At Home Dog Training in Chicago: What to Expect During Your First Session
You’ve decided it’s time for some help with training — whether it’s manners, reactivity, or just wanting to understand your dog better. You book a session, we set a date, and then it hits you: What actually happens during an at-home dog training session?
Good news: it’s not like a scene out of a TV show where someone swoops in and “fixes” your dog in an hour. It’s real life, and it’s designed to be comfortable, educational, and specific to you and your dog.
Why In-Home Dog Training Works So Well
Before we even start, it helps to know why training at home can be so effective — especially here in Chicago, where living environments vary from apartments to multi-dog homes with shared outdoor spaces.
When we work in your home:
Your dog is in their natural environment, so we see real behavior, not just their “good dog in public” version.
You’re part of the process, learning the skills firsthand.
We can immediately address issues like door greetings, leash manners, barking, or jumping — right where they happen.
Trainer Tip: Dogs learn best where they live. It’s not just training for your dog — it’s coaching for the humans, too.
Before the Session: What to Prepare
You don’t have to deep clean or buy special equipment (promise). I have 4 dogs with tons of hair and fluff around my apartment — no need to impress me 😂
Here’s all you need before I arrive:
A list of behaviors or goals you want to work on.
Your dog’s regular collar, leash
A heavy amount of small, bite-size, high-value treats
If you use enrichment toys (like a Kong or snuffle mat), have them handy.
Ideally, your dog should be somewhat hungry — food is a great motivator!
If your dog is nervous about new people, that’s totally fine. I’ll give you instructions on how to introduce me safely and calmly when I arrive.
During the First Session: What Actually Happens
Every trainer’s process is a little different, but here’s how I typically structure your first in-home session:
1. Getting to Know You (and Your Dog)
We start with a friendly conversation. I’ll ask about your dog’s daily life — how they spend their time, what’s working, and what’s not.
This isn’t small talk; it’s how I learn the why behind the behavior. Dogs don’t act out randomly — there’s always a reason. Understanding their environment and your routines helps me create a realistic plan that fits your household.
Meanwhile, I’ll observe your dog’s body language, comfort level, and reactions. If your dog is shy, I give them space to approach on their terms. If they’re bouncing off the walls — that’s information, too!
2. Setting Goals and Priorities
Once we’ve talked through the challenges, we’ll set 2–3 clear, realistic goals for training.
For example:
Calm door greetings instead of jumping
Better leash manners on city walks
Learning to relax when guests visit
Less reactivity around other dogs
You’ll understand exactly what we’re focusing on and why.
3. Hands-On Training and Coaching
Here’s where we start working — together. I’ll demonstrate techniques and then coach you through them, step-by-step. You’ll see how to mark behaviors, reward timing, and use body language effectively.
We might practice:
Introducing a new cue (like “place” or “leave it”)
Teaching polite leash walking
Managing excitement when the doorbell rings
Building calmness around triggers
You’ll get plenty of feedback and encouragement. My job isn’t to “take over your dog” — it’s to help you feel confident doing the work.
Trainer Tip: Dog training is about teamwork. My goal is for you to feel equipped, not dependent.
4. Creating Your Custom Training Plan
At the end of our session, I’ll summarize what we worked on and outline a simple plan for the next week or two.
That plan may include:
Daily practice ideas (short, realistic sessions)
Management adjustments (like baby gates or crate setups)
Homework videos or handouts
Next steps for follow-up sessions if needed
You’ll finish knowing exactly what to do — no guessing or feeling overwhelmed.
After the Session
You’ll start implementing your plan right away, but I’ll check in to see how things are going. Many clients schedule a follow-up session after a week or two, once they’ve practiced and noticed progress.
If we’re addressing something more complex (like reactivity or fear-based aggression), we’ll map out a longer-term plan together. Every dog and every family learns at their own pace.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Some changes happen fast, like calmer greetings or better attention. Others (like reactivity) take consistency over time.
But after the first session, you’ll have structure and an idea on how to move forward, and that alone can transform how your household feels.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re in the Chicago area and you’ve been thinking about at-home dog training, I’d love to help. Whether you just adopted a new dog or you’re struggling with behaviors that feel overwhelming, your first session is all about learning, not judgment.
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Puppy Training | Obedience Training | Reactivity Training | Behavior Modification | Puppy Board & Train
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