Wendy is the dog whisperer. This is our 6th dog that we are training with Wendy. Actually the adults get more training!! 500 stars!! read more

I'm training my 3rd dachshund in Wendy's classes and I can't say enough good about my experience. I notice a lot of (most) people don't bother to train their small dogs, and because of this, small dogs tend to have a bad reputation. Not mine! The puppy class is a great start to socialize your pup with other dogs and new people in a safe and controlled setting. You learn techniques to manage all sorts of situations and set the stage for good behavior. The obedience classes give you the knowledge and tools you need to train your dog to behave well in any situation. A well-behaved dog can go practically anywhere and will always be welcomed back! read more

I think Wendy DeCarlo's mission in life --or one of them, at least--is to make the world better for dogs and their humans. She makes training your dog fun. She also helps you manage problem behaviors using diversion, positive reinforcement, and patience. She imparts the wisdom of years of study and observation in short lectures, demonstrations, and interventions during in-class exercises. If you have a specific problem that's not on the syllabus, Wendy works with you and/or shares the instruction with the entire class. I've attended many training classes before, and I've never had so many "ah-hah" moments. I'm not sure I could have survived this, my 4th and most frenzy-prone adoptee, without those six invaluable classes of puppy school with D.O.G. Note for old-timers: Wendy now teaches the adult dog classes, too. read more

Wendy is a fabulous trainer, who we've relied on for dog obedience for many years. Highly recommend D.O.G. !

I feel the need to update my review because 10 year later, Wendy is still the most amazing obedience trainer I have worked with. I recently adopted a very high energy cattle dog mix. We took an obedience class somewhere else and nothing seemed to work. She shut down in training but then was crazy at home. I reached back out to Wendy because I had such a great experience with her and my first dogs. After one, 6 week class, my new pup is doing AMAZING. She is so much more confident in new environments, listens to me and loves to work. I am looking forward to taking another round to keep her learning and growing! (and still the most affordable, caring trainer around). Side note, update to my previous review...Wendy's recommendation to start agility with my Lexie ended up getting us involved in dog sports. Lexie recently retired (at 11 years old) from competing in agility, earning many titles along the way. read more

Amazing people. It's so fascinating to learn about how our behavior Affects the dogs. Wendy and Dennis are the best. They only use positive training techniques. I took classes about 16 years ago with my other dog And now I have a new rescue. I'm so glad they are still here for me !!! read more

The BEST dog training team hands down! I have been a client of DOG for over 25 years.. Wendy and Dennis have been the same great trainers since I took my first puppy to their classes. The puppy classes deal with basic obedience as well as puppy socialization and making sure that your puppy is comfortable with everything you will need to do for them when you take them to the vet. You don't really think about it but not every dog likes to have their ears and paws touched which can be an issue when it comes to vet appointments. The adult classes teach a lot more as far as listening and training using hand signals and a clicker. They have an answer for any question or problem and make the classes fun for the people and their puppers. The classes are held in Park district buildings so it is easy to find one in a close location as well as different dates and times to fit your schedule. I recommend them to everyone and know that with every rescue adoption we will be seeing them again soon! read more

My dog Jack and I really enjoyed our classes with Wendy and Dennis in Skokie, it was fun, entertaining and we learned a LOT! Now I have to stay on top of the training to be consistent. Dennis is super knowledgeable and so is Wendy,, they work together nicely and offer wonderful tips. They are not heavy handed and make you do things there way, only great suggestions. I loved the class and so did my dog as he got to eat treats for an entire hour :) as he learned new things. After the first night Jack came home, went to his bed and laid out in mental exhaustion! so funny to watch him. we look forward to possibly more classes with Wendy and Dennis or other types of training that they have suggested. Highly recommend them, they are in multiple locations so find one that works for you and commit to it! Loved it. Susan read more

D.O.G. - Dog Obedience Group - Pet Training Near Me

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I have taken my last two dogs to Wendy and Dennis. The results were nothing short of remarkable. After a couple of classes you realize that the classes are not about the Dog's behavior as much they are about the owners. They not only explain how to correct your Dog's behavior, but why behavior problems arise in the first place. Their training methods are all based on positive reinforcement. The classes are not only informative, they are a lot of fun. Most of the instruction is done by Dennis. The classes move along at a pretty fast pace. Wendy does a lot of one on one work while the classes are in session to make sure that everything is done properly. Their method of running the class really works well. It looked like every Dog and Owner were getting the attention and help they needed. The bottom line is this: If you are looking to work with your Dog in a fun, safe and educational environment with people who really know the ins and outs of Dog training, Dog Obedience Group is the perfect place for you. They not only teach you how to train your dog and alleviate any behavioral problems your dog may have, they also give you an understanding of Dog behavior that's eye opening. It's educational and fun. They gave me the tools I needed to train my dog on my own and my Dog and I now have a much better relationship. Now if they could only do something about my bratty Cats. read more

