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.
5/5Margaret and her team are the absolute best in the business. We have done both training classes and small dog playgroups, and always rave to our dog owning friends about both. Our dog Alfie absolutely loves being there and adores Margaret. He has learned so much from the training…Read full reviewClose full review
Margaret and her team are the absolute best in the business. We have done both training classes and small dog playgroups, and always rave to our dog owning friends about both. Our dog Alfie absolutely loves being there and adores Margaret. He has learned so much from the training classes, but also from the supervised play time. If you want to take your pup to a place that loves dogs and wants the best for them, look no further! Could not recommend enough!
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Devon James
5/5I had an excellent experience at Copilot! I started private training with Cailin for my dog, Athena, about 3 months ago and I cannot say enough good things! Cailin is an expert when dealing with dogs that need help with reactivity and knows how to read dog body language very well…Read full reