What Kind of Dog Training Does My Dog Need?
If you’re wondering, how did I get here? - you’re in the right place. Welcome to Copilot Dog Training where we’re kinda in love with these types of dogs.
We work with overwhelmed dogs (and their equally overwhelmed humans) every day. Whether you’re dealing with big feelings, no impulse control, or a brand-new puppy who thinks your baseboards are snacks, we can help.
These are a few of our favorite things…
Group classes that are actually fun 🩷 We introduce movement and fun, engaging games
Obedience Training
Sit. Stay. Come when called. For dogs of any age!
We help with:
Building solid recall (aka coming when called, even if a hot dog hits the sidewalk)
Loose leash walking that doesn’t hurt your shoulders
Stay and settle around distractions
Focusing outside when the whole city smells like pizza
Building your dog’s confidence so they can actually hear you in busy places
We offer sessions at your home to practice in real-time or tons of obedience classes— from puppy obedience to adult dogs.
Copilot Obedience Group Classes
5 month old, Riley, on Puppy 1 graduation day!!
Puppy Training
We love the chaos. We help with:
Potty training
Crate training
Socialization
Nipping, puppy biting, and stealing socks
Learning how to chill out
Perfect for brand-new dogs (and brand-new dog people).
Copilot Puppy Classes
Rescue boy, Poutine!! Did he bark? Yes. Did we care? No!! Look at him go at his last day of Reactivity class. He was all about his mom and engaged for that cheese. We love you, Poutine!
Leash Reactivity & Walking
If your dog loses their mind every time they see another dog on walks, this one’s for you. We help with:
Barking and lunging at other dogs or strange people passing by
Reacting towards bikes, joggers, and random plastic bags blowing in the wind
Feeling more connected and calm on leash
Learning how to not drag you through the park
Pattern games, pattern games, pattern games. We’ll introduce predictability to your dog to help them engage with you instead of their triggers
Giving you the confidence that you can handle anything you and your dog pass by
For a lot of our clients, in-home training can be the preferred option to work in your everyday environment.
Copilot Reactivity Group Class
Reactivity — This class is a small group with barriers put up between each dog to make your life easier and your dog feel safer.
Nervous, Gary, makes his first friend!!
Fear and Anxiety
Whether they’re scared of people, noises, objects, new things or just being outside:
We work on confidence building
Help you understand what’s triggering them
Create structured, safe exposures
Give your dog tools to feel secure in their environment
We help your rescue dog feel more secure and at ease in their new homes
Separation Anxiety
This is a HARD one for Chicago dog parents. Most people live in apartment buildings, go to work and might have that one neighbor who is just not here for your dog trying to work through their feelings.
You start to feel like you can never leave the house and now YOU have anxiety.
Our trainer, Ronnie Gutierrez (SAPT), is certified in separation anxiety and is passionate about helping her clients through what can feel very overwhelming without a trainer.
Gradual departures
Creating safe zones
Reducing dependency
Helping your dog stay calm when you leave the room
For help with Separation Anxiety, reach out for a free consultation.
Multi-Dog Households
If your dogs are suddenly not getting along or your new rescue is throwing off the vibe, we have tons of methods to getting you back on track:
Smooth intros and structured routines
Resource guarding support
Managing jealousy and energy clashes
Creating peace at home without chaos
Does your dog hate getting their nails trimmed? Come learn how to use the scratch board in Cooperative Care class!
Cooperative Care and Handling
Does your dog only like being touched on their own terms? Or simply not at all? This can be totally normal, especially for rescue dogs or pups who weren’t gradually (and positively) introduced to touch in their younger years. Great for:
Vet visits
Grooming stress
Nail trims
Handling sensitivity
We help dogs feel safe and give consent during care routines so everyone can breathe easier.
We even have a class for this! Check out our Cooperative Care group class if your pup doesn’t mind being in a group setting with up to 5 other dogs.
Paws on Patio graduation day at Burning Bush Brewery. No jumping! Just waiting nicely.
Dogs who sometimes just feel like “a lot”
You know the type. Big energy, zero impulse control. Their the ones who can feel a little tiring but who have the biggest hearts. They LOVE their people and life itself and we love them back.
We help with:
Jumping
Barking at nothing
Not knowing how to settle
Attention-seeking chaos
General “help me, my dog is their alter ego /witching hour”
Group classes just for these types!
At Copilot, we’re not about forcing dogs into a mold. Every dog is different. Different drives, love languages, ways of thinking, past life experiences, neighborhoods they live in. The list goes on.
We’re about teaching our pups how to thrive in real life, especially here in Chicago. Our methods are modern, kind, and built for long-term success, not just temporary fixes.
Ready to work together? Book a consult and we'll figure out the best fit; whether that’s private lessons, group class, behavior support, or just someone to talk to who gets it (we’re basically dog parent therapists). When we say we love your dog just as much as you do, we mean it.