Kim is a very caring and strong trainer. She has done wonders with our dog Noah and I highly recommend her. I really appreciate how she connects with both the people and the dogs. She really cares about both the dogs and people, and makes you realize she is in fact training you! read more

Well, of course. Kim is at the Bark Bark Club, so she's going to be five stars! I took my dog, Sonic, a notorious twerker, to Kim's class at the Bark Bark Club and really enjoyed it. Kim's style is no-nonsense and direct - just what you want with these crazy, four-legged beasts we take into our homes. Classes are very clear, and she gives handouts so you don't forget what went on in the class. It's training the owner as much as training the dog. I'm happy with the progress my pup made, now it's up to ME to reinforce that. I'd definitely take another class with her. Oh, and it's obvious Kim adores dogs - but really, who doesn't? read more

I came to Kim on the recommendation of several friends and I'm so glad I did! My pup Luna started agility class to build confidence and burn off some energy in the dead of winter. We've barely missed a class since (coming up on two years now) & now do Rally as well! We had done a bit of obedience training previously, but there were dogs at a variety of levels and Kim worked with everyone. We have had such a blast bonding, making friends and enjoying an activity together. We've learned so much and are so grateful to Kim! We will always come to Kim with our future dogs and have recommended her class to many friends. read more

Kim is just wonderful. We are on our fourth round of classes (three agility and one obedience) and hope to keep going until Billy is an agility champ! That being said, Kim keeps owners grounded, dogs in line, but lessons are always fun and worth my 30 minute drive. If you're looking for bland obedience training because you feel obligated to do something with your new puppy, this isn't for you (well-I guess you can make it bland if you wanted to...). Kim will teach your dog how to sit and stay, sure, but she'll also teach you how to connect with your dog and strengthen your bond. It's cheesy sounding I know, but it makes a world of difference. Classes with Kim, even group classes, always feel very personalized. And even though my pup has peed in the ring....4 times now...? She tells me to stop stressing about it already. So that's a 5-star rating for patience right there. read more

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Kim is amazing and both me and my dog have learned so much from her! We adopted our pomchi mix a couple years ago from a local shelter, and she was very much lacking in social skills, to put it nicely. We started taking her to agility, and then quickly expanded to obedience and rally after seeing how much of a difference it made in her confidence and overall behavior. Kim taught us that setting firm boundaries and being consistent with our expectations actually makes our dog more comfortable in strange situations and less likely to react to strange dogs or people. Our dog can now politely greet dogs we meet on walks and people who come over to our house, which she could never do before we started taking classes--and she earned her Advanced Canine Good Citizen with Kim last summer! Kim is great about tailoring her approach to the needs of each dog, whether they're a rambunctious puppy or a scared shelter dog. And all the dogs in our classes adore her while also being on the best behavior when she's around. Whether you're looking to take a basic obedience class or explore rally or agility, I highly recommend working with Kim! read more

Kim's Dog Coaching - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We are starting our second course in agility to help our adult dog have more confidence. Kim is a little stern with the dogs - ok, and maybe the humans ;) when needed, but genuinely loves them and is so well suited to this work that really has helped our dog and others in our class. Doing "homework" from class has helped to strengthen our dog's bond to my husband and the first course made a marked improvement in her attitude on walks, she is not as fearful as before. We attend classes at the Bark Bark Club in Edgewater which is very near our home, which is super convenient and how we learned about Kim. read more

I loved this class! Me and my dog had so much fun and i learned quite a bit on what i am "saying" to my dog with body language. Kim is great! She treats everyone fairly and equally and does not have breed favorites. She spends equal time with all her students and i love that she never gets mad at the dogs, only the owners. I would highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to have some special time with their dog. Cant wait to sign up for my 2 other beagles. read more

My girlfriend's brother took his golden to Kim. We brought our puppy Lulu to Kim for obedience training. And not too shortly there after when our tiny puppy became a 73 pound water buffalo, we decided it was time to get Kim to show us how to get Lulu to stop turning my girlfriend into a human kite; flying behind the dog while the dog walked us. Its safe to say that if we ever get another dog (No Megan, if you are reading this that isn't happening for a long long time no matter how many times you put that show Too Cute on in the house) we will definitely bring the dog back to Kim. read more

Condescending, unhelpful, and plain rude. A training session with Kim was a complete waste of time. My dog and I learned nothing but were just continually insulted. Maybe it's better for agility rather than obedience training? read more

