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One of the most difficult, necessary, and rewarding behaviors to correct in a dog is anxiety and aggression. Anxiety and aggression are behaviors that can be learned, genetic, or innate. When a dog feels threatened, the two natural responses will be fight or flight. Most dogs will attempt to put as much distance between themselves and the threat; if the threat remains they will then turn to aggression or submit. Other dogs are overly confident pack leaders and will turn first to aggression. Both of these reactions stem from anxiety and can be fixed with a balanced, positive aggressive dog training in Chicago.
behavior modification process is highly personalized. We work to empower owners as they work alongside our professional dog trainers in Chicago to build confidence and understanding in their dogs. We work with owners in their home to slowly retrain a dog’s reactions to stressful situations and then work to integrate them back into the community.
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Not all training packages may be available at our location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Our Aggressive Dog Behavior Training Process
We will first meet the dog in a free in-home assessment to gain an understanding of the reasons for the aggression, anxiety, or fears. We will assess triggers and build a personalized training program for each unique dog and targeting their specific behavior. For fearful and anxious dogs, our trainers will work alongside owners to build confidence.
For overly aggressive dogs, training will help owners establish a pack leader position in the home. We will work to desensitize a dog to their biggest triggers and anxiety and when the dog has reached a safe baseline obedience level in these situations we then introduce them to our class settings. A muzzle is required for class settings to ensure the safety of all dogs as these classroom settings are designed to integrate the dog back into social settings successfully.
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Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
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Empowering Owners
We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. -
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. -
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
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Supportive
We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session"). -
Involved
We work with all members of the household. -
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
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Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training. -
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term. -
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing
PSYCHOLOGY
noun
A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Absolutely incredible at helping with training my dog into a service dog. They helped me understand everything clearly and recommended the best way to train my 11 month old puppy and see the best results possible I am extremely happy with working with them. Karen, Laura and Jeff have been amazing and understanding of my physical limits.— charisse graham
Posted March 23rd 2023
I teach first graders at GEMS World Academy Chicago. We do a six week unit of inquiry into accessibility. Jeff, Lara and their dog Max came into our classroom. Jeff and Lara are incredibly knowledgable and were great with the kids. They answered all of their questions about service dogs and more. We were very impressed with all three of them. I would feel very comfortable and lucky to have Jeff or Lara come into my home to train a dog for me personally or for a friend requiring ta service dog.— Kirsten Richards
Posted March 6th 2023
Katie and Tim have done an amazing job helping me with the transition to adding a service animal to my family, the continued obedience training and the service training! The group classes have been a great asset to the training structure as they provide training in a distracted environment...it has really helped Scout (and myself) learn to focus on each other and not outside activity. In addition, Katie and Tim have been very helpful each time I had a question or felt like I needed a modification that was specific to my family. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite-Western Chicago!— Nadine Stanley
Posted January 10th 2023
Katie and Matt are helping my highly energetic, rambunctious puppy learn manners and the foundations of being a service dog. I've seen drastic changes over the past 3 months. I can now confidently bring my puppy to dog-friendly facilities without worrying that he will cause a scene or be disruptive. Thanks Katie and Matt!— S. Carter
Posted January 9th 2023
We are so happy with the training and support we received from Tim and Katie! The one-on-one in-home support was great and they are so responsive. The group classes are great for practicing and enhancing the skills taught. Our dog was so reliant on treats the he would steal and guard an item (growl and snap) just to get a treat. It was a seemingly never ending cycle. While we never thought we’d be open to a e-collar, the stimulation is really very low and effective. The first days were rough, trying to get our dog used to the collar and new commands. He was stubborn and very reserved during that time, but with some continued work he got used to the training and continues to respond well even when we have to take the collar off. Tim and Katie also include additional basic training for our 5 year old dog that he did not receive during his puppy training classes from another company. We use his new training all the time now. The implied stay is something we never knew was even possible! (Just have to remember to use the release word!) We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of the training especially with young children in the house! Thank you, Tim and Katie!— Kate Blackburn
Posted December 9th 2022