Currently finishing up the puppy class-Graduation next week! What I love: 1.They know their stuff 2. They seem to know you and your pet very well 3. They address questions/concerns we have about training What I like 1. They show different ways of teaching so you can pick which works best for your dog 2. Homework What I don't like 1. Class is inside a facility that has doggy daycare, etc so it's kind of extra loud 2.I wish their was more socialization time between the dogs read more

Wendy and Dennis were excellent! I've never been to obedience training before because I haven't had to, but when my partner and I adopted a new puppy we found the need to. Wendy mostly led the classes and Dennis was always there to help and pass out our homework or treats. I never felt embarrassed with my dog's behavior and we were always put at ease. Our classes were held at the Skokie park district building with the exploratorium. The room was just big enough and there was even a door that led out to a grassy area where we could let our dogs do their business. Class was once a week and later in the evening which was nice for us 9 to 5ers. I am completely satisfied with the progress my little Billy has made. I think we'll be back for the second level of sessions. read more

We have trained both our dogs with the help of the Dog Obedience Group. They are wonderful! I feel that they not only taught us basic handling of our dogs but really helped us learn how to have a stronger relationship for the animals. Wendy DiCarlo-Young is an amazing woman and does great work with animals. They use positive reinforcement techniques which we have found to be best for us and our dogs respond well to it. I love that They are ALWAYS available for extra help or to help you work through any issues you might be having. They make a point of telling everyone that they are just a phone call away and they mean it! read more

Today, my dog graduated from the Adult Basic class, and I couldn't be more pleased with what he learned. Prior to this class, he rarely listened to me and would pull my arm off every time we walked (even when he was on a no-pull harness). You'd be surprised at how well-behaved he is now. I have no problems with him on any walks and if he wants to sniff another dog, he will sit next to me until I give him the ok to go. Dennis mainly led the class and he always started each week asking if we had any questions or concerns. He also gave us his cell number, and recommended that we also give it to any dog-sitters we have in the future. They reinforce each week that they will always be here for us and will always be our trainers, even though the class has ended. We will also be taking our puppy to puppy classes with Wendy and Dennis, and I'm positive the experience will be just as great. read more

Best in the city. Wendy and Dennis' training is in the same line of how every dog should be trained - positive reinforcement! No shock collars, choke chains, alpha crap. They teach by clicker and if the dogs owner puts in the time it really works. I have a two year old pit bull who I took there when she was a puppy and she can now impress people with her obedience. Since she was a rescue I didn't want to use any force driven training. I want to take the next level agility classes but just haven't had the extra cash! Wendy and Dennis know what they are doing. read more

Wendy is a great and compassionate teacher. She even stayed after class to talk to owners who had concerns about their pups, including me. She took her time with Pickle, who has some issues when other people hold her, and gave me a lot of advice. Pickle has shown a lot of improvement and is surprising me with her ability to learn. I highly recommend D.O.G. Also they're a great value, costing less than even the anti cruelty society lessons, and PetSmart. And really, why would you take your dog to PetSmart with a revolving door of trainers when you can have a dedicated trainer? read more

I am currently enrolled in D.O.G. obedience school at The Barking Lot in Bucktown with my 10 month old puppy. So far my experience has been fantastic! The reason I chose D.O.G. was the positive reinforcement method of training they use to help owners train their dog in a non-violent manner. My dog has taken right to it. I have never felt right about physically punishing a dog to make them behave and D.O.G. gives me the tools I need to help my dog listen and act appropriately. How? It's simple....because I am able to communicate with her in a way she understands. The trainers are fantastic and they really show you how to better work with your dog in a hands on rewards driven approach....and it works! Now, this does take time and commitment on my part, but they provide reading materials and activities to do as "homework" each week so you can measure the progress you are making. I cannot even begin to tell you how happy I am with the advancements we have made. It feels great to know how to better understand my dog and to help her to better understand me. If you are looking for a quality training program call Wendy at D.O.G., before you know it you will be on your way to having a happy well-trained dog. read more

