About Us

Live your best life. Together.

Hi, We’re Copilot

Whether you need help with the basics or bigger behavior stuff, we’re here to teach real skills in a way that actually sticks.

Thoughtful training, clear communication, and a better connection between you and your dog.

Copilot Dog Training helps dogs—and their humans—navigate life together with confidence, calm, and connection. We're based in Chicago and specialize in real-life, reward-based training for dogs of all ages, backgrounds, and behavior challenges.

From wild puppies, nervous rescues, or reactive sweethearts who just needs a little help adjusting to city life, we’ll meet you where you are and move at your dog’s pace.

A man crouching in an indoor space, holding a small brown and tan puppy on a green towel. The man is wearing a gray Nike hoodie, a baseball cap, and white sneakers, and has a dog leash attached to the puppy. The background includes a large wire dog crate, a blue and tan pet playpen, and various pet supplies.
A woman sitting on the floor with her legs spread, gently holding a large, spotted dog lying on its side, in a room with white painted brick walls and a black rubber floor.
A happy dog sitting on a black floor with a red harness, blue collar, and black leash. An arm holds a certificate above the dog's head, with a white painted brick wall and a light green wall behind them.
A woman in a pink shirt holding a leash while a brown curly-haired dog sniffs a rug on the floor in an indoor setting. In the background, a woman stands behind a table covered with cloths, smiling.

Our Approach

Why Choose Copilot

Line drawing of a dog with sparkles representing kind, positive reinforcement training
Outlined paw print symbolizing personalized dog training

Training should be kind, clear, and fun, for dogs and their people. We use positive reinforcement to help dogs learn and feel good doing it.

About Us

We Train with
Kindness

We Know Every Dog’s Different

At Copilot, our trainers bring a variety of specialties so your dog gets support and tailored training plans that fits their unique needs.

Our Team

Hand cradling a heart with a dog silhouette inside, representing community and care

We Love Our Chicago
Community

Outlined dog walking on a leash, symbolizing flexible training options

Flexible Training
Options

Training should be kind, effective, and 
fun—for both dogs and their people. We use positive reinforcement methods to help make that happen.

How We Help

Sign up for group classes at our Avondale location or take advantage of in-home training. Not within our service areas? 
Try virtual sessions!

Our Services

Copilot Dog Training in Avondale

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!

Get Directions

Private training service areas

    • Andersonville

    • Boystown

    • Buena Park

    • Edgewater

    • Irving Park

    • Lakeview

    • Lincoln Park

    • Lincoln Square

    • North Center

    • Old Town

    • Ravenswood

    • Rogers Park

    • Roscoe Village

    • Uptown

    • Wrigleyville

    • Albany Park

    • Jefferson Park

    • Mayfair

    • Norridge

    • Norwood Park

    • Old Irving Park

    • Portage Park

    • Avondale

    • Logan Square

    • Wicker Park

    • Bucktown

    • Hermosa

    • Humboldt Park

    • Illinois Medical District

    • Ukrainian Village

    • West Town

    • Noble Square

    • Palmer Square

    • Pilsen

    • East Humboldt Park

    • Downtown

    • River North

    • South Loop

    • West Loop

    • Addison

    • Berwyn

    • Brookfield

    • Downers Grove

    • Elmhurst

    • Elmwood Park

    • Forest Park

    • Franklin Park

    • Glen Ellyn

    • Hinsdale

    • Jefferson Park

    • La Grange

    • Lombard

    • Norridge

    • Oak Brook

    • Oak Park

    • Villa Park

    • Westmont

    • Western Springs

  • Neighborhood or city not listed? Book a free consultation to learn more about our virtual lessons!

Meet Our Team

Susy Vallejo, Chicago dog trainer, CPDT-KA certified
Woman with blonde hair sitting on a fallen tree trunk by a river in a wooded area, holding two small white dogs with orange collars. She is smiling, wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, white sneakers, and a black watch.
Megan's dog Dakota
Hailey Mott, Chicago dog trainer
Buff Pups instructor, Alli Dumphy, and two dogs

  • Dog Trainer

  • Hi, I’m Alli — dog trainer, agility fan, and enrichment nerd.

    I’ve been training dogs for 3 years with a focus on fitness, agility, confidence, and helping people understand their dogs through movement and body language. I’m obsessed with how dogs communicate without words, and I love helping owners tap into that.

