About Me
Hi, I’m Hailey Mott, CPDT-KA, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer based in Chicago.
I work with dogs of all backgrounds — from nervous rescues and leash-reactive city dwellers to confident puppies learning the ropes. My approach is shaped by years of hands-on experience working as a staff member at One Tail at a Time, where I help newly rescued dogs build confidence and adjust to life in new homes.
Outside of private training, I also teach group classes at Copilot Dog Training, where I focus on real-world obedience for puppies and adult dogs, reactivity, and confidence-building for dogs of all sizes and backgrounds.
I believe good training starts with understanding, not control. My goal is to help you and your dog build communication, confidence, and trust — because real progress happens when both ends of the leash feel supported.
Why train with me
Learn How Your Dog Thinks
You’ll always know why we’re doing something — not just what to do.
You’ll learn how to recognize what your dog’s behavior is really communicating and how to respond in ways that make sense to them.
My goal is to give you the tools to handle real-world situations with confidence so you’re not stick in endless lessons.
Training Built for City Life
City dogs deal with a lot. Noise, people, elevators, traffic, and tight spaces. Training should prepare them for that.
I focus on real-world skills that help your dog stay calm and responsive wherever you go, from crowded sidewalks to apartment hallways.
Sessions stay structured, adaptable, and tailored to how you actually live.
We’ll Lose the Chaos and Create More Calm
You don’t need to be strict to see progress.
We’ll bring calm and structure to your daily life using humane, proven methods — never intimidation or outdated tools.
The result: a dog who’s responsive, confident, and actually wants to work with you.
Experience & Collaboration
As a CPDT-KA certified trainer with years of experience working with rescue and shelter dogs across Chicago, I bring both science-based methods and real-world perspective.
You can expect honesty, clarity, and zero judgment, just progress, partnership and collaboration.
My Approach & Education
My training is rooted in science and shaped by experience.
I studied Foundation Style Dog Training (FSDT) through K9-1 Dog Training, a program built on welfare science, ethology, and behavior research. That education taught me how to design training that’s humane, scalable, and technically precise, but still flexible enough to work in the real world.
In practice, that means I teach in a way that’s clear, transparent, and easy to follow. You’ll learn why your dog behaves the way they do — their breed tendencies, communication style, and emotional triggers — so you can make sense of their choices and respond effectively.
No matter your dog’s background or behavior, I’ll meet you where you are, keep the process judgment-free, and focus on steady, meaningful progress.
Before I was a trainer, I was a dog person & just a dog owner. Still am.
I live with the best teachers I’ve ever had… my own dogs 🖤
They range from 1½ to 18 years old, from tiny to large, from couch-loving littles to high-drive working breeds. Living with such a wide mix keeps me honest, adaptable, and endlessly learning.
Every dog in my home has taught me something different — patience, breed needs, flexibility, and empathy.
My crew reminds me that great training isn’t about perfection.
It’s about trust and understanding what makes each dog tick.
Here are their cute faces and my daily reminders that every dog, no matter their age, energy level, or background, has something special to teach us.
Don’t just take my word for it
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![Chihuahua working on confidence building in Lincoln Park]()
Hailey is so passionate about helping owners and their pets and she is so sweet and patient. She’s helped build confidence in my anxious little baby, and, even though she’s afraid of most people, my dog lovesss Hailey.
Megan Montgomery
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![Mini golden doodle practicing relaxation work]()
Hailey worked with my mini goldendoodle Murphy, who is the sweetest dog but had some resource guard issues that were starting to get tricky to manage. Hailey was incredibly knowledgeable and patient — not just with my dog but with me, too! I noticed a huge difference after just a few sessions. Thank you so much Hailey!!!!!
Jenna White
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![Two dogs sitting on sandy beach with water in background.]()
Hailey is an extremely knowledgeable and compassionate dog trainer! Hailey’s best skill is her ability to meet dogs where they are at and then build deep trust to form behavioral changes. She has experience with all levels - eager puppy all the way to fearful, reactive adult.
Sarah Fitzpatrick
FAQs
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All kinds — from nervous rescue dogs to high-drive working breeds, seniors to young puppies. My background with One Tail at a Time means I’ve worked with just about every temperament and training challenge imaginable.
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I use science-based, reward-focused methods grounded in behavior and welfare research. My approach comes from Foundation Style Dog Training (K9-1) — it’s clear, ethical, and adaptable for any dog or lifestyle.
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Yes! I specialize in helping dogs who struggle with reactivity, fear, or frustration on leash.
Sessions move at your dog’s pace to build calm, confident behavior safely and effectively.
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I focus on practical, real-world results — not cookie-cutter obedience.
Every plan is tailored to your dog’s personality and your lifestyle, so what you learn actually sticks. You’ll always understand the “why” behind what we do.
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Yes — I’m a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) with continuing education in modern training science. You can expect transparent, humane, and effective techniques based on years of hands-on experience.