Your Dog – Beyond expertise, I genuinely love what I do. Your dog receives attention, exercise, enrichment, and affection throughout their stay. I treat every dog like my own.

 

BOARD AND TRAIN VS. OTHER TRAINING OPTIONS

Wondering how board and train compares to my other dog training services? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Board and Train – Best for: Busy owners, serious behavioral issues, fastest results. Your dog stays with us for intensive daily training. Results appear quickly but require your commitment to maintenance after your dog comes home.

Private Lessons – Best for: Problems specific to your home environment, owners who want to learn alongside their dog. I come to you for weekly private sessions. Takes longer than board and train but keeps your dog home and involves you in every step.

Group Classes – Best for: Puppy socialization, basic obedience, budget-conscious owners. Slower progress than private training options and less personalized attention, but great for social dogs who benefit from group settings.

Advanced Obedience Classes – Best for: Dogs who’ve completed basic obedience and are ready for off leash work, competition training, or specialized skills. Requires solid foundation before starting.

Not sure which training option fits your needs? That’s exactly what your free consultation is for. I’ll help you choose the dog training program that makes sense for your situation, your dog’s unique needs, and your goals.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT BOARD AND TRAIN

How long does board and train take? Most dogs need 2-4 weeks depending on their starting point and training goals. Basic obedience and manners typically require 2-3 weeks. More complex behavioral issues may need 4 weeks or longer. I’ll give you a realistic timeline during your consultation.

What if my dog has never been away from home? Most dogs adjust within 1-2 days. I create a comfortable, structured environment that helps dogs settle in quickly. Nervous dogs often thrive with my consistent routine and clear expectations.

Can you train my aggressive dog? Yes. I have extensive experience with aggression and reactivity. My behavior modification program addresses the root cause, usually fear or anxiety, while keeping everyone safe. Aggressive dogs need professional intervention, and I know how to help.

Will my dog be around other dogs? Your dog will have carefully managed exposure to other dogs as appropriate for their training plan. Dogs with reactivity are kept separate until they’re ready. Well-socialized dogs may have supervised playtime with compatible dogs.

What should I bring? Bring your dog’s regular food (to avoid stomach upset), any medications with instructions, vaccination records, and a favorite toy or blanket if desired. I provide everything else, including bowls, bedding, and training equipment.

What does board and train cost? Investment varies based on program length and your dog’s specific needs. Contact me for detailed pricing. I offer payment plans to make professional dog training accessible. Remember, board and train delivers results faster than months of weekly sessions, making it cost-effective for many families.

Do you offer guarantees? I guarantee your dog will learn the skills I train when they’re with us. However, maintaining that training at home requires your consistency. I can’t guarantee results if you don’t follow through with practice and maintenance. That said, I’ve never had a dog fail my program when owners stay committed.

SERVICE AREA

I proudly provide board and train services throughout Chicago, IL, and surrounding communities.

Whether you’re in Naperville, Madison, Aurora, St Charles, Rockford, Arlington Heights, Oak Park, Elmhurst, or nearby areas, our board and train program is available to help transform your dog’s behavior and give you the peace of mind you deserve.

START YOUR DOG'S TRANSFORMATION TODAY

The best time to start training is now. Behavioral issues don’t improve on their own, they get worse. Every day you wait is another day of stress, frustration, and missed opportunities to enjoy life with your dog.

Claim your free consultation today to get started with the most effective board and train Chicago, IL, has to offer!