    I’ve been working with dogs in some form since my 20’s, and have a soft spot for the dogs that need a bit more patience, whether that is the shy and timid or the excited and bouncy. I’ve worked extensively with rescue/foster dogs and helping their humans learn more about their needs, behaviors, and preferences using positive reinforcement, fear free options (certified), and focusing on the whole dog. 

    I also have knowledge in canine massage that I get excited about sharing, and how we can use touch to help our dogs on so many levels.

    Vibe in Class: Disney Jungle Cruise tour guide

Jess Kupsik Chicago dog trainer, CPDT-KA certified
Ainsley dog trainer in Chicago

  • Assistant Dog Trainer

  • I am currently a dog training assistant here at Copilot based in Chicago. While pursuing training, I’ve worked in dog daycares over the course of 4 years. Being a handler has given me skills and a bit of an edge in the training game. My training has consisted of obedience, reactivity, and some agility as well. Positive reinforcement and bonding with the dogs is most important to me. I truly believe having a strong connection with your pup can benefit everyone. 

    My main goal as a trainer is to pass knowledge I’ve gained onto dog owners. I strive to inform people about the benefits of trainer their dogs, and will do what I can to ensure that! 

  • Dog Trainer, CPDT-KA

  • Hi there! My name is Taylor A. W. Duffy (she/they), and I'm a professional dog (and cat!) trainer in Chicago IL. I've been working with dogs for a long time (since roughly 2008!), and have been a certified trainer since 2019. My favorite type of training is helping both people and dogs to be live their best lives together.

    To be a good teacher, I believe in being a curious learner. Because of this, I love to work with my clients to tailor behavior solutions that work with both human and dog needs, and to help facilitate finding solutions that work for each individual team.

    My years with dogs has included being a kennel attendant, AKC Conformation, puppy raising with a Field Spaniel breeder, training in 4H Dogs, and certifying my first puppy as a Therapy Dog through TDI, fostering dogs, beginner agility and rally training, and most recently learning grooming practices and welfare.

    Right now, I live with my dogs, Ghost (female brindle Pit/Lab/Husky mix) and Eden (male white Border/Pom/Husky mix), two short haired cats named Took and Lilith, and a husband named Chance. When not working with either her own or client dogs, I am usually spending time with my husband playing music, or working on freelance illustration and creative projects.

Ronnie Gutierrez dog trainer, CPDT-KA certified
Margaret Fraser CPDT-KA certified in fear free methods

  • Dog Trainer, CPDT-KA & SAPT Cert.

  • Hi, I’m Ronnie (she/her)! CPDT-KA, Cert. SAPT, CCDT

    As a multi certified dog trainer in the Chicago area, I have a great deal of sympathy for dog guardians who find it difficult to connect with their pets. I want to show you how to handle your challenges with kindness, compassion, and gentle dog training techniques.

    In 2018 when I adopted my two dogs, Lilly and Boost, I was hooked on learning more about animal behavior and how best to live and learn with dogs. Now, I take education very seriously to ensure that I am always offering dog guardians the best training information that uses modern methods for teaching dogs.

  • Avondale, Bucktown, Downtown, Humboldt Park, Illinois Medical District, Lakeview, Lincoln park, Logan Square, Noble Square, North Center, Pilsen, Ravenswood, Ukrainian Village, Wicker Park, West Town

  • Owner & Trainer, CPDT-KA

  • Hello! I am a Chicago-based trainer (she/her) that believes training should be fun, sustainable, and kind. I want to help you and your pup better understand each other and use training and management solutions that work with your individual needs and lifestyle. I rely on positive reinforcement training with a focus on science-based methods.

    I first became interested in training when I adopted my dog Bea in 2013 while living in New York City. I had to quickly learn how to manage a behaviorally challenging dog in an urban environment. This led to a passion for rescuing, fostering, and training dogs. I have fostered over 20 dogs for local animal rescues and continue to volunteer my time helping animals in need.

    I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and certified in fear free methods.

  • Albany Park, Andersonville, Avondale, Edgewater, Humboldt Park, Irving Park, Jefferson Park, Lakeview, Logan Square, Lincoln Park, Mayfair, North Center, Norwood, Ravenswood, Rogers Park, Roscoe Village, Uptown, Wicker Park

  • Dog Trainer, CPDT-KA, CPT

  • Hi! My name is Cailin (she/her) and I’m a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA, CPT) in Chicago.

