Compassionate dog training in Chicago
Sniffspot’s #1 Dog Trainer in Chicago
Professional Dog Training in Chicago
Positive reinforcement private sessions, group classes, and drop-off options to help your Chicago dog build real-life skills.
Puppy classes
New puppy? We’ve got you.
Our puppy classes cover socialization, confidence building, and obedience foundations to help your dog grow into a well-adjusted adult.
Group classes
Build skills in a real-world setting
Our classes improve focus, confidence, and more in busy environments. Great for reactivity, engagement, and even fun tricks. Located at our Avondale training facility.
Private training
One-on-one, custom training
From basic obedience and potty training to separation anxiety, reactivity and aggression, we offer private lessons with flexible pricing and scheduling.
In-home day training
Training while you’re at work
Our 4- and 5-week in-home programs combine hands-on trainer sessions with weekly transfer lessons to speed up progress and build real-world skills.
Drop-off training
Let our trainers do the work
Our drop-off dog training in Avondale offers structured half- or full-day sessions for busy Chicago owners.
Structured playgroups
Safe, structured socialization
The best dog socialization in Chicago! Our trainer-led playgroups help small dogs learn polite play and confidence in a safe, indoor environment.
Behavior & Training We Specialize In
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Our puppy socialization classes in Avondale help young dogs build confidence. We focus on positive reinforcement for urban foundations like potty training, crate training, and exposure to Chicago city sounds.
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Walking on busy Chicago sidewalks doesn't have to be a struggle. We teach your dog to ignore distractions like squirrels, bikes, and other pedestrians for a calm, loose-lead walking experience.
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We specialize in leash reactivity in Chicago, helping dogs that bark or lunge at other dogs. Our force-free methods build focus and calm, even in high-traffic neighborhoods like Logan Square and Lakeview.
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From the "L" train to construction noise, Chicago is a loud city. Our science-based desensitization helps fearful dogs feel safe and confident navigating urban environments without panic.
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High-energy city life can lead to overarousal. We teach impulse control for Chicago dogs, focusing on calm transitions, polite greetings, and settling in public spaces or dog-friendly patios.
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Crate training in a Chicago apartment requires a delicate touch. We help your dog view their crate as a sanctuary, reducing whining and ensuring they are safe while you're out in the city.
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We provide expert support for resource guarding and food aggression, teaching your dog that sharing is safe. Our private sessions address guarding behaviors in the home or at the park.
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Separation anxiety is a major challenge for apartment dwellers. We offer specialized training to help your dog remain calm while you're at work, preventing destructive behavior and noise complaints.
Why train with Copilot
Positive Reinforcement for Urban Pups
Kindness-Based Training Methods
We use science-based, positive reinforcement to help Chicago dogs learn and thrive. Our humane methods ensure long-lasting results for both dogs and their people.
Expert Chicago Dog Trainers
Our team of certified Chicago dog trainers brings specialized expertise in reactivity, puppyhood, and basic manners to create a plan tailored to your dog.
Supporting the Chicago Dog Community
We’re dedicated to building a better Chicago dog community through inclusive programs, including sliding-scale training for CACC (Chicago Animal Care and Control) adopters.
Flexible Local Training Options
Join a group class in Avondale or schedule in-home dog training in your neighborhood. We also offer virtual sessions for those outside our Chicago service area.
Meet the Team
owner & trainer, cpdt-ka
Margaret Fraser
Ronnie Gutierrez
trainer, cpdt-ka, sapt
Services: Private lessons and group classes
Specialties: Reactivity, urban environments, resource guarding, and therapy dog training
Services: Private lessons and group classes
Specialties: Separation anxiety and predation substitution training
Cailin Patracon
trainer, cpdt-ka ctp
Alli Dumphy
trainer
Services: Private lessons, group classes
Reactivity, stranger danger, and confidence building
Services: Group classes, Drop-Off training
Specialties: Canine fitness, agility, confidence building, exploration, relaxation techniques
Services: Private lessons, group classes, Drop-Off training
Specialties: Reactivity, stranger danger, enrichment, and confidence building
trainer, cpdt-ka
Services: Group classes
Specialties: Special needs dogs and reactivity
Susy Vallejo
Jess Kupsik
trainer, cpdt-ka
Services: Private lessons, group classes, Drop-Off training
Specialties: Rescue dog training, dog-to-dog integration, high-arousal dogs
Megan Green
trainer
Hailey Mott
Services: Private lessons, group classes and Puppy Kickstart
Specialties: Trick training, Canine Good Citizen, and Puppy Training
trainer, CPDT-KA
Our certifications:
We’re Trained to Train
Copilot HQ
3266 N. Elston Avenue in Avondale
Our Avondale training facility is where classes, drop-off training, and a whole lot of learning happens. The space is calm, welcoming, and intentionally small.
We’re located across from Brands Park, which lets us thoughtfully work around dogs, people, kids, and everyday distractions in a way that actually translates outside the classroom.
Free street parking is available on Elston, and we’ll send everything you need to know before your first visit!
Looking for Expert Dog Training in Chicago?
At Copilot Dog Training, we help puppies and adult dogs learn the skills they need to thrive in city and suburb life. From puppy training and obedience classes to private dog training sessions and drop-off training, our trainers use positive, practical methods that strengthen your bond.
Whether you’re searching for puppy socialization classes in Chicago or personalized coaching for leash walking, recall, or behavior issues, we’ll meet you and your pup where you are and guide your dog every step of the way.