D.O.G. - Dog Obedience Group - D.O.G. - Pet Training Near Me

Love love love wendy & dennis! first went to class with my ex and her dog a few years back. last year when i got my puppy, i took him to them for puppy training, and now i'm currently involved in the next obedience class. I like the methods they use, which is clicker training. The have classes in a few different locations. I've gone to ETHS, which was ok, in an old gym, plentiful parking. Currently going to oakton community center, which is a bit nicer, and has lots of parking. My dog is a puller, and wendy has been great working with me and lending me some different training gear to try. they also can sell you things at a discount, which is nice. i would highly recommend them to anyone looking to teach their dog. oh, not that this was a criteria when i was looking for a trainer, but they seem to be very cheap compared to other places i looked at. read more

We just finished the adult dog obedience class at D.O.G. with Dennis and Wendy and we couldn't have had a better experience. I knew from my first phone call with Wendy that we were headed in the right direction. Their training methods are positive and thorough and they are very encouraging with whatever you may be going through with your dog. They give lots of homework and reading materials but are understanding when you can't finish everything or are not getting something. They are always reminding us that they are just a phone call away - even after the session is over. I feel we've found trainers for life - our dog has really taken to the training and we will continue to call on them for their superior guidance and knowledge. Chicago dogs and their people are lucky to have such caring trainers to learn from! read more

I learned about D.O.G. while searching for a novice dog obedience class around Chicago for my now 9 month old puppy (check D.O.G. website for other class locations). I'm so glad we attended their class. Dennis and Wendy are both very knowledgeable and experienced trainers. Dennis discussed different techniques and equipments in dog training (for information purposes or if one's dog need a different method). He injected humor in every class or demonstration which was very entertaining. When it was our turn to work the techniques on our dogs, Wendy went around to help us owners. My dog has remained an excited and easily distracted puppy and at the end of the first class, Wendy suggested that if I wish, I can bring my young dog to their puppy class instead because my dog was still acting very 'puppy-ish'. The following week we came one hour early for the puppy class and it worked out better for my dog. I really love the clicker training that they introduced in the class, it honestly works wonders for me and my dog. I also love that they explain dog behavior and how dogs respond. I always prefer to understand the reasoning behind what is being taught. This way, I can try to work things around if my initial approach does not work. Wendy holds the puppy classes and really takes time to address individual concerns or issues we may have encountered over the past week. Both Dennis and Wendy always encouraged us to call for any questions. During class, they both pay close attention to each dog and come to the owner and make appropriate suggestions. They are also an evaluator for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy award. Wendy did the evaluation on the last day of the class at no extra charge. It is just an evaluation for responsible dog ownership and basic good canine behaviors so no pressure to the dog owners and all the puppies in our class actually passed. We get to mail our results to AKC and our dog receives a S.T.A.R. Puppy medal and packet which is pretty cool. I haven't been to their other class locations but the Oakton Community Center location in Skokie is great. They also have different rates depending on the class location but because they run as an educational service, all classes are very reasonably priced (actually, even lower than most). I will definitely continue on attending obedience classes with this group and will bring to them any dog that I may have in the future. Highly, highly recommended. read more

We have had a great experience at DOG and would highly recommend the class. Dennis and Wendy are really knowledgable and helpful and we've learned great techniques for managing our dog's behaviors and working on training. We were a little concerned going in because we were told at the shelter that our dog has some agression issues, but she's been great and she really, really loves going to class. She looks forward to it and loves doing her homework. Highly recommend!! read more

Love them! I had my three-month-old boxer in puppy classes with Wendy and Dennis, and they were fantastic. Wendy is so patient and knows her stuff. There were seven puppies in the class, but she still managed to give each of them personal attention. The classes were really well organized, and we learned so much. I felt like my boyfriend and I got as much out of it as our pup did. And bonus - they're the most affordable classes I've found!! We can't wait until the basic obedience class starts up again in January! read more

We really enjoyed our classes with Wendy and Dennis. Our puppy loved going to class every week. The classes were fun but also very informative. We had plenty of time to practice what we were being taught and to voice any questions or concerns. Our classes were at Rex's Place in Evanston and the location worked really well. The fee was also very fair. We will be returning to D.O.G. for more classes soon. read more

