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Obedience Training for Dogs in Chicago, IL

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Behavior Training vs. Obedience Training for Dogs


If you are in the market for dog training, you may run across a few terms like "behavior training" or "obedience training." But what's the difference between the two? And which one is best for your dog?

Here at Dog Training Elite Chicago, we have been in the dog training business for over 40 years, so we can explain the difference between behavior and obedience training for dogs. We'll also help you determine which is right for you and your four-legged best friend. If you are interested in hearing more about Dog Training Elite training programs, call us today for a free in-home consultation!

Dog Training Elite offers expert obedience training for dogs in Chicago.

Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Chicago location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Platinum Plus

$3,295

Platinum Plus offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than the Gold.

  • LIFETIME SUPPORT!
  • In-Home/Community Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized Up to 8 Sessions
  • Group Training Sessions 24 Sessions (and once a month for life thereafter)
  • Come
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place/Bed(go to bed)
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Stand
  • Off(furniture if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Human & Animal Reactivity
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • Build Confidence
  • Boundaries
  • Get into Car or Kennel
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Puppy Biting
  • STOP Chasing Animals
  • STOP Digging

Silver

Master The Basics

$1,795

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 4 Sessions
  • Group Training Classes 2 Months
  • Come
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Place(go to bed)

Gold

$2,395

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 6 Sessions
  • Group Training Sessions 4 Months
  • Come
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Housebreaking
  • Build Confidence
  • Off-Leash Obedience
  • Load into Car or Kennel
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Chewing & Puppy Biting
  • STOP Chasing Animals
  • STOP Digging

Platinum

$2,695

Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than the Gold.

  • In-Home/Community Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized Up to 8 Sessions
  • Group Training Sessions 24 Sessions
  • Come
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place/Bed(go to bed)
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Stand
  • Off(furniture if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Human & Animal Reactivity
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • Build Confidence
  • Boundaries
  • Get into Car or Kennel
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Puppy Biting
  • STOP Chasing Animals
  • STOP Digging

Silver

$1,295

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
  • Group Training Sessions 8 Sessions
  • Come
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Off(furniture when desired)

Gold

$1,995

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
  • Group Training Sessions 12 Sessions
  • Come
  • Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Off(furniture when desired)
  • Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
  • Manners, Safety & Boundaries
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Mouthing & Nipping
  • STOP Chewing & Digging
  • STOP Begging & Stealing Food
  • STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
  • STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
  • STOP Reactivity (dog & human)

Platinum

$2,595

OUR MOST POPULAR PACKAGE!

Our platinum package offers you training sessions throughout your dog's lifetime!
Follow-up sessions to be scheduled once per month as needed, after initial program is completed.

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions + Unlimited *see above description
  • Group Training ClassesOne-hour sessions Unlimited *see above description
  • Come
  • Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Off(furniture when desired)
  • Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
  • Manners, Safety & Boundaries
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Mouthing & Nipping
  • STOP Chewing & Digging
  • STOP Begging & Stealing Food
  • STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
  • STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
  • STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
  • *Stay With You on a Jog or Bike Ride (off-leash)
  • *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
  • *Control Aggression(dog & human)
  • *Calm Extreme Anxiety(behavioral modification)

Gold

$2,295

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 12 Sessions
  • Come
  • Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Off(furniture when desired)
  • Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
  • Manners, Safety & Boundaries
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Mouthing & Nipping
  • STOP Chewing & Digging
  • STOP Begging & Stealing Food
  • STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
  • STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
  • STOP Reactivity (dog & human)

Platinum

$3,395

Our platinum package offers you training sessions throughout your dog's lifetime!
Follow-up sessions to be scheduled once per month as needed, after initial program is completed.

