In Your Home Services

Stay & Train                         $60.00-$80.00

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.

To work with your dog(s), he/she/they are to be current on rabies and parvo/distemper vaccines.  Proof of these vaccines should be sent to me prior to our first session.  Email them to theresasdogtraining@gmail.com. When you enroll, you’ll be asked to answer a survey assessing your dog’s drives and part of your family system.  If enrolling multiple dogs residing in the same house, click the additional dog box.  I will email additional surveys to be completed.  These additional surveys should be emailed back to me at least two days prior to the first session.*

Family/Friends Gathering Training - People Only (One Hour Session & Two 1/2 Hour Sessions) $80.00

This training focuses exclusively on preparing and controlling your dog when people come over. You’ll schedule the first hour session. The remaining sessions will be scheduled during the first hour session. During the hour session, the first 1/2 hour involves me demonstrating effective techniques when people arrive. The second 1/2 hour involves practicing with people who come over. You’ll schedule at least one, preferably more, friend/ family member(s) to come over to work on the best technique for you and your dog. For the two 1/2 hour sessions you’ll again schedule people to come over.*

In Your Home Training (One 1 Hour) $40.00

During this session involves 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. *

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

In-Person Courses held at my home will be held weather-permitting. Generally, they will halt during the winter. I will notify participants when they will stop and begin again.

Continuous Enrollment Course

Continuous enrollment allows participants to ensure their training goals are met.  Dogs can continue to come as often as necessary or desired throughout the life of the dog or until the class is no longer offered.  Read through the terms when you enroll for additional information.

Reactivity Course                            $450.00

Sundays 2:30p

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 reactivity, finding the technique that works for each dog.  Once we have that technique, we will slowly bring the dogs closer together.  The pace at which this occurs will depend on each dog’s needs.  We will meet for about an hour each week at the same time and day.  Typically, reactivity elimination takes about 10-12 weeks.  However, the pace will depend on the dog and his/her family.   Class size will typically be limited to 5 dogs at a time.  Please review the terms when you sign up for additional information.

Stay-Wait-Come Course $60.00  

Saturdays 12:00p beginning 11/9/24

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.

Participation in the class requires pet parents bring treats to class, at least initially.  The treats need to be of high value to the dog.  If the dog is not treat motivated contact me and we will discuss what motivates your dog.  Participation also requires dogs be on a 4- or 6-foot leash securely attached to a collar or harness. Proof that the dog is current on rabies (if 4 months or over) and parvo/distemper vaccines is required.  Parents can bring proof of these the first day of class, or they can be emailed to me at theresasdogtraining@gmail.com.  PLEASE NOTE: If parents forget the vaccine proof they will not be admitted.  This is for the safety of all of those enrolled as well as my own pack.

I do not endorse the use of prong collars or choker chains.  If pet parents have been using choker chains or prong collars, they may use them to bring the dogs into the yard for the first class.  We will then find a non-punishment-based technique that works for your dog – most likely a Easy Walk Harness, Freedom Harness, Gentle Leader, Slip Lead, and/or Martingale Collar. 

Distraction Course $80.00 (all 4 Weeks) or $25 (1 Week) 

Saturdays 1:00p beginning 11/9/24

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. Because we will be covering a different type of distraction each week, you can choose to only attend one class based on the type of distraction your dog is struggling with. 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.

During the class we will cover various ways to regain attention while distractions are present.  Please note that not every technique works for every dog and/or family member(s).  We will find the technique that works for your dog and your family.  Various distractions will be presented during the class including both artificial (i.e. toys, mulch) and natural (i.e. birds, squirrels) ones.  We will meet for about 30-45 minutes each week at the same time and day. 

Participation in the class requires pet parents bring treats to class, at least initially.  The treats need to be of high value to the dog.  If the dog is not treat motivated contact me and we will discuss what motivates your dog.  Participation also requires dogs be on a 4- or 6-foot leash securely attached to a collar or harness. Proof that the dog is current on rabies (if 4 months or over) and parvo/distemper vaccines is required.  In addition, proof of a negative fecal test, testing for various parasites must be presented for any puppies younger than 5 months.  This fecal test has to have occurred no more than 30 days prior to the start of the class.  Parents can bring proof of these the first day of class, or they can be emailed to me at theresasdogtraining@gmail.com.  PLEASE NOTE: If parents forget the vaccine and fecal test proof they will not be admitted.  This is for the safety of all of those enrolled as well as my own pack.

I do not endorse the use of prong collars or choker chains.  If pet parents have been using choker chains or prong collars, they may use them to bring the dogs into the yard for the first class.  We will then find a non-punishment-based technique that works for your dog – most likely a Easy Walk Harness, Freedom Harness, Gentle Leader, Slip Lead, and/or Martingale Collar.

AKC Offerings

         AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Course $100.00
Younger puppies (Coming this spring)
Older puppies (Coming this spring)

This course is a seven-week course for puppies between 3 months and 1 year of age.  There are two versions — one for young puppies (3 months-4 months at the start of the class) and one for older puppies (5 months-1 year at the start of the class). Puppies do not have to be registered with the AKC to take the course. The course is an all-encompassing course where we will cover basic commands and basic puppy behaviors.  During the course, we will cover the commands sit, down, stay, wait, leave it, come when called, and initial 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.  We will meet for about 30-45 minutes each week at the same time and day.  We will be outside for the entire class and if class has to be canceled due to weather class graduation will be moved back a week.

Proof that the puppy is current on rabies (if 4 months or over) and parvo/distemper vaccines is required.  In addition, proof of a negative fecal test, testing for various parasites must be presented for the younger puppy class.  This fecal test has to have occurred no more than 30 days prior to the start of the class.  Parents can bring proof of these the first day of class, or they can be emailed to me at theresasdogtraining@gmail.com.  PLEASE NOTE: If parents forget the vaccine and fecal test proof they will not be admitted.  This is for the safety of all of those enrolled as well as my own pack.

AKC Canine Good Citizen Prep Course & Test $80.00

Next Session TBD

This course is designed to prepare the dog to take the Canine Good Citizen test. 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.  Also, we will be outside for the entire class.  As such, we will be at the mercy of the weather.  Class may be canceled when the weather deems it appropriate.  If a class is cancelled, we will push the test date back a week. Please review the terms when you sign up for additional information.

AKC CGC Test Only $25.00

Next Test Date TBD

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 $15.00 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.

50% Scheduling Deposit required to hold your spot for most services.

(Non-refundable within 48 hours of your appointment.)

Add-On Services

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.

Servicing Chicago’s Southwest Suburbs