We are a dog training facility in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago, focused on helping dogs and their people succeed in city life. We offer group classes, private in-home training, and drop-off programs at our facility. Our training is designed specifically for urban environments, helping dogs navigate distractions, noise, and busy streets with confidence while giving owners practical tools they can use every day.
Training & services
Training goals
House training
Leash trainingProgram details
A structured class designed to help dogs walk calmly without pulling, lunging, or dragging you down the block. We focus on engagement, leash skills, and real-world walking strategies that make daily walks more enjoyable for both ends of the leash. · Listed price: $200.00
Obedience training
Puppy trainingProgram details
Foundational training for puppies focused on confidence, manners, and real-life skills. We cover potty training, crate comfort, socialization, biting, calm behavior, and building strong habits from the start. · Listed price: From $145.00
Socialization
Behavior support
Cooperative care
Fear and confidence
Reactivity trainingProgram details
Specialized training for dogs who bark, lunge, freeze, or struggle around other dogs or people. We focus on reducing stress, building coping skills, and helping dogs feel safer and more confident in the world. · Listed price: From $145.00
Resource guardingProgram details
Specialized training for dogs who growl, snap, or guard food, toys, spaces, or people. We focus on safety, trust-building, and changing how dogs feel about resources through a thoughtful, behavior-focused approach. · Listed price: From $145.00
Separation anxietyProgram details
Specialized support for dogs who struggle when left alone, including panic, vocalization, destruction, or distress. Training focuses on gradual independence, emotional regulation, and building calm, safe alone-time through a thoughtful, dog-centered plan. · Listed price: From $145.00
How training happens
Day trainingProgram details
We come to your home and work with your dog during the day while you’re busy. Ideal for puppies, behavior work, leash skills, and dogs who learn best in their real environment. · Listed price: From $1,170.00
Group classesProgram details
Small, structured group classes that teach dogs how to learn and work around real-world distractions. Classes focus on obedience, engagement, impulse control, confidence, and calm behavior in shared spaces. · Listed price: From $200.00
In-home training
Online or virtual training
Private trainingProgram details
One-on-one training tailored to your dog, your home, and your real-life routines. Ideal for behavior challenges, confidence building, leash skills, anxiety support, and personalized guidance that meets your dog where they’re at. · Listed price: From $145.00
Dog age
Adult dogsProgram details
Trainer-led play sessions for small adult dogs that prioritize safety, communication, and appropriate social skills. Structured, monitored play in a calm, supportive environment — not open chaos. · Listed price: $35.00
Puppies
Training level
Beginner training
Class options
Small classesCustomer-reported
Support between sessions
Personalized training plans
Assistance and working dogs
Therapy dog training
Dog sports
AgilityProgram details
A foundational agility class focused on body awareness, confidence, and teamwork — not speed or competition. Dogs learn to navigate beginner obstacles in a supportive, low-pressure environment designed for fun and skill-building. · Listed price: $250.00
Scent workProgram details
A beginner-friendly class that teaches dogs how to use their natural scenting abilities through fun, confidence-building search games. Great for dogs of all ages looking for mental enrichment, confidence, and a job they love. · Listed price: $250.00
Your dog’s background
Multi-dog householdsProgram details
Training designed for homes with more than one dog. We help improve coexistence, reduce tension, manage resources, and create calmer routines so dogs can live together more peacefully. · Listed price: From $145.00
Rescue dogs
Training approach
Positive reinforcement
Other listed services
View 11 additional details
Animal Rescues
Consultation Services
Continuing Education
Dog Basics
Dog Training Techniques
Drop-Off TrainingProgram details
Structured, trainer-led training sessions where your dog works on skills during the day and goes home tired and accomplished. Includes obedience, confidence building, enrichment, and calm behavior practice. · Listed price: From $1,285.00
Group Sessions
Jump Start
Rescue & Newly Adopted Dog TrainingProgram details
Support for rescue dogs and newly adopted dogs as they adjust to their new life. Focuses on decompression, confidence, routines, and helping dogs settle in at their own pace. · Listed price: From $145.00
Starting Training
Training Assistance
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
5/5I can’t recommend Copilot highly enough. I worked with Margaret to train my dog, Fleur, and the results were incredible. She has such a calm, kind presence—animals naturally gravitate toward her, and it really shows in her work. We also took her classes when we brought home our n…Read full reviewClose full review
I can’t recommend Copilot highly enough. I worked with Margaret to train my dog, Fleur, and the results were incredible. She has such a calm, kind presence—animals naturally gravitate toward her, and it really shows in her work. We also took her classes when we brought home our new puppy, and they were just as helpful.
