Chicago, IL
Wendy DeCarlo-Young is a certified dog trainer who has been serving Chicago and the suburbs for over 30 years. She is the founder of Dog Obedience Group (D.O.G.) and has been recognized as Best Trainer in Chicago Magazine's "Best of Chicago" 2010 issue.
Wendy believes that good dog training must be humane, effective, fair and fun. D.O.G.'s approach to humane training uses positive reinforcement and clicker/verbal reward mark training. Their goal is to teach owners how to effectively communicate with their dogs and build a strong, life-long relationship.
D.O.G. offers a variety of training services, including:
- Group Classes: Puppy Classes, Dog Obedience, Pet Manners, Clicker Training, Tricks and Games
- Private Training: One-on-one training in your home
- Behavior Consultations: For dogs with behavioral issues
- Pre-Acquisition Counseling: For people considering getting a dog
- Agility: Agility training classes
- Games and Tricks: Classes focused on teaching your dog fun tricks and games
Group Class Locations:
- Skokie Park District
- Morton Grove Park District
Private Training Fee: $120.00 per one hour session
Wendy DeCarlo-Young is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). She is also a certified evaluator/trainer for the American Kennel Club’s S.T.A.R. Puppy program/testing and the Canine Good Citizen program/testing.
Wendy DeCarlo-Young and Dog Obedience Group have been featured in various media outlets, including:
- NBC
- FOX
- WE Network America’s Cutest Puppies
- Chicago Magazine
- City Dog
- WGN Radio
- Steve Dale’s Radio Show
- WCGOradio
- The SmartTalk Radio Network’s The Hannah and Fred Show
Watch Dog Obedience Group’s Facebook page for our Daily Smile, tips, training ideas and more.
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.
