| 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:
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- 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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Did you have a great experience with us and want to post a testimonial? Send it our way! |
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We loved the Good Manners 2 class! We had gone through the puppy class and then proceeded on to this one. It is impossible to say enough good things about this class. Not only does Debbie help you train your dog, she trains you! Our dog loved going to class and not only did our dog learn in class, she worked hard on the homework too. Our 5 month old puppy now will wait for us to walk through doors, walks like a dream next to us and doesn't pull at the leash, sits when meeting new people, doesn't run after dropped food, and loves learning new things! I had a lab when I was younger and he was never this well behaved! The best part about the class is that Debbie teaches you how to work with your dog towards good behavior instead of "at" your dog. "Yes!"
I can't wait for the agility class to begin! I would highly recommend, borderline insist, that anyone who has a new dog enroll in a training class with Debbie. Once you do, you will wonder what took you so long to sign up!
- Kristen Walter
The training program was great. Our pup Moose has learned so much from the training class as have we. Debbie is a great trainer and we are so happy that we decided to go with the positive reinforcement approach. We will be coming back for more training for sure. We have also used Tucker Pup's for grooming and were very happy with that service as well.
Thanks again.
- Tom & Beth Walsh
Debbie was great! We enjoyed the training so much, and now Webster is a little gentleman out and about...most of the time. We will definitely continue to take obedience classes with Tucker Pup's and maybe delve into agility...Webster certainly has enough energy!
Thanks again Debbie and Tucker Pup's!
- Gina and Sean Boyland, and Webster :)
The course was perfect. Debbie is the best. The location, parking and space for training were very good. We didn't attend all sessions..out of town, family commitments, but what I learned I am practicing and the class was worthwhile.
Glad to know you are there.
Thanks,
- Donna and Mitchell Yates
The Polite Puppy class entirely met my expectations. Debbie is AWESOME. She has suggestions and tips for every question I had about my very energetic Australian Shepherd pup. The relationship I now have with Piper is much stronger than it was before the course. I am also more confident taking Piper in public, and even letting her off leash to play in parks with other dogs (Debbie taught me how to create a strong recall by yelling 'Come' - Piper immediately turns from what she's doing and runs to me).
I would absolutely recommend Debbie AND Tucker Pup's to anyone who asks. We're continuing on with Good Manners 2 and hope to keep going after that with a few more classes! My relationship with my puppy is noticeably better since the time spent at Tucker Pup's.
- Corinne DiFonso
My puppy, Lily, has become a whole new dog after taking this course. Not only has her behavior improved, but our communication has improved dramatically. She is a good listener now and it gives me a better understanding of how to discipline her as well. This course has gone above and beyond my expectations. I would recommend Debbie to anyone. Her positive reinforcement teaching style works very effectively. Her instruction during class is very clear and concise and the handouts allow me to refresh my memory about techniques once I get home. This course was worth every penny and more!
Thanks a lot!
- Kaori Asano
The polite puppy course was great! Debbie is awesome and really taught us everything we needed to know to build a foundation of training and good behavior for Bubba. Looking forward to Good Manners 2.
- Suzanne Hashim and Jacob Gehl
We were happy with the Outdoor Adventure class. We feel more comfortable redirecting Bronson when away from home and he is much better about coming when called. It was fun to meet in various outdoor locations and the skills felt very useful for daily activities. Debbie of course was great, I always learn a lot from her. Next up: agility!
- Laura Adams
Debbie is an exceptional trainer! My exuberant terrier Tenryu and I are happy graduates of Debbie and Tucker Pup's Good Manners 1 and 2 training classes. Prior to Debbie and Tucker Pup's, we took 2 classes on positive reinforcement from 2 different training facilities, and although we graduated, Tenryu and I didn't learn a thing, leaving me convinced that positive reinforcement methods do not work. At last, we were fortunate enough to take Debbie's classes; she is a positive reinforcement master. Her in-depth understanding of dog behavior, superb instruction and pure love for dogs made every class a treat for both of us. We wagged out of class with Great Manners and continue to enjoy practicing everyday.
