Chicago, IL
Rachel Anne Lamere
Rachel LaMere, founder of The Positive Pup Chicago, moved to NYC in 2004 with a degree in opera/classical voice from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA. She started walking dogs as a “side hustle” and quickly developed a reputation for handling challenging dogs. She worked with traditional, punishment-based trainers early on, but transitioned to positive reinforcement and force-free methods after volunteering at local rescues. She worked as a “balanced” trainer for several years before finally transitioning to force-free methods. In 2012, she completed the dog trainer certification program through Animal Behavior College and founded The Positive Pup, dedicated to offering compassionate, effective and fun training for dogs and their humans. In the winter of 2022, she moved to Chicago with her husband, Ryan, her cat, Roxie (AKA Doodle), and a chihuahua named Guillermo.
Training Philosophy
Rachel Anne Lamere believes in positive reinforcement training, which focuses on rewarding desired behaviors to build a language and communication with dogs. She emphasizes building trust and a strong relationship with the dog through calm and competent leadership.
Services
- Private Lessons:
- Basic Obedience and Good Manners Lessons: $125
- Problem Solving and Behavior Modification Lessons: $135
- Private 6 Week Basic Obedience and Good Manners Course: $600
- Walks:
- Training Walks (currently available in West Loop only): $40 per 60 minutes, $25 per 30 minutes
- Relief and Exercise Walks (currently available in West Loop only): $40 per 60 minutes, $25 per 30 minutes
- Boarding:
- Board and Train: Call, text or email for pricing
- Boarding: A 3 hour test run is required before booking
- CGC Testing: The Canine Good Citizen Test: Contact Rachel for more info or to request testing.
Certifications
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT)
- Certified Fear Free ® trainer
- AKC CGC evaluator
Specializations
- Basic obedience training
- Good manners training
- Puppy training
- Problem solving and behavior modification
- Leash reactivity
- Resource guarding
- Fearfulness
- Potty training
- Puppy nipping/mouthing
- Crate training
Training Methods
- Positive reinforcement training
- Force-free methods
- Shaping
- Luring
- Capturing
Customer Reviews
- "Rachel is a miracle worker! She helped us train our new puppy with patience and expertise that produced quick results. After six weeks of training, our puppy is receiving compliments on his behavior everywhere we go! Rachel was incredibly easy to work with, very responsive, and worked with us both inside our home and out on walks. She also sent instructive videos and readings to compliment our training sessions. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for support with training." - Anonymous
- "Rachel has been WONDERFUL - I can't say that enough. We first met with her for a 6-week, once-a-week, program at our home when first got our puppy and it was a huge help. He absolutely loved her, but most importantly - Rachel helped us learn how to keep that training going when she wasn't around. I thought I knew the basics about training a puppy but *NEWS FLASH* definitely not haha Rachel is so positive, easy to talk to and answered all our questions (even the silly ones.) Double bonus - we had an issue pop up several months after we first met; I messaged Rachel and she was very helpful. She even followed up a couple weeks later to be sure everything was ok. Three cheers!" - Anonymous
- "For the past 5 years, since the first week we adopted our puppy, Rachel has been her trainer, walker, and literally the only person we have ever left our dog (and two cats)with to go away. I can't recommend her enough." - Anonymous
- "Rachel from The Positive Pup is the best! She is patient, kind to our dog, and she gives practical tips and advice for us to follow through from her training sessions. Rachel is friendly and professional. She has worked with countless dogs in the building we live in over the course of many years. Rachel has a terrific track record and very positive feedback from clients, which was how we were referred to her. I really enjoy working with Rachel and would highly recommend her/The Positive Pup's services!" - Anonymous
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.