My three dogs aren't perfect, because let's face it I'm not perfect, but they are infinitely better after Kim's instruction. Kim was great in helping me when the pack mentality had taken over my dogs and I had trouble getting them in line. As she says, "It all travels down the leash." Which means if you are nervous or frustrated in the training process, the dogs will be, too. And that doesn't work for owner or dog. As such her approach to training is positive reinforcement and reward based commands. Works wonders! One example. Jack, my little nightmare Dachshund, would bark uncontrollably when wanting treats or his daily food. It would drive me nuts and I'd just end up yelling at him. Totally useless. A couple quick commands from Kim and now he sits and waits until I feed him. Amazing! Kim's approach is also very common sense. If you want your dog to do this, tell them this. Sounds simple but when you're emotionally attached to an animal, sometimes it's hard to remember the basic stuff is actually the most effective. Also, her pricing is very competitive with other trainers I've checked, and she's very good about keeping class sizes small. This not only to ensures your dog (and you!) get proper attention, but it's safer and more beneficial for all the dogs in the class. read more

Great class, this is just what we needed. Finn has improved greatly in obeying commands and I learned how to sharpen my training skills. We took the basic obedience class and learned a lot! Thank you Kim! read more

Kim is amazing. She loves what she does and wants success for both you and the dog. She means business and will not hesitate to tell you like it is, with a joke or a smile to round it out. She makes herself available to you at all times via cellphone and is more than willing to pick up your call and chat about your progress. She helped us strengthen our bond with our rescue pup, recommended some vets when she decided he needed some rehabilitation, and even helped us find a new harness. She loves animals and is extremely knowledgeable. Highly recommend! read more

I've known Kim for about 3 or 4 years. I highly recommend her to anyone for anything from training a new puppy to training an adult dog on a certain behavior issue. She understands dogs really well and will give creative personal advice for your unique situation. She helped me train my dachshund Ruby, who at the age of 2 decided to start showing some aggression towards other dogs on our walks. After in-home obedience training with Kim, Ruby has really improved. A few months ago, I rescued another dachshund Rusty. The 2 of them together had some trouble barking at people and dogs in our apartment complex and outside. Kim didn't hesitate to get on the phone with me to give training advice. They're getting better every day. Now, after getting an excessive noise notice from my apartment complex, Kim is working with us on Rusty's separation anxiety. Despite her busy schedule, she always finds time to squeeze me in to listen to my dog issues and answer my list of questions. My biggest lesson learned from Kim is to never give up on obedience training. Must keep up with it on a daily basis. Just like a work out schedule, it's so easy to stop for a day or 2. Bad idea! read more

I took my 6 year old Newfoundland, an accomplished therapy dog (100+ visits w/Therapy Dogs International) and holds his CGC & Water Dog Title, to Kim to have some fun and learn Beginner Rally. I also decided to stay for the class after and get our CGCA and CGCU. This was all a huge mistake. I cannot tell people to stay farther away from Kim's Dog Coaching and have told many people within my breed, within my circle, and within the animal community in Chicago of my experience. I have never seen such a training class, and I was flabbergasted. I cannot believe that there are so many good reviews here about her, however, I suppose you don't know what you don't know, and given I know a good amount about how to train a dog properly, with correction and without and what classes should be like, I know this is NOT the way it should be done. I should have known when Kim asked if members of her class wanted "trainer gossip" regarding other trainers- so unprofessional. My dog is an accomplished and well trained dog that is spirited and loves to have fun. Kim seemed to not totally know what to do with that, and gravitated to dogs that she could yell at and yank around. Also, I noticed some of the dogs in her class shied away from her and often pulled away from her immediately after a demo to get to their owners. Important to note- I am fine with corrections with your dog, but I am also well versed enough to know that the type of equipment you SHOULD do this with, & if you do this with the wrong equipment you can harm your dog's throat and neck. Corrections and yanking necks are very commonplace in class, under the guise of positive training with tons of treats. Yelling is also how Kim seems to think you get a dog's attention. It is so obnoxious. A simple No or Aht does not suffice for Kim. YELLING HEYHEYHEY is what is done in class. When I questioned why I was told to yank my dogs neck upwards to make him sit instead of a quick pop of a correction (since we were using corrections) or let my 140lb dog take a second to sit down when asked, or if I could put his prong back on, given it distributes the pressure more evenly than the flat he had on, I was told it was the same thing. No, in fact, it is not. This uneducated teaching is so dangerous. Secondly, when he would do something correct, and I would mark it with a "YES!", I was told that was wrong and to say "GOOD!". As a handler, you can literally say ANYTHING YOU WANT to a dog to mark their correct behavior with proper inflection. It does not matter what your marker word is. Third, there was no pre-req for Rally. It was beginner and we were there to have fun. I was told that my dog did not have a tight enough side sit next to me. If there are pre-reqs like a CD or BN, note that on your site. After Rally Class, Kim took three dogs out of their crates to potty. One was another trainers dog. It was a puppy. It pulled a little ahead on its leash, and Kim yelled so loudly at it, it flattened to the ground in fear. I should have immediately left after seeing this. I could not believe what I saw. In CGCA and U class, my dog got excited and tried to play with another dog. I attempted to correct him calmly, but instead, Kim SCREAMED as if he was lunging to fight the dog. Kim needs to calm down and learn how to properly react and read a dog. At one point, a dog was sitting waiting for their owner to come back in during an exercise in CGC where they are left alone for an extended period of time. Kim and the other trainer were very sternly and loudly speaking to it, almost yelling (notice the yelling theme?) No true commands being taught here like "Quiet" "Aht" "No" Nothing at all. The dog was pretty barky and nervous, but when the owner came back in, Kim made sure to tell the owner the dog was "pissed off and b**ching" that she couldnt go with the owner. That is hardly the case and to describe the dogs in this way, acting as if all the dogs in the classes were bad in some way is so bizarre. I noticed this Alpha type role throughout the day. Kim also made the owner yell at the dog to be quiet, which the owner was reluctant to do. Lastly, during a recall exercise, my dog was distracted and smelled something left on the ground which is part of the CGCA Test. Kim was sure to let me know "He is a s**t but a good dog". This normally would not bother me, but after everything else,and given it was our first class, and given she just couldn't read my dog at all, it rubbed me wrong. She and the other trainer were rough, too heavy handed, and she had too much ego. The training environment for a dog that is soft, shy, not stable etc... is not ok. I would never recommend it. I am so very lucky my boy is bombproof and somehow was ok here, but I would NEVER put him back in that situation again. I ate $300+ dollars and never stepped foot in her classes after that. I will continue to advise against her classes. Also, newsflash, Rally and especially CGC are not that serious. Get a life. read more