- Kyoko Ikemoto
We are delighted with the training we received from Debbie Bickford at Tucker Pup's. We took the Agility 2 class with about half a dozen other students and their two-legged companions. The class had a relaxed atmosphere and everybody was comfortable with the pace and content. We've been training in Agility for over two years, with a couple six-month breaks to recover from cruciate injuries - once for Ski and once for his primary trainer in our own neighborhood. We enrolled in Debbie's class because of our extended layoff, having heard from others what a great trainer she is. We were extremely impressed with how much the other students had learned having taken only a single six-week Agility 1 class from Debbie. They were able to run the Agility course along side us, and had great fun doing so. Debbie regularly adjusted the course content based on feedback from the students, focusing on what people enjoyed and had an interest in. Debbie made learning easier by incorporating games and even prizes into a curriculum that can sometimes become challenging. And, of course, Graduation was a great time! I now understand why Debbie is so well thought of in the community of dog trainers, and look forward to future classes with her. And, yes, we also look forward to challenging Nigel on the CPE course some day......
Sincerely,
- Rich Tamborski and Noble vom Kolinstrasse (aka: Ski)
Peanut and I really enjoyed Debbie's polite puppy class. We learned a lot and Peanut always looked forward to her weekly socialization and training. Debbie is an absolutely terrific instructor--we can't wait for Good Manners 2 in July!
- Loraine Woodhead
My 4-month old malshi, Arlo, and I just completed Polite Puppy class. Trainer Debbie Bickford is AMAZING!!!! I really had no idea how to train a dog, and she breaks it down into really, really easy steps. (It\'s all about the timing and the rewards - who knew?!?) The class was definitely worthwhile, and once we have time to practice more of what we learned, we may even do the next course! My vet even said he was better mannered than dogs twice his age when we went in for his last shots - this is not due to me, but Debbie\'s instruction. He noticed the difference in just one month, and I did, too.
As a side note, the office staff is also incredibly helpful, they email all confirmations and receipts for my files, and are great to work with for doggie daycare. Arlo comes home happy and tired, and seems to love hanging out with their staff and his dog friends. They also keep an eye on him to ensure he doesn\'t get beat up by the bigger dogs, keeping my little guy safe with other small dogs.
In short, I just love this place, and would highly recommend their training and dog care services!
- Emily Shirden
We greatly enjoyed the training course and will be enrolling in polite puppy II. The skills that our dog has learned is helping us to manage his lifestyle better.
- Jay and Noelle DiPrizio
We took Newman, our golden doodle puppy, to the Polite Puppy training course taught by Debbie and her extremely well-behaved boxer, Nigel. The class helped with Newman's behavior but more importantly it taught us how to communicate with him in a way that he can understand what is good and what is not acceptable. We are getting ready to enroll him in his next training class and would recommend Debbie and Tucker Pup's to anyone who may need such services.
-Eric Kessel and Shana Vitek
The Polite Puppy course did meet my expectations. I wanted my puppy to learn the basic sit, stay, down and walking on a lease with slack without tripping me constantly. I would recommend this trainer to friend. Debbie teaches training in way that is easily understood by my puppy and I. My puppy Marley is really understanding what she needs to be doing. The course is worth my time as my puppy can sit, stay, lay down and walk on a lease. I can communicate with my puppy now in a effective way that she understands. I really did enjoy taking Marley to class each Thursday. I was surprised at how well behaved all the puppies were! The off lease socialization really helped my puppy become more social with other dogs. The first class she was not really into playing with the other puppies as much, just sat between my feet. The next class Marley was more comfortable and now she wants to play with all dogs. She isn't fearful to be off lease with other dogs. I also enjoyed the agility course that Debbie set up. Marley had a blast running through all the tunnels. Marley is a very good girl and Debbie has helped us accomplish that. We get compliments all the time how well behaved Marley is. Thank You Tucker Pup's!
- Brett Cohn and Michelle Kucharski
Tucker Pup's Good Manners 1 course is excellent. We brought our two four year old Westies to the class, and we were pleased with the class setting, with Debbie Bickford and with what we have learned. Debbie is very knowledgeable and clearly conveys the principles of training. She also led us to reading that will help reinforce our learning and expand our training skills. Our dogs are better 'leash walkers' now, and are also getting better at coming when called which were two main issues for us. When we have the time, we would definitely consider taking additional classes with Debbie.
