Have a training question? Ask Theresa!
Have a training question? Ask Theresa!
In Your Home Services
(Servicing Chicago’s Southwest Suburbs)
In Your Home Training (One 1 Hour) $50.00
During this session we develop a plan and initially work on the behaviors you want to address. Most behaviors will require more than one session. During this first session I will be able to give you an estimate of how many, if any additional sessions are likely. Additional 1/2 hour sessions are $20 each. This service is typically for common issues like following directions, reducing excitement, walking without pulling, coming when called, & reactivity. Usually two or three specific behavioral issues are the focus here.*
In Your Home Additional Session (One 1/2 Hour Session) $20.00
After the first one hour In Your Home Training session. These sessions can be scheduled any time after the first session. *
Stay & Train $80.00-$100.00
This is designed to be a variation on the Board & Train concept. Here, I come to your house for two or three hours at a time. While you are present, I work with your dog(s) on behavioral issues. After the dog(s) is successfully performing the behaviors for me, you take over. You stop paying for the sessions when you feel you are ready. Sessions should be scheduled during times when the targeted behaviors are likely to occur. Please review the terms when you sign up for additional information.
Dog Watching (Two Hour Maximum) $80.00 an Hour
This service involves me coming over to let your dog out and spend time with your dog. This service is only offered for dogs I haves had the opportunity to work with in the past.*
*Generally, I don't charge mileage but do reserve the right to add in mileage charge when necessary. If mileage will be charged I will notify you in advance so you have time to cancel service if necessary.
At Theresa’s Home Services
Ask Theresa $30
This service is for parents who want to discuss an issue or ask a question but do not want to schedule an in-home visit or attend a group class for the issue/question. You’ll sign up for a 30 minute time spot that works for you. I’ll send you a zoom link. On the intake form please provide some information about the topic we will be covering so I can be prepared. Please also provide a working telephone number in case if there are technical issues with zoom. The appointment may also be held through the telephone only if you’d rather not do zoom.
Group Classes
Group Classes are held at my home. Most classes will be hybrid classes. Hybrid classes will be in-person and on zoom so participants can choose to attend virtually. Puppy classes will require at least three in-person attendances. Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Tests are in-person. Reactivity classes are entirely in-person. Classes will be held outside, weather-permitting.
Class costs will be prorated based on the number of students. When more students enroll, class cost decreases. I will contact families with an update on the class cost with each additional enrollment. Class deposits will not be refunded but can be used for other Theresa’s Dog Training services.
Stay-Wait-Come 3 Week Class (Hybrid Class)
Next Class is on Saturdays at 1:00pm starting on April 4, 2026
This class focuses on solidifying the stay, wait, and recall (come when called). It would be helpful, though not necessary, for the dog to have been exposed to the “Leave it” command when beginning the course. Distractions will be added in as appropriate. This class can be taken virtually. Please review the terms when you sign up for additional information.
Class fee starts at $110 for one student & decreases with each enrollment up to five students.
Deposit to save your spot $60
Any remaining balance due at first class
Distraction 4 Week Class (Hybrid Class)
Next class is on Thursdays at 6:30p starting on March 12, 2026
This class is for dogs who have difficulty following directions when distractions are present. The class is NOT for dog reactivity. The class is arranged so that a particular type of distraction will be covered each week. Week 1 focuses on food distractions; Week 2 focuses on household items like mulch, doorbells, toys, etc…; Week 3 focuses on moving objects like bicycles, squirrels, rabbits, etc…; and Week 4 includes all the previous weeks combined. This class can be taken virtually. Please review the terms when you sign up for additional information.
Class fee starts at $140 for one student & decreases with each enrollment up to five students.
Deposit to save your spot $65
Any remaining balance due at first class
AKC Offerings
AKC S.T.A.R. Young Puppy (3-4 months at start of class) 7 Week Class (Partial Hybrid Class)
Next class is on Mondays at 6:30pm starting on February 23, 2026
This course is an all-encompassing course where we will cover basic commands and basic puppy behaviors. Puppies do not have to be registered with the AKC to take the course. During the course, we will cover the commands sit, down, stay, wait, leave it, come when called, and leash skills. We’ll cover potty training techniques, collar/harness & leash considerations, nutrition, and handling & grooming techniques. We will also cover some common issues such as jumping and nipping. Proper greetings of dogs and people will be included in the course as well as puppy playtime (with the other puppies) if those enrolled are willing. During the last week of class I will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. More information on the test will be provided during class or feel free to go to www.akc.org and search for Star Puppy for additional information. Three classes may be taken virtually. The last class must be taken in-person. Please review the terms when you sign up for additional information.
Course fee starts at $230 for one student & decreases with each enrollment up to three students.
Deposit to save your spot $90
Any remaining balance due at first class
AKC S.T.A.R. Older Puppy (5 months at start of class) 7 Week Class (Partial Hybrid Class)
Next class is on Wednesdays at 6:30pm starting on March 4, 2026
This course is an all-encompassing course where we will cover basic commands and basic puppy behaviors. Puppies do not have to be registered with the AKC to take the course. During the course, we will cover the commands sit, down, stay, wait, leave it, come when called, and leash skills. We’ll cover potty training techniques, collar/harness & leash considerations, nutrition, and handling & grooming techniques. We will also cover some common issues such as jumping and nipping. Proper greetings of dogs and people will be included in the course as well as puppy playtime (with the other puppies) if those enrolled are willing. During the last week of class I will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. More information on the test will be provided during class or feel free to go to www.akc.org and search for Star Puppy for additional information. Three classes may be taken virtually. The last class must be taken in-person. Please review the terms when you sign up for additional information.