We took the Basic Obedience Training with Kim and really enjoyed the classes. Kim was available to guide us even before we signed up to the class and has continued to be available for advice as our pooch matures from rambunctious puppy to bratty teenager. Kim has a terrific instinct for animal behaviour and really does love dogs. Her colourful personality and clear precise instructions made this class one of the most fun things I've done in Chicago. read more

Kim is great! We brought our dog Riley to basic obedience class. We (and by we, I mean my boyfriend and I) learned so much! We are first time dog parents and Kim made it easy to follow along with weekly homework "assignments". During our first class we told her we wanted to work on leash walking and sit stay and by the end of the five weeks Riley was sitting and staying like a pro. Hoping to continue with more classes- thanks Kim! read more

We've been working with Kim for almost 3 years now and recommend her to everyone we know whose dog has special needs. Our dog is a beagle/terrier mix meaning that she is easily distracted by both smells and movement and in addition to that she is very reactive to other dogs (on or off leash). Kim has helped us so much to better understand our dog and manage her distractions and anxieties. We started with her obedience class and then tried beginner's agility. After a couple years our dog has advanced to Kim's Agility 2 class and has even earned her intermediate trick dog certification with Kim's help. Kim always makes herself available to answer questions about our dog's behavior and we've made great friends through her classes over the years. Kim's classes are something we truly look forward to each week. read more

Kim is an awesome dog trainer. My dog Lola and I attended Kim's group class. Lola is....how can you put it.... a little on the "slow" side. Luckily, being a beagle she is highly food driven and Kim taught Lola and I the basics. After the class Lola could do all basic commands and her attention span is much better. I highly recommend Kims classes for your pups. read more

I found Kim Schiro online looking for a trainer with experience with dachsunds. Wow. Did I ever luck out! Kim's idea of coaching - not training - a dog is fantastic. It's more about bonding with your pup than a "me alpha, you lowly pack member" attitude. My doxie, Gracie, and I learned a lot and, more importantly, had fun. Kim is always available for questions. She answers her emails and calls promptly and encourages you to call her for any question you might have. She also offers private lessons. Kim comes to your house, assesses what ever special little situation you might have, and tailors the lessons to you and your pup. Her knowledge and instincts with dogs is amazing. Gracie and I had a blast during the class. We both learned a lot. In fact, we're starting agility class this week! As Kim says, "it's date night with your dog" ! read more

Kim is amazing!! I've been bringing my high needs shepherd boxer mix to agility classes regularly for over 3 years. She's been unbelievably patient and understanding and insightful about how to work with my dog. I've learned a tremendous amount about how to work with dogs from Kim and have seen it pay off with my own and other dogs I interact with. Kim has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She's a straight shooter who will try new approaches to reach every dog. Her instruction is worth every penny!! My dog loves her and can't wait to get to class every week. read more

I can't recommend Kim highly enough. I have worked with Kim in her group classes and have had her to my home for private training sessions for my "special" boy. My dog is 3 years old and he's got some issues, who doesn't?. In group class my dog was able to go from barking non-stop to focusing on me and his leash walking skills are so much better. I love Kim and her positive training methods. read more