We are so happy with the training and support we received from Tim and Katie! The one-on-one in-home support was great and they are so responsive. The group classes are great for practicing and enhancing the skills taught. Our dog was so reliant on treats the he would steal and guard an item (growl and snap) just to get a treat. It was a seemingly never ending cycle. While we never thought we’d be open to a e-collar, the stimulation is really very low and effective. The first days were rough, trying to get our dog used to the collar and new commands. He was stubborn and very reserved during that time, but with some continued work he got used to the training and continues to respond well even when we have to take the collar off. Tim and Katie also include additional basic training for our 5 year old dog that he did not receive during his puppy training classes from another company. We use his new training all the time now. The implied stay is something we never knew was even possible! (Just have to remember to use the release word!) We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of the training especially with young children in the house! Thank you, Tim and Katie!—
Posted December 9th 2022
Jeff and his team are fabulous. He is patient and kind. He was an incredible part of training my puppy. So happy I chose Dog Training Elite— Michele Kehrer
Posted December 2nd 2022
Katie was awesome. She is extremely knowledgeable and decoded our dog. She still growls a little bit but she is 1000 times better. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite— Cheryl A. Hagedorn
Posted November 28th 2022
Katie is such a wonderful trainer! She is helping me train my puppy to be a service dog and he has already learned so much in the few weeks I have been attending training! I am excited to continue training with her and would highly recommend this company even if you are just looking to teach your dog obedience and patience.— Powder Marie Antkiewicz
Posted November 28th 2022
Jeff did a wonderful job teaching us how to train Louie. He was responsive with questions and I feel very comfortable that as my puppy grows, I’ll have a well behaved dog thanks to his guidance and direction!! Thank you!!— Shanna
Posted November 11th 2022
Although I have loved & wanted a dog for decades, it wasn't until August that I actually had one of my own. I wanted the experience to be all that I envisioned and Katie has helped make that possible. In addition to the training, she is supportive & shares insights about my Britta's behavior and overall knowledge of dogs and especially puppies. It is so reassuring knowing that I have that support! I would highly recommend! We are still on our journey and I'm confident that with my training as well as Britta's we will have great adventures together!—
Posted November 3rd 2022
Katie and Matt have been fabulous. I thought I did not need a trainer but realized I did if I wanted to have our new Weimaraner pup advanced in his obedience instead of waiting 5 years for him to mellow out. After just four one-on-ones, I am confident of having him well-behaved at home and in public. He recently showed how excellent his training was during a block party. Screaming kids and food all around, and he stayed on his place cot. I interviewed a lot of trainers, but none were are credible as Katie. She is honest and engaging with owners and gentle yet firm with pups. She knew how to engage Oliver, and he never seemed stressed. If you are uncertain about what trainers to engage, look no further. The one-on-one classes are tremendous and outdoor group classes extremely effective in reinforcing the training. I could not be happier. I know people who are training their dog for the fourth time. The reasons are clear. They did not have the essentials in the mix. You need two things 1) a great trainer and 2) regular reinforcement. Katie and Matt are committed to being the only trainer I will ever need. I believe it!— D J
Posted September 25th 2022
Highly recommend calling Katie and Tim if you are struggling training your dog. Their techniques will absolutely get the job done.— David Webb
Posted September 23rd 2022
Tim and Katie are awesome dog trainers! They are kind , patient and knowledgeable. They are skilled at teaching customers how to train their dogs.— Danielle Sanderson
Posted September 23rd 2022
Tim & Katie are as good at training dogs as they are people. You will not find more passionate people to teach your dog the manners & obedience you dream of. Keep up the great work guys!— Scott Joyce
Posted September 22nd 2022
Great Trainers! It was amazing to watch them take two dogs and give them confidence, reduce anxiety, and teach them world class obedience! Improving the quality of life with dogs and owners is priceless and these trainers deliver!— Ryan Roudebush
Posted August 11th 2022
Tim and Katie are fantastic! Our dog would always bark and jump on our guests as they would enter our home. It was so stressful to have friends over. Now our dog is trained to sit quietly and allow our guests to enter! I would highly recommend them!— j S
Posted August 9th 2022
Katie and Tim are real dog people! Their passion for "their" and "your" 4 legged companions goes beyond! They have all the skills to train your dog so it will have the happiest and most purposeful life all around!!! Highly recommended!—
Posted August 8th 2022
Wow! DTE Western Chicago! Give them a call! Don't wait! Katie and Tim will teach you skills that are invaluable! In only 5 weeks my once reactive dog is no longer growling, lunging, and showing teeth. Instead, he's much calmer and listening to my commands. It's life-changing!— Alisa Kellington-Welsh
Posted August 5th 2022
Katie and Tim and fantastic people. They are community focused and truly care about delivering high quality results to improve your relationship with your furry friend! They are also compassionate about giving back to the community through service dog training with the Malinois Foundation. You can expect a high level of professionalism but also very personable. Highly recommend!— Kyle Christie
Posted July 21st 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At , we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, work's with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.