Course fee starts at $230 for one student & decreases with each enrollment up to three students.
Deposit to save your spot $110
Any remaining balance due at first class
AKC Trick - Novice 3 Week Class (Hybrid Class)
Next class is on Saturdays at 1:00pm starting on February 28, 2026
The Novice Trick Class focuses on teaching and demonstrating 10 out of a minimum of 15 tricks. Most of these “tricks” have every-day use. The tricks include walking on a balance board, bark on cue, crawl, fetch it, find it, getting in box, getting on a platform, responding to hand signals, shake, high five, wait, jump through or over, kiss, paws up, push-ups, spin, touch, and through a tunnel. Your dog does not have to be registered with the AKC to take the course. However, if you would like the title added to your dog’s name he/she will have to be registered. Both purebred and non-purebred dogs can participate. This class may be taken virtually. Please review the terms when you sign up for additional information.
Course fee starts at $110 for one student & decreases with each enrollment up to five students.
Deposit to save your spot $40
Any remaining balance due at first class
AKC Canine Good Citizen 4 Week Prep Class & Test (Partial Hybrid Class)
Next class is on Sundays at 4:00pm starting on March 8, 2026
This course is designed to prepare the dog to take the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. The CGC test includes items the American Kennel Club (AKC) identify as indicative of a dog who is well behaved in public including following basic commands, accepting friendly strangers, and sitting politely for petting. All of the test items can be found at akc.org. Search for CGC test items. Three classes are designed to prepare participants to take the test. Please note: I cannot guarantee your dog will pass the test. That depends on your work. I will do all I can to help prepare your dog to successfully pass the test. On the fourth week I will administer the test. If you would like to just take the test, the cost is $30.00. We will meet for about 30-45 minutes each week at the same time and day. One of the three prep classes can be taken virtually. Please review the terms when you sign up for additional information.
Course fee starts at $140 for one student & decreases with each enrollment up to five students.
Deposit to save your spot $65
Any remaining balance due at first class
AKC Community Canine 5 Week Prep Class & Test (Partial Hybrid Class)
Next class is on Sundays at 2:30pm starting on March 22, 2026
This course is designed to prepare the dog to take the Community Canine (CGCA) test. The CGCA is the advanced CGC test. Dogs must have passed the CGC to earn this certificate or title. The CGCA includes items the American Kennel Club (AKC) identify as important when in situations with many people and dogs. Test items include sit-stay in a group, walking by food on the ground. long stays, and being under control in groups of people and dogs. All of the test items can be found at akc.org. Search for Community Canine. Four classes are designed to prepare participants to take the test. Please note: I cannot guarantee your dog will pass the test. I will do all I can to help prepare your dog to successfully pass the test. On the fifth week I will administer the test. If you would like to just take the test, the cost is $30.00. We will meet for about 30-45 minutes each week at the same time and day. Two of the four prep classes can be taken virtually. Please review the terms when you sign up for additional information. We will not have class on April 5th or April 19th.
Course fee starts at $170 for one student & decreases with each enrollment up to five students.
Deposit to save your spot $70
Any remaining balance due at first class
Reactivity 12 Week Class
Next Class is on Saturdays at 4:00pm starting on March 14, 2026
This class is for dogs who react by lunging and/or barking when seeing another dog. The reaction may be due to fear or excitement. During the class we go over techniques designed to eliminate or control reactivity, finding the technique that works for each dog. Typically, reactivity elimination takes about 10-12 weeks. However, the pace will depend on the dog and his/her family. Please review the terms when you sign up for additional information.
Course fee starts at $620 for one student & decreases with each enrollment up to five students.
Deposit to save your spot $160
Any remaining balance due at first class.
Before scheduling the services below please set up a time to bring your dog to my house and stay with them for at least 30 minutes to ensure you feel comfortable with my pack and your dog(s).
Lodging (Each Day) $50.00
Your dog will stay with me and my pack. He/she will be cared for in a home environment & will have the opportunity to play and socialize with my dogs, if desired. Please note: train and board services are NOT offered, as I do not think they are appropriate. That being said, your dog will be taught the “rules” of my house, like sit for a treat, wait for food, no door dashing, wait your turn, you are allowed on the furniture, be calm, no jumping, have fun, & feel wanted/loved. This service is only offered to dogs I have worked with in the past. To schedule contact me at theresasdogtraining@gmail.com
Dog Watching $20.00 each day
This is essentially the same thing as the lodging but for a shorter time frame. Only two dogs are able to be here at the same time. This service is only offered to dogs I have worked with in the past.
Add-On Services For All Appointments/Classes
Each Additional Dog (Training) +$20
This add-on is for each additional dog within the service family. This fee is required even if you do not plan to include additional dogs in the training.
Each Additional Dog (Dog Watching) +$10
This add-on is for each additional dog within the service family.