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar

  • Group Training ClassesOne-hour sessions Unlimited *see above description
  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions + Unlimited *see above description
  • Lifetime Follow Up & Group Support
  • Come
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Get into Car or Kennel
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Puppy Biting
  • STOP Chasing Animals
  • STOP Chewing
  • STOP Digging
  • Control Aggression(dog & human)
Best In-Home Dog Trainers Near Me in Chicago
Highest Rated Dog Obedience Trainers Near You in Chicago
Top Dog Trainers Near Me in Chicago
In-Home Dog Trainers Near You in Chicago

Behavior Training


This type of training aims to correct or rewrite an undesirable behavior. For example, if a dog or puppy whines and cries when the owner leaves the house, the dog may be experiencing separation anxiety and acting out. To fix this behavior, you would need to train this dog to respond differently to being left alone in the house.

With behavior training, the trainer and owner look at the situation that needs addressing, figure out the trigger for the bad behavior, and train the dog to respond differently to that trigger. After consistent training and positive reinforcement, the dog will perform the learned response to the trigger or stimulus even without commands or rewards, essentially rewriting their response to that situation.

Obedience Training


Trainers use obedience training to teach a command and then have a dog obey and perform that command. This training involves teaching a puppy or dog basic commands like “sit,” “come,” “heel,” or “down.” The Dog Training Elite trainers can also use obedience training to teach other commands more unique to your life and situation.

The goal of obedience training is in the name - training a dog to obey commands reliably. Obedience training for dogs can sometimes be lengthy and requires repetition, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement to achieve lasting results.

When obedience training is employed correctly, it fosters a deep connection between dog and owner that encourages consistent compliance from the dog and positive reinforcement from the owner.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Dog Training Elite is the #1 obedience training for dogs in Chicago.

Our Balanced Theory

We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.


  • Empowering Owners
    We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
  • Personalized
    We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
  • Environment Specific
    We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
  • Supportive
    We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
  • Involved
    We work with all members of the household.
  • Simplified & Customized
    We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
  • Continued Training
    Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
  • Lifetime Investment
    We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
  • Satisfaction Ratings
    Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.

The Dog Training Elite Training Method


Correct responses to a command or rewriting a reaction to a trigger can be accomplished through many methods. Dog Training Elite uses positive reinforcement, or “classical conditioning,” to achieve the desired results. Years of experience have taught us that classical conditioning is the most effective way to train a dog.

If you are searching for obedience training for dogs in Chicago, Dog Training Elite is the place for you.

What is classical conditioning?

Also known as the Pavlovian model, classical conditioning refers to a learning process that occurs when you pair two stimuli with a command. Studies have proven that classical conditioning is the preferred training method as it offers long-lasting results and teaches deep-rooted obedience. At Dog Training Elite, an electronic collar and positive reinforcement are the two stimuli we use to teach your dog good behavior. The electronic collar is not a shock collar. Like a clicker device, it gets your dog’s attention during training.

Offering rewards and positive reinforcement will yield positive results and a happy and confident dog. In contrast, using negative reinforcement and punishment will result in a dog performing out of fear and lacking trust and confidence. The trainers in Chicago want your dog to be happy and confident and have a deep and lasting connection with you as their owner. That’s why we only use positive reinforcement and classical conditioning.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Which Training is Right For You and Your Dog?


Dog Training Elite offers behavior and obedience training for dogs, but how do you know which is right for you? Suppose your dog is exhibiting behaviors like biting, excessive barking, digging, or more. In that case, they may benefit from some behavioral training to rewrite those responses. If you have a new puppy or your dog has trouble obeying commands, obedience training is the ideal solution. In some cases, your dog may need a combination of both.

If you're still unsure what training is best for you and your dog, Dog Training Elite is ready to help! Find a trainer near you today to get started on your dog's training journey.

We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!

