Meet your new favorite dog trainer in Chicago

Positive reinforcement training with Hailey Mott, CPDT-KA

Hi, I’m Hailey, certified dog trainer (CPDT-KA)

My approach is grounded in empathy and shaped by years of hands-on dog rescue work and group class teaching. This experience has taught me how to meet every pup and family where they are—no matter their background, breed, or temperament.

I know that living with a dog in Chicago isn’t always as cute as it looks on Instagram. Apartment living, crowded sidewalks, off-leash dogs at the park… it can get chaotic fast—especially for people with multi-dog households, busy lives or kiddos in the home. Whether you’ve got a brand-new puppy, a rescue who’s figuring things out, or a dog who thinks that he’s clocked into a security guard shift every time someone walks by your window, positive reinforcement training helps. A lot.

I work one-on-one with people and their dogs all over the city. No old school dominance methods (sorry, Cesar Milan), no generic advice — just practical training built around how you and your dog actually live.

Training with me is always approachable and easy to follow. I break things down in a way that makes sense and keep the process enjoyable for both ends of the leash. My goal is to help you and your dog build confidence, a stronger bond, and clear communication, because real progress happens when everyone's having a good time learning together.

A woman standing with a leash attached to a large black and brown Rottweiler dog lying on the floor inside a room with a painted mural of colorful cartoon characters on the brick wall.

One-on-one training services

Two dogs sitting and lying on a brick sidewalk, with four leash collars and leashes, a small fluffy dog with tan and white fur sitting, and a larger brown dog lying down.

Puppy Obedience Training in Chicago

Set your puppy up for success with foundational puppy obedience training in Chicago.

Crate set up & training
Potty training
Puppy socialization for confident adult dogs
Basic obedience (sit, stay, come, down, drop it, leave it, and more)
Loose leash walking from the start
Name recognition
Puppy biting & mouthing solutions
Intro to leash skills / leash walking

Hailey Mott working on recall games with a pitbull in Chicago.

Adult Dog Obedience, Leash Walking & Recall

Master everyday skills for calm, confident dogs through positive reinforcement training.

Loose leash walking & heel
Reliable recall (come when called)
Impulse control & self-regulation
Polite greetings with people and dogs
Polite play etiquette
Place/settle training
Door manners & boundaries
Window barking reduction
New rescue dog transitions

A brown dog wearing a harness and leash, sniffing the ground on a dirt and concrete path near some green plants.

Reactive Dog Training in Chicago

If your dog barks, lunges, or shuts down around people, dogs, or movement, that’s reactivity.

Leash reactivity toward people
Reactivity toward moving objects (bikes, scooters, skateboards)
Barrier reactivity (barking through fences, windows, or crates)
Generalized reactivity (reacting to multiple triggers)
Over-arousal or frustration during walks
Fear-based reactivity in city environments (noise, crowds, traffic)

A brown dog wearing a gray and orange dog muzzle and an orange collar, sitting on a gray patterned rug indoors.

Behavior Modification in Chicago

For dogs with fear, guarding, or aggression. Training that builds safety and trust.

Resource guarding (food, toys, spaces, or people)
Aggression toward people
Dog-to-dog aggression (within or outside the home)
Touch sensitivity or handling aggression
Muzzle training for safety and confidence
General fear, anxiety, stress, or noise sensitivity
Apartment and high-rise behavioral challenges (hallways, elevators, etc)

A brindle and white dog lying on a red wooden bench outdoors, looking up at the camera with a blue ball nearby.

New Rescue Dog Training in Chicago

Whether your dog’s learning to trust again, adjusting to city life, or just figuring out the basics.

Obedience, crate & potty training
Build trust and structure without overwhelming your dog
Support for common rescue challenges: fear, reactivity, or stress
Establish routines around walks, downtime, and shared spaces
Use positive reinforcement to build calm behavior
Learn how to read your dog’s signals and stress cues
Plan safe, low-pressure intros to resident dogs or cats

A puppy with long, floppy ears playing with a blue and orange puzzle toy on a white wooden floor, with a gray rug nearby.

