Antioch, IL
Brian McGuire
Brian McGuire grew up working in the family business, Shag Bark Pet Retreat & Spa, since he was a young boy. He has studied Ethology (Animal Behavior) and its application toward training and caring for the canine species for over 20 years. He uses these skills as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and his graduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering to create the safest, most comfortable environment possible for the pets under his care.
Training Philosophy
Brian McGuire's training programs are all positive reinforcement based. His training focuses on rewarding dogs for good behavior, motivating them to want to cooperate with you and building a great relationship between you and your dog. There is no better way to create and strengthen a relationship with an animal than through training! Using rewards however does not mean that dogs get to do whatever they want. They still need rules to live by and Brian teaches how to set boundaries and communicate these rules to the dog so you are respected as their benevolent leader.
Services
Brian McGuire offers a variety of dog training services, including:
- Group Classes: Puppy Play & Adventure, S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Manners, Impulse To Lead, Puppy Preschool, Puppy Good Neighbor, Canine Manners, Canine Good Neighbor, Canine Better Neighbor
- Training Evaluations: Evaluations take place at the facility and help determine the best training path for the dog.
- Private Training: Sessions can take place at the facility, the client's home, or out and about. Brian can help with any training goals, from basic behaviors to advanced off-leash work, dog sports, and test prep for therapy work or Canine Good Citizen. He also offers training for problem behaviors such as leash manners, aggression, and jumping.
- Lodge & Learn: This in-residence program is ideal for kick-starting a new dog's behavior or transforming a dog's behavior from average to awesome. The program includes lodging, multiple training sessions each day, socialization & exercise, play time, and follow up private sessions with the family.
Certifications
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Specializations
Obedience training, puppy training, problem behavior training, dog sports (Scent Work, Rally, Agility), therapy work, Canine Good Citizen
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement
Media Appearances
Richard Mulder, Brian's father, appeared on a number of radio and television shows as an authority of dog training for all breeds using positive reinforcement techniques.
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