    My soul dog Mambo sparked my love of dog behavior and training back in 2010. Initially starting as a hobby, it progressed to me going to dog training school and eventually my passion turned full time profession. I’ve had a multi dog household for well over a decade now and have always been entranced watching dogs communicate and witnessing their relationships evolve.

    My approach to training is force free and science based. I’m here to help you better understand your dog, improve communication, and teach you ways to reduce stress in both you and your dog’s lives through the use of positive reinforcement methods, daily habit changes and management solutions.

  • Select West, North West & South West suburbs.

    Logan Square, Avondale, Bucktown, Wicker Park, West Town, West Loop, Ukrainian Village. Pilsen, Roscoe Village

  • Dog Trainer, CPDT-KA

  • Hello, my name is Susy (she/her) and I am a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA, Fear Free) in Chicago.

    I started training dogs several years ago, and fell in-love with the bonds I was creating using positive reinforcement methods. I learned many of my skills working with my own dog, Canelo. He is a sensitive Golden Retriever who wasn’t thriving in a city environment. Using this method allowed us to bond, have fun, and start to enjoy our surroundings and each other.

    I want to help my clients learn how to communicate with their dogs, but most importantly, how to listen to their dogs as well. I want to help create special bonds so that not only the pups life will thrive, but the parent(s) will as well.

  • Select West, North West & South West suburbs.

    Logan Square, Avondale, Bucktown, Wicker Park, West Town, West Loop, Ukrainian Village. Pilsen, Roscoe Village

  • Dog Trainer, CPDT-KA

  • Hi! I’m Hailey (she/her), certified Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Website Manager here at Copilot.

    My path into training started with my late rescue pittie, who had big feelings about people and other dogs. Working through his fear, reactivity and aggression—alongside some incredible trainers—changed my life and led me to dog training school. I’m passionate about helping reactive and nervous dogs feel safer in their world and love finding fun, fulfilling ways to meet the needs of high-drive breeds.

    Outside of Copilot, I’m a mom of 4 amazing dogs, Caretaker at One Tail at a Time and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. I’m always learning something new—whether it’s through fosters, continued education or Copilot pups.

  • Andersonville, Avondale, Belmont Cragin, Bronzville, Bridgeport, Bucktown, East Garfield Park, Edgewater, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, Lakeview, Lawndale, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, Little Village, Logan Square, McKinley Park, North Center, Old Town, Pilsen, Ravenswood, Roscoe Village, UIC Medical District, Ukrainian Village, Uptown, West Town, Wicker Park

  • Dog Trainer

  • Hi! My name is Megan (she/her) and I'm currently a Dog Trainer and Event Manager here at Copilot!

    I've worked with Copilot since 2023, helping out with group and private sessions. You can currently find me teaching on Sunday and Wednesday nights, or at drop off! I've been a dog lover my entire life—I'd take my Swiss Mountain dogs to obedience and agility classes when I was a kid, I walked dogs to put myself through college, and I'm so glad I found Copilot once I moved to Chicago!

    I'm on the Young Professionals Board for Chicago's Canine Therapy Corps, where I'm also training my golden retriever Dakota to become a therapy dog. You can also find me behind the camera taking Copilot's cute videos, trick pics, and snoot shots. I love seeing dogs grow, have space to play, and learn to live the city life! 

  • Andersonville, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, Logan Square, North Center, Old Town, Roscoe Village, Uptown, Edgewater, Rogers Park

  • Assistant Dog Trainer

  • Bio coming soon!

  • Dog Trainer, CPDT-KA

  • Hi there! My name is Jess (she/her) and I am a certified professional (CPDT-KA) dog trainer in Chicago.

    I began training as a hobby when I adopted my first dog, Kona, in 2017. My favorite aspect of training quickly became how positive reinforcement enhanced our bond and relationship.

    Kona and I fostered over a dozen bully breed dogs before adopting Francine, a deaf bully mix. My favorite part of fostering was always using training to build confidence and teach life skills that made dogs more adoptable and adaptable.

    My approach to training is backed by science using positive reinforcement methods. My goal is to better your relationship with your dog by teaching to you speak their language.