We had a great experience with Dog Training Elite! Our trainer, Rich, was incredibly knowledgeable and patient. He took time to understand the specific needs of the family. Before training with Rich, our dog was a typical puppy – full of energy, easily distracted, and a little bit mischievous. Not only have we seen improvement in Apollo’s obedience, Rich helped us understand how to reinforce good behavior. Apollo is now a well-mannered member of the family! If you're looking to strengthen your bond with your dog and see real, positive changes in their behavior, Dog Training Elite is the way to go. Our experience has been nothing short of fantastic, and we can’t wait to continue our training journey!
— Kelly
Posted September 20th 2024
google
My dog Boog and I have been going through the Puppy Platinum training program at DTE with Jess and it has been such a tremendous help with raising him! Boogs been with DTE since he was 20 weeks old and he’s about to be 1 next month. He is so well behaved and gets a lot of praise about it from everyone he encounters. Jess has done a great job with providing both Boog and I with tons of resources and knowledge on dog obedience. Boog absolutely loved having his 1 on 1 sessions and loves his group classes even more.
— Desiree Martinez
Posted September 16th 2024
google
Pauline was so great to work with! She was very friendly and made us feel welcomed with our two dogs. Our dogs loved their 7 day camp at the facility and responded very quickly. Pauline gave helpful feedback and always mentioned celebrations from the training. We would totally recommend DTE!
— Courtney Palicka
Posted July 16th 2024
google
We are extremely pleased with Dog Training Elite in Naperville! We had our initial consultation in our home with Tim and Grace and their dog! We were very impressed on the training method they use with the Easy Educator collar. Our 9 month old boxer was in need of discipline and Gunner is doing fantastic! Five one hour private in home sessions and 12 one hour lessons teaching healing etc! The cost is well worth having a happy dog with happy owners too!
— Pat Behnke
Posted July 16th 2024
google
We have just finished our at home classes are excited for group class which will start tomorrow. Grace came out to our home and every class was a success and Sam, my rambunctious 11 month old Labrador was always so excited to see Grace. She was very professional and very friendly. Grace always took the time to answer all my questions and helped out with a couple concerns I had with Sam. He learned quickly and is always excited to work. Dog Training Elite has very knowledgeable owners and trainers and I’m so very happy to have them to work with me and my dog. I’m looking forward to a long relationship with them and they are worth every penny. Also of note, they always respond in a very timely manner whenever you need to text with questions, concerns or scheduling times.
— Debra P
Posted June 25th 2024
google
The most patient & kind trainers ever! We are having huge success after just a few weeks of working with Dog Training Elite.
— Meghan Grzetich
Posted May 29th 2024
google
Jeff completely transformed our border collie/blue heeler mix. When we moved back to Chicago, our dog was anxious of everything in the city including buses, bikes, and even runners. He pulled on his leash constantly and lunged at moving objects. We were active with him physically but not mentally. With the private lessons, Jeff handled Tucker so well at the at-home lessons, giving him tasks to calm his mind & setting him up for success. After, the group lessons were also incredibly effective, since it gave us a chance to interact with other dogs. I will say, you HAVE to do the homework *every day*. This is a course for owners as much as the dogs. Our dog is so much calmer now; still an incredibly energetic herding dog who needs LOTS of activity, but you can tell how much more collected he is on walks, at the park, or when guests are in our home. This course transformed my dog & we couldn't be happier with the results! Also, dog aside, I really jived with Jeff's communication methods & attendance policies. He was always on time, so I was always on time. The mutual respect of everyone's time was much appreciated.
— Stephanie Roatis
Posted May 3rd 2024
google
Our dog, Rodney, was 5 when he started developing a serious barking problem. This happened when our grandchildren started coming to us for daycare 3 days a week. He was so loud with an almost constant barking that we couldn’t stand it. Finally we found your company. Karen, our weekly trainer, came to the house and worked with us and Rodney to get him back to his normal self. We use the training vibration collar with remote and that almost immediately curbed his loud bark. Karen also helped us keep control during walks with on leash training. We didn’t think an older dog could learn new tricks but this company and staff did it. We’d recommend Dog Training Elite!
— KEN BRANDT
Posted May 3rd 2024
google
