Do sessions have to take place in my home?

No. Sessions can happen in your home, on walks, or at the Copilot Dog Training facility in Avondale. We’ll choose what makes the most sense for your dog and your goals.

Is private training only for reactive or aggressive dogs?

No. While private training is often necessary for dogs who can’t safely participate in group classes, many people book private sessions for puppy skills, leash work, routines, and everyday manners.

How many sessions do people usually do?

It depends on the dog and the goal. Some people want short-term support, while others prefer ongoing sessions. We’ll talk through options and figure out what feels realistic.

What if I’m not sure what kind of training I need?

That’s completely fine. The phone consult is a chance to talk things through and decide what kind of support makes sense.

Private Dog Training in Chicago

One-on-one training for you and your dog, with time to slow down, ask questions, and build skills that stick for the long run.

free Phone Consult

A different way to work together

Private training is one-on-one time with a trainer, focused on what you and your dog need help with right now. There’s room to talk things through, adjust as you go, and spend time on the stuff that matters most to you.

Some people come in with a specific goal. Others just know something feels harder than it should. Both are totally normal starting points!

what we can work on

The benefits of private training sessions

Private training works well when you want flexibility, individual attention, and a setup that can adapt to your dog instead of forcing them into a class structure.

People often choose private sessions because they want:

Focused time without group distractions
Space to ask questions as they come up
Training that can slow down or move faster as needed
Clear guidance to work on between sessions
Support outside of scheduled sessions

Private training is also the safest and most appropriate option for dogs who struggle around other dogs or people.

illustration of a dog chewing on his leash

What we can work on

Private training is flexible and can support a wide range of goals, including:

Puppy foundations like potty training, crate comfort, and settling
Leash skills and walking routines
Household manners (jumping, mouthiness, impulse stuff)
Building focus and engagement outside
Reactivity to dogs, people, bikes, or movement
Fear, guarding, or aggression support, with safety as the priority
Multi-dog household routines and dynamics

Most dogs don’t fit neatly into just one category. Come for one thing, or a few—I got you.

Where sessions take place

Private training doesn’t have to happen in just one setting. We choose locations based on what supports learning best.

Sessions can take place:

In your home and neighborhood
At the Copilot Dog Training facility in Avondale

The Avondale space is especially helpful for dogs who need more room, clearer setups, or extra management.

It allows for controlled environments, thoughtful spacing, and access to equipment that isn’t always practical at home. It’s also a convenient option if you’d rather meet somewhere instead of hosting sessions in your space.

What sessions are like

How Training Works

All training is one-on-one and customized for your dog, your routines, and your goals.

1. We start with what you want help with

We talk through what’s going on and what you’d like to feel different. Sometimes it’s one specific issue allowing space to go deeper. Other times it’s a few smaller things that are connected.

2. We build skills in a way your dog can understand

Training uses simple setups, repetition, and reinforcement so learning feels clear and manageable, not overwhelming.

3. You get support between sessions

After each session, you’ll receive notes that recap what we worked on and what to focus on next. And when questions come up between sessions, you can reach out.

	Private Training	Group Classes
Format	One-on-one sessions focused on your dog and your goals	Multiple dogs working through a shared class curriculum
Best fit for	Dogs who need individual attention, flexibility, or more space	Dogs who are comfortable in group settings
Pace	Flexible — sessions can slow down or move faster as needed	Set pace based on the group
Ability to ask questions	Plenty of time to talk things through and problem-solve	Limited time during or after class
Environment	Home, neighborhood, or training facility depending on what helps most	Single class environment
Reactive or aggressive dogs	Appropriate and often necessary for safety and comfort	Usually not a good fit or not allowed
Session focus	Tailored to current challenges and priorities	Pre-set skills covered each week
Support between sessions	Yes — guidance and follow-up as questions come up	Typically limited to class time

Private training vs. group classes

Dog and owner practicing calm leash walking during in-home training

Leash Training FAQs

Leash training can help with pulling, reactivity, freezing, overstimulation, or difficulty staying engaged on walks. The focus is on communication and comfort rather than strict positioning.
Yes! Leash training often overlaps with reactivity work by focusing on regulation, disengagement, and helping dogs move through their environment with less stress.
Typically, a front clip harness or a gentle leader are recommended for leash pulling, but equipment recommendations depend on the dog and the situation.
That said, I don’t use prong collars or e-collars.
Training focuses on building skills and habits rather than relying on tools alone.
The number of sessions depends on the dog, the challenges involved, and how long the behavior has been in place. Some dogs benefit from short-term support, while others need a longer runway.

questions? reach out!

Good dogs with good reviews

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
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
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