- Lisa Curcio
My little wapoo (chihuahua/poodle mix) , Tank, was only 2 months old when he started going to Tucker Pups and he LOVES it! Everyone there takes such great care of him and he is always so happy to go play when I take him in.
He is now 4 months and still loving it! The grooming services are fantastic and the Polite Puppy training classes are really working!
Thanks to Tucker Pup\'s I have a well socialized happy puppy!
We really enjoyed training with Debbie and Nigel. Her positive approach is working well with our Dane puppy, Harvey. Her class was a lot of fun while we were learning. We will be signing up soon to continue training with her.
- Maggie Ratza
I loved the course and instructor! I\'d recommend it to friends definitely! I learned a lot, and so did my dog. It was a lot of fun.
- Sara Baillie
We loved Tucker Pup's classes and the trainer Debbie. She provides great advice and helpful handouts so you can keep training outside of class. We haven't used their boarding services yet, but will be soon and appreciate the hours and that you can pick your dog up on a Sunday!
- Aimee Lorenz
I was really impressed with the class and especially the instructor. Theo is doing great and we've been working on things using the excellent training materials binder. We are happy customers and definitely found value for the price.
- Danah Fisher
I tell my friends about you all the time, particularly your training, daycare and boarding services.
The Good Manners 1 course was perfectly suited to our 15 month old rescue dog. She needed the exposure to a safe, structured social setting with other people and other dogs. I needed the support and training tips to help her with some of her issues. And we both benefited from working on skills with other dogs around. Debbie is a great instructor because she not only teaches you how to work with your dog, but she encourages you to have fun doing it. Our class also benefited from other wonderful owners and dogs. At last night's 'graduation', all the dogs showed amazing improvement! Our dog started the 6 week program as a jumping, barking, scattered bundle of energy. She is still a bundle of energy, but she finished the program a much more focused, polite little girl. Of course, you have to practice at home - an hour a week in class just scratches the surface. But the support, tips and encouragement you get at class are invaluable.
I will definitely sign up for another class.
- Amy Ripepi and Garry Grasinski
I just wanted to send a quick repsonse back over to you about the puppy course.
Everything did meet our expectations and the trainer was wonderful, knowledgeable and patient with is something I get a bit nervous about when Oscar tended to act up in certain situations. I would definitely recommend to a friend based on the success and progress we've seen with Oscar over the past 6 weeks. I felt it was time and money well spent and have noticed a significant increase in obedience and maturity since starting the course. With the methods covered in class I am confident we have a much better understanding of the tools we need to use in the future to continue to move forward in a positive and trusting relationship with Oscar.
My fiancee and I will be discussing the Good Manners 2 course over the next several days and will likely be back in touch.
Thanks,
- Jeff Eisel and Megan Moser
Debbie is great always insightful and Zoey has definitely grown as a puppy. She gives you the tools to help you understand how to have a nice polite puppy and we are very grateful and proud of our little girl.
She is very knowledgeable. Not only does she give you exercises to do in class and at home she helps you understand why those exercises work and how your puppy learns and processes information, giving you the ability to really connect with your puppy and not get frustrated through the process.
Zoey is more social, since being able to play with the puppies in class, she doesn't bite anymore (which is crucial!) and she is learning tricks and good behavior everyday.
Dog training has come such a long way since we were kids and it's so nice to have a better understanding of how puppies think and learn and know that you can have a well behaved puppy/dog by only using positive training techniques. Getting the right treats helps a lot too!
If we hear of anyone getting a puppy we would definitely recommend Debbie and Tucker Pup's.
- Melanie Ludmann
The leash manners class was excellent! Debbie is a great trainer and I plan to take other classes with her in the future. Her knowledge and demonstrations proved that I was learning from someone with extensive experience. And the handouts/homework helped remind me that practice outside of class was important to the success of the entire program.
You've partnered with a great trainer in Debbie.
Thanks,
- James Scholten
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