Routine, Structure & Enrichment

Dogs thrive when their needs are met and they know what to expect. I’ll help you create daily routines, structure, and activities that support your dog’s drive, breed traits, and overall well-being.

Build a routine that supports focus, calm, and predictability
Recommend breed-specific enrichment that burns energy in a smart way
Add structure to reduce stress and make daily life more manageable
Set up boundaries & transitions that actually stick
Rotate games, toys, and challenges to prevent boredom and frustration

Cute small dog with large ears, black and tan fur, sitting on a wooden floor, looking up with a happy expression, mouth open, wearing a harness and leash.

Reward-based training

Positive reinforcement training focuses on rewarding the behaviors you do want, instead of punishing the ones you don’t.

It builds trust, encourages better decision-making, and helps dogs learn without fear or confusion. This approach is backed by science, works for all breeds and ages, and is especially effective for nervous, reactive, or high-drive dogs. It’s also easier for humans to stick with because it actually feels good for both of you.

The Benefits of Private Dog Training in Chicago

Whether it’s leash reactivity, barking, anxiety, or just figuring out basic manners, I’ll create a plan that works for your dog and your life.

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Convenient Scheduling

Scheduling that fits your routine—even mornings, evenings, or weekends.

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Custom to Your Space and Routine

Sessions happen in your space, so progress feels natural and lasting.

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Great for Dogs Who Need More Space or a Slow Intro

Great for anxious, reactive, or rescue dogs who need a quieter space.

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Full Attention, Every Session

Your dog gets the trainer’s full attention, start to finish.

Private sessions are a great fit if you want a one-on-one experience in the comfort of your home — especially if you’re dealing with any of the following:

Who is private training best for?

Dogs with stranger danger or fear-based reactivity
Dogs who wouldn’t do well in group classes due to anxiety, overarousal, or aggression
Newly adopted rescues adjusting to a totally new life
Families dealing with behavior challenges like barking at the door, reacting to hallway noise, getting overexcited when guests come over, or leash-pulling in tight apartment spaces.
Busy parents who need scheduling flexibility
First-time dog owners looking for clear guidance
City dogs who need help navigating real-world distractions
Families with kids who want support building safe interactions

Ready to start training?

If you’re looking for private sessions that are down-to-earth, practical, and engaging, I’m here for it.

free consult

FAQs

Most sessions happen in your home or your neighborhood — wherever the behavior shows up. That could mean working in your living room, building lobby, elevator, sidewalk, or nearby park.
Everything from puppy basics to more complex behavior issues like leash reactivity, anxiety, or fear of strangers. I tailor sessions to your dog’s age, temperament, and your goals.
Absolutely! Everyone involved in your dog’s daily life should be on the same page. I’ll make sure each person understands the plan and feels confident using it.
Yes! Private sessions are often the best option for dogs who are reactive, fearful, or don’t do well in group settings. I use fear-free, reward-based methods and work at your dog’s pace.
I use positive reinforcement and science-backed methods that focus on building trust, not fear. No prong collars, no alpha stuff, no harsh corrections.
Yes, and you’re not alone. A lot of my clients come to me after group classes or previous training didn’t quite work. Private training gives us the time and space to troubleshoot and build something that actually fits your dog and your life.

Service Areas

Providing private in-home dog training across Chicago, including:

Andersonville · Avondale · Bucktown · Edgewater · Fulton Market · Hermosa · Humboldt Park · Lakeview · Lincoln Square · Logan Square · Wicker Park · Roscoe Village · Irving Park · Lincoln Park · Old Town · Pilsen · Ravenswood · UIC Medical District · Ukranian Village · Uptown · West Loop · West Town

Not sure if you’re in range? Contact me to confirm your area for at-home dog training services.