Jeff has been working with our dog Max for nearly three years now. I am simply amazed at the relationship that he has built with Max and all the dogs that he works with.🙂
— Lara Lambrecht
Posted April 30th 2024
facebook
I have been watching Jeff work with our dog now for nearly three years. It simply amazes me at the connection that he has developed with Max and all the dogs that He works with.
— Lara Lambrecht
Posted April 30th 2024
google
Tim & Katie have helped us transform our pup, Winnie! We started to see immediate results after the first home visit and after the 5th, we had a list of items to keep working on to "give Winnie a job". We are now weekly attendees at group class and Winnie loves the structure and interaction. And most of all, seeing Tim, Katie (sometimes their kids!), Pauline and Grace!
— FourteenThirtyNine Westglen
Posted April 15th 2024
google
DTE is awesome!! They have changed the way we understand, interact, and live with our dog. The principles we learned have opened up the ability to enjoy our dog as part of our family, and make his life more enjoyable.
— Mitch Wolf
Posted April 11th 2024
google
Tim and Katie, I cannot say enough wonderful things about the training Charlie has received from your program. You have shown me how to train him so he knows I am in charge and he is so much more confident and happy, partly because you have shown me how not to be frustrated. I never knew training could be this easy. Thank you. Thank you also for being so kind and attentive to all your students even in a group setting. So for anyone that is looking for training for their fur-baby, you can go from school to school, trainer to trainer, but if you are looking for trainers that care deeply about the success of their students and owners, then you need to sign up for training with Dog Training Elite Western Suburbs. It is a great feeling when people stop me and tell me I have such a well behaved boy!
— Karen Hudalla
Posted September 16th 2023
google
We had a wonderful experience with Jeff and Elite dog training. Currently our Goldendoodle “Buster” is almost done with service dog training and his transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. Jeff and his wife came to our house and did a great presentation and they are both very personable and knowledgeable of the training processes. Our Buster was extremely timid and at same time extremely energetic which gave Jeff, self admittedly, doubts about Busters ability to become a service dog. With the EZ educator and Jeff’s guidance we’ve been able to turn our dog into a very successfully trained little ball of awesomeness. Was the best money I’ve spent as the benefits of having a dog that doesn’t need a leash and listens well is priceless. Thanks Jeff and Lara from Mike, Caitlin and Buster!
— Bodhi U
Posted March 18th 2024
google
I was so pleased by the results at Dog Training Elite in Naperville! As a first time dog owner I needed all the help I could get when it came to my 10 month old Golden Retriever. The trainers at the facility were so helpful and friendly! After each day they provided me with videos and homework sheets to teach me how to work with my dog and the skills he learned each day! Pauline's videos made it easy to understand exactly what I needed to do - she was the best! I can't wait to start group training classes soon! Thank you Dog Training Elite!!!
— Megan Murphy
Posted February 14th 2024
google
We had Jessica Arundale work with our Labrador Butch on leash walking as he started to pull a little on his daily walks, and she has hosted him for boarding on many occasions too. She’s really responsive and sweet and nothing is too much trouble. Butch aways gets excited when he goes to see Jessica!
— kealy ditchfield
Posted February 14th 2024
google
Jessica’s great!! We left Hailey to train with her and Hailey learned all the commands well. She also left us “homework” to do so Hailey can reinforce her learning. Highly recommend Jessica as a trainer!!
— Victoria Lee
Posted February 13th 2024
google
Ask for Jess. Awesome, kind and attentive dog trainer❤️❤️❤️❤️
— Calena Winfield
Posted January 24th 2024
google
Katie and Tim are amazing dog trainers. I live in south Naperville and they have done an amazing job with my young German Shephard.
— Julie Talsma-Puls
Posted January 7th 2024
google
We adopted a lab mix from a shelter and after a few weeks, the female dog became dominant and bossy. After 2 weeks of this behavior, my wife and I decided it was either time to rehome the dog or hire a professional to help. Tim and turned our little monster into a great puppy who enjoys training and working to become a better dog. I would consider them friends and they really care for our dog and our family. Great facilities and they come to your house if need be!
— Richard Berg
Posted January 7th 2024
google

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Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite Chicago, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite Chicago works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.

Learn More