Kim is amazing. I took her obedience training class with my Pomchi Annabelle at the Bark Bark Club. Kim is a seasoned dog trainer and it shows. She is great with the dogs and I learned so much. Also, perhaps more importantly, she is great with the owners. Her class is fun and engaging - there is never a dull moment. She teaches with a perfect mix of sincerity, firmness and humor. The class was 1 hour long for 5 weeks. During the class she shows you what to do, then you work with your dog at home on the weekly 'homework'. We learned sit, stay, down, how to walk on the leash and much more. If you were stuck on a mountain naked without anything else but your dog, how would you get him to follow you down the mountain? I highly recommend taking Kim's class to find out! read more

Kim has a saying, "Obedience is the foundation for everything else you do with your dog." So true! Kim's obedience classes help you form a bond with your dog, while teaching them all the good behaviors you want. I use what I've learned from Kim every day, from making eye contact, walking at my side, sitting nicely, no jumping, getting rewarded at the right times and listening to me. She wants you to be successful with your dog! read more

I waited and waited for a call back. Never got one. I have no idea if Kim is good, hope she is because there is no need of new busness

Kim is fantastic! We took her basic obedience class with our dog Smokey and it was amazing! We learned so much about how to communicate effectively with our dog and are better dog owners for it. Smokey also improved beyond our expectations! Kim is definitely tough love but that is exactly what we needed. No excuses, work with your dog and show up. I highly recommend! We are signing up for another class with Kim! read more

I adopted a wonderful dog from a rescue in July 2011. Around the holidays (Nov./Dec), she "corrected" my 3 year-old son by snapping at his face. I called my local friend/groomer who suggested I contact Kim. Kim came to my house and took her time to gather information. She paid attention to the environment, my son, me, and the dog and provided her assessment and suggestions. I followed her suggestions and my dog and son had no issues for 6 months thereafter. In the interim, Kim responded quickly to my calls when my dog demonstrated food guarding at the table. I had multiple phone conversations with Kim who never rushed off the phone and showed genuine concern. Unfortunately, my dog took another snap at my son this summer and I had to find her a child-free home. However, while I had my dog, Kim was instrumental in guiding me through the tricky navigation of dogs plus kids. read more

I adopted a 7 month old Pomeranian mix, Lily, who came with a myriad of "issues." After a day of her non-stop barking and other behavioral red flags, I was really questioning my decision. Kim was recommended- I called and she came to the house. Within an hour, the dog was much better- I was not so freaked out. She gave me some concrete things that I could do right away, which helped immensely. I signed Lily up for basic obedience with Kim and we went on to agility training and I don't mind bragging that Lily is quite a little star! The difference in this dog is really unbelievable. Kim has a direct approach infused with plenty of humor- she whipped us into shape, but truth be told, I was clearly the problem:-) My dogs LOVE Kim- they get sooooo excited when we go to class. I would recommend her to anyone that needs a skilled dog trainer who can give you the tools to have an incredible relationship with your dogs! read more

The short review? Kim is a life saver. The reasons why? We adopted our dog, Lola, and very quickly she became a handful. Like trying to eat our entire house (and us.) Combine that with the fact I'm an adult who has never had a pet (goldfish don't count) and I was about to give up. Enter Kim. Her obedience level 1 class at Bark Bark Club is nothing short of amazing. I couldn't make all of the classes but she always gave such detailed notes/homework, my husband or kids could fill me in and I could get up to speed quickly. Not to mention when we had questions or concerns in between classes, Kim was just an email or phone call away. 5 weeks later, there has definitely been a change in Lola - for the better. She's a sassy pup but she's learning! Kim's direct yet very caring approach to dog training has made a huge difference for our dog and our (human) family. I can't recommend Kim and her class enough! read more

Kim is wonderful. We rescued a puppy from the Humane Society and needed some help. Kim taught us how to understand our dog and train her with great success. Kim is always available to answer our questions and let us know what to change in our training. Her classes were great. Our puppy is improving everyday! Thank you Kim! read more

My boyfriend and I adopted a hound mix from a local rescue. She has been a good dog from the start, but as first-time dog owners, we definitely needed help in training her. Kim's class not only gave us clear and extremely helpful instruction in obedience training, but also really helped us bond with our dog, which I had not necessarily expected from obedience training. My boyfriend and I came to really look forward to class, and it became a highlight of our week -- almost a therapy session for us all, as we bonded with our dog and enjoyed sharing in the same experience of our classmates. Kim also made herself available to her students beyond the class, so that, when I went out of town for a week and our dog showed signs of separation anxiety, my boyfriend was able to contact her and get really good advice in dealing with the issue. We are so glad to have taken the beginner's class, and look forward to taking more classes with Kim! read more