I have trained Labradors with D.O.G. since 1989. Wendy (puppy classes) and Dennis (adult dog classes) are hands-on trainers. They work as a team and are very knowledgeable. They are especially helpful if you're having a problem and want to know how to fix it. They are also no-nonsense trainers, meaning that this is the place to go if you're serious about putting in the time and effort to train your dog so that you have a wonderful companion for the years to come. I train my dogs for therapy work and I wouldn't go anywhere else. read more

We have "trained" 6 dogs with Wendy and Dennis over the last 13 or 14 years...They ARE as good as it gets. We tried another place when the schedules didn't work out and knew immediately that we made a mistake... we took her to the next D.O.G class and our girl took the class over with much better results. read more

I have nothing but positive remarks. Finally, clicker training 'clicked' with me. This positive training method never made sense when I read about it in books. Wendy and Dennis are extremely experienced and helpful. It is clear they LOVE dogs. In my class, Dennis lectures and demonstrates while Wendy quietly addresses dogs and owners extra needs. I must say I was skeptical when I walked in with my 6 lb. dog and there were many much larger dogs. Wendy was helpful with my dog's fear as well as my own. They go over so much information and they realize different people and dogs will have different methods. They are practical, practical, practical! And it was one of the least expensive classes, extra bonus! read more

I was attracted to the Dog Obedience Group by all the five star ratings, and they do sound like they are exactly the type of training I'm looking for. However they do not respond to either emails through their website, nor to phone messages left on their voice mail. In the last month I've emailed once and called three times, listening to their pleasant recorded message and leaving my contact information. I hope they are OK, but I need to move on, especially if this lack of response is an indication of how it would be to work with them. read more

I first learned about Dog Obedience Group at Barker and Meowsky. I had just got a 3-4 month old Boston Terrier and was looking for a great school. Well I found it. Once my fur baby was old enough to go, we were so happy to have found Wendy, Dennis, Sam and Mitzie. Outstanding. We went to 3 sessions: one puppy and 2 adult. I wanted reinforcement since my girl was easily distracted. Besides the fun we had, she achieved "MY" goals for her training. She was a puller and did not always listen. Now she has a huge understanding of commands and many other words. (She knows the names of her toys.) She is extremely social. All her instructors stayed after class to work one on one if you needed extra support. I also had some private one on ones at home. Truly helped with my stubborn and spoiled girl. I highly recommend this group. OUTSTANDING!!! read more

My husband and I attended puppy classes with Wendy and Dennis and learned so much. Our dog (now 10) picked things up so quickly once her humans understood what we needed to do. Wendy and Dennis are both great instructors and facilitators--teaching us to be good doggie parents. I wouldn't hesitate to register with them again. read more

Unfortunately my leash reactive dog could not handle being in such a large group of dogs. However, Wendy was great and offered a refund (even though I had already attended 3 classes). They seemed like great classes for most dogs, and great customer service. read more

I am currently training my third dog through D.O.G. My first experience with them was before they taught with clicker training. We did okay, but a few years later I married and moved and we felt like we needed a refresher. I enrolled with them again (same dog) and this time they had a new technique. A light bulb went off for my dog and me, too! What a difference. The whole atmosphere in the training room was lighter and the training was fun! After that dog passed, our other dog needed some extra attention. This dog was already obedient, but she was very submissive. As the training with D.O.G. went along she gained confidence and turned out being happy as an only dog. We recently lost her (blasted cancer!) and adopted a dog with a lousy past. I have every confidence that with Dennis and Wendy to help us, our Lucy will be on track soon. They are smart, patient and very creative problem solvers. read more

The Dog Obedience Group offers superior classes that show you how to train your dog through only positive reinforcement. I believe you don't have to resort to intimidation, punishment or any sort of negative reinforcement in order to get the results you want. I want my dogs to obey directions, but without evoking fear in order to achieve that end. That's why the Dog Obedience Group was a good fit. Wendy and Dennis are such good instructors. They have done an excellent job of organizing the classes, providing articles and other written materials to support in-class and at-home training exercises. They both have a clear and complete knowledge of the subject matter. I don't remember any question that came up in class they couldn't answer or any problem for which they didn't have a course of action. I particularly appreciated their on-going encouragement and realistic optimism. When I thought I was getting nowhere with my dogs (one a wild, wild puppy and the other scared and shy), they were always there to point out improvement even when I couldn't see it. Looking back, they were always right. There's no magic here. It takes hard work, patience and consistency, but if you can provide that, the Dog Obedience Group gives you everything else you need for success. read more