“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.”
About Steve the Dogman
Helping dogs and owners build calmer, more confident relationships for over a decade.
My journey with dogs began over a decade ago, but Steve the Dogman, LLC was officially launched in 2023 to carry on the legacy of my late mentor, Dave “the Dogman” Benson. The goal behind my work is a simple one: helping dogs and their owners live better, calmer lives together.
Behind this business is more than ten years of practical, hands-on work, including extensive volunteer time across animal rescues and humane societies. Rescue work is a unique kind of education—you meet dogs with histories nobody can tell you, and you quickly learn to read the dog in front of you rather than relying on what a breed profile predicts. That real-world experience shapes every single lesson I teach.
How the Training Works
I am a graduate of Animal Behavior College, an AKC Evaluator, and a Certified Aggression Specialist. My methods are practical, balanced, and fair, tailored specifically to your dog's unique temperament and personality. There is no one-size-fits-all program here, because there is no one-size-fits-all dog.
My emphasis falls on clear communication, impulse control, and confidence building. Most problems people call me about aren't obedience failures—they're communication failures, or a dog struggling with anxiety and a lack of confidence. Fix those root causes, and reliable obedience naturally follows.
That includes the harder cases. Fear, reactivity, resource guarding, and aggression are all within my scope, with the ultimate goal of restoring safety and structure to your home.
Beyond Basic Commands
Training here goes far past a simple list of cues. My focus is on manners, clear communication, confidence, and building a stronger relationship between you and your dog. A dog that can sit on request but cannot settle when guests walk through the front door hasn't really been helped.
Whether we are working on basic obedience, reactivity, aggression, or general household manners, your plan is built around your dog and your specific household. That includes everyone living in the home, because you are the ones maintaining the progress long after our session ends.
- Animal Behavior College graduate
- AKC Evaluator
- Certified Aggression Specialist
- Based in Burlington, IL
- Serving Kane, McHenry, DuPage, DeKalb, Cook and Winnebago counties
The legacy
Dave “the Dogman” Benson, in his own words
Steve's late mentor on the part of the job that has nothing to do with dogs: building the relationship with the owner first. Half an hour, and the clearest statement of the approach this business was founded to carry on.
More videos on YouTubeWhat we do
What we do
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.”
