Tucker Pup's Dog Activity Center

Our Services > Training

Top Five - Best Dog Trainer Category

Our trainer Debbie was voted in the top five in the Best Dog Trainer category in 2007, 2008, and 2009 in the Chicagoland Tails Readers' Choice Awards.

She was also voted as the 'Runner Up' in the Best Agility Instructor category in Chicagoland in the 2010.

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Current Training Promotion:

Sign up for any of our 6-week training courses and receive a free night of boarding, free day of daycare, or 50% off your next grooming reservation. Does not apply to training competitions.

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Click here to watch all our training videos.

Upcoming Training Course Start Dates:

Below are the start dates for our most popular training courses:

Next Polite Puppy course(s):

Wed, Feb 15, 2012
Tue, Mar 6, 2012

Next Good Manners 1 course(s):

Wed, Mar 7, 2012
Tue, Mar 20, 2012

Next Good Manners 2 course(s):

Wed, Mar 28, 2012

Next Intro to Agility course(s):

Thu, Feb 16, 2012
Thu, Mar 29, 2012

Click here to view all of our courses, the entire schedule and course descriptions.

See the Training Resources section at the top righthand of this page for links to course descriptions, the upcoming schedule, cancellation policy, testimonials, and more.

Why Tucker Pup's Training Services?

We are among the relatively few training facilities in Chicago that only teaches positive reinforcement techniques. Many trainers across the country, including in Chicago, use dominance, force, verbal abuse, shock or pinch collars, and other negative reinforcement methods (we call it the "do-it-or-else mentality"). Many try to spin it as "positive," but exerting dominance through force is not positive in our opinion, and in the opinion of many other leading trainers. If you've seen Cesar Milan (the "Dog Whisperer") or read his book, you may think this is the preferred way to teach a dog. Have you ever noticed that on the show, treats and praise aren't even mentioned? The problem is that dogs don't learn well in a do-it-or-else environment, and while they may comply in the beginning in order to avoid punishment, it likely won't last. You don't want to spend the next 14 years poking your dog, jerking his collar, or constantly shocking him, do you? We suggest you return your book and go to classes that only use only positive reinforcement techniques. Tucker Pup's is one of the few training businesses in Chicago that only uses praise, food treats and other rewards, love, and patience (we're not saying we're the only ones or that we're unique, just among the trainers who share this philosophy). We believe the results are far better and than other methods, and have a higher likelihood of lasting a lifetime, assuming you do your part. We only hire trainers who agree with us.

Not convinced that positive reinforcement methods are the way to go? The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) is a group of veterinarians and research professionals who help educate other veterinarians about dog training. In other words, this is the group that vets typically turn to for behavioral advice. Click here for their position statement about dominance methods. Click here for their position statement about punishment. Both links require Adobe PDF Reader.

Train-the-trainer approach. The most important person in your dog's life, and the most critical factor in his training success, is YOU. In our courses, we don't put all of the focus on 'training your dog,' but extend the scope to include training YOU on how to train your dog. For example, we discuss how and why dogs learn, show you how your body language and voice make a big difference, and make sure you practice the techniques properly. We also show you how you need to change your behavior in order for your dog to change her behavior, as you are probably contributing in part to your dog's actions.

Friendly, experienced trainers. Tucker Pup's only hires experienced trainers who have trained plenty of dogs, seen all types of behaviors, and can answer all of your questions in a very friendly and professional manner. We know that this is your pet and that you're probably fairly new at this. We don't talk down to you or make you feel bad if your dog is not perfect. We also understand that most people aren't trying to turn their dog into a competitor, but instead want a happy, well-balanced dog who listens and has strong self-control.

Click here for a bio on our trainer, Debbie Bickford.

Lots and lots of satisfied customers. Our trainer has instructed literally thousands of dogs and their people for many years, and we consistently hear rave reviews. Click here for testimonials from our training customers - they speak for themselves.

Course diversity. Some places offer you one major course and that's it. We offer a diversity of courses to give you options when finding the perfect training curriculum for your dog. To illustrate, we routinely offer courses in basic and advanced manners, agility, leash walking, outdoor manners, tricks, and aggression. This means that once you graduate from a course, you can keep on keeping on, and be confident that you will learn something new each time. Click here for our upcoming schedule.

We cover a lot in class. Some places teach a short list of behaviors in their courses. On the contrary, we cover a broad range of topics using a lot of real-world examples, so you learn a tremendous amount and can help guide your dog's life in many more ways than you thought possible.

This video shows sample training behaviors taught in our Good Manners 1 course (the same behaviors are taught in our Polite Puppy course).

Helpful handouts and reading materials. We recognize that there is a lot of information to take in at once, so most of our courses include written summaries of the discussion items. In addition, most courses include reading materials to help you dive into the learning process a little further, plus homework activities to help ensure your dog is practicing the behaviors adequately between classes.

Classes are fun! We try to keep our classes loose, lively and fun. This is the most effective environment for ensuring that you and your dog learn and retain new behaviors for the long run.

Courses are on weeknights. All of our courses are offered on weeknights. This may not seem like an intuitive advantage, but stop and think about it - now your weekends will be free, so you can travel or do what you want without missing any classes.

Makeup classes. Miss a class at some places and you simply miss out. We offer up to two makeup classes, giving you extra flexibility in case you need to travel or otherwise can't make it.

Large training floor. We have a large training floor with adequate space to accommodate plenty of people and their dogs. This means that everyone can spread out and have some breathing room, which is important so you can focus on learning the task at hand.

Limited class size. Some training facilities believe in huge class sizes. At Tucker Pup's, our maximum class size is 8. This has many benefits, such as helping ensure that you get the individual attention you need, that the dogs can spread out, that you can adequately hear the trainer, and that your dog is not overwhelmed.

Bring your significant other. When you sign up for a course here, our space is large enough to accommodate you and your significant other. We believe that the dog will learn best when both of its humans are on the same wavelength when it comes to training and proper handling.

Rubber flooring. Our large training area sports a rubber floor that helps your dog make soft landings when she jumps, and to turn corners without slipping. This minimizes injuries and stress to the joints, while increasing your dog's effectiveness on the training floor.

Central location. Being located in the West Loop means that we're close to most Chicago neighborhoods, including River North, Lincoln Park and Lakeview, Gold Coast, South Loop, Bucktown, West Town, River West, UIC, and many more.

Private lessons. Need to supplement your training classes or have some one-on-time time before a course starts? Our trainer also provides private lessons, where she can come to your home (if you live in her service area) or possibly meet you at a central location if necessary.

Agility training offered. In addition to basic obedience classes, Tucker Pup's offers full agility training, including with competition-level equipment. This is a really fun activity for you and your dog, and can sharpen each of your skills and communication level. It doesn't matter if your dog isn't a speed demon - it's just for fun. With the proper training and practice, most dogs learn to walk the balance beam, go up and down the ramp, through the hoops and weave poles, and over the jumps with little problem. Who knows - maybe you'll take your show on the road and join the big dogs on Animal Planet!

Training reinforced in daycare. When your dog comes to us for daycare, our staff will be using consistent commands to what you learned in our training classes. This is an enormous benefit of having both services under one roof, because it means your dog won't get mixed messages.

Our Services > Training

Why Tucker Pup's Training Services?

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