What really stands out is that everyone at Copilot genuinely loves what they do. Their passion, knowledge, and commitment to both pets and owners come through in every interaction. If you’re looking for effective, compassionate training, this is absolutely the place to go.
Below is a photo of my dog fleur; who is so much better at loose leash walking and reactivity.
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Patti Annis
5/5Year 2 and multiple classes with Copilot team.
We keep coming back!!! to Copilot Dog Training for a reason—their entire team is truly phenomenal. Every trainer we’ve worked with has been knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly attentive, not just to our dog but to us as owners as…Read full reviewClose full review
Year 2 and multiple classes with Copilot team.
We keep coming back!!! to Copilot Dog Training for a reason—their entire team is truly phenomenal. Every trainer we’ve worked with has been knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly attentive, not just to our dog but to us as owners as well. They take the time to explain the “why” behind the training, which makes a huge difference in building confidence and consistency at home.
What really stands out is how personalized their approach is. They don’t use a one-size-fits-all method—they meet each dog where they are and tailor the training to fit both the dog’s personality and the owner’s goals. The progress we’ve seen has been remarkable, and it feels sustainable, not like a quick fix.
It’s rare to find a place where every single trainer you encounter is this good, but Copilot Dog Training has managed to build exactly that kind of team. We trust them completely and wouldn’t go anywhere else. Highly recommend to anyone looking for thoughtful, effective, and compassionate dog training.
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I can't speak highly enough of Jess and her work with my dog, Poppy! From the very first session, she showed immense patience not only with my pup, who can be quite scared and reactive, but also with me as I navigated the challenges of training her in new ways. Jess took the time to understand Poppy's individual needs and tailored her approach to help her build confidence at a pace she was comfortable with. Her calm demeanor and expert guidance helped me gain a better understanding of how to support Poppy through her reactivity. She empowered me to use positive reinforcement techniques and games. to provide clear, actionable strategies. Thanks to Jess, I’m seeing remarkable progress in Poppy's behavior, and I feel more confident as her dog mom. If you're looking for a trainer who is kind, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to both you and your dog's success, CoPilot is your answer!
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Debra Mittleman
5/5
Highly recommend Margaret and her team! They only use positive reinforcement training and I felt very comfortable with Margaret. I don’t trust a lot of people with my dog but I completely trust them. If you’re looking for a kind, understanding, and knowledgeable trainer, definitely reach out to Copilot!
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Deep and Malvika
5/5We have loved working with Cailin! She has provided private in-house training and it has been so helpful as we work to create a successful experience for both our dog and us. With our dog's reactivity, we did not know how to introduce her to new people in a trusted and safe way. …Read full reviewClose full review
We have loved working with Cailin! She has provided private in-house training and it has been so helpful as we work to create a successful experience for both our dog and us. With our dog's reactivity, we did not know how to introduce her to new people in a trusted and safe way. Cailin has been a fantastic guide as we build this process and has provided tactical ways to create a good experience at home. We will definitely continue to work with Cailin in the future!
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Mike Mancini
5/5
i'm usually not one to leave reviews -- this team is incredible. my dog is a different guy now + I no longer have constant anxiety over whether his quirks are fixable or not (they are! with training + pattern recognition) these classes are as much about the owner learning as they are the dog. highly recommend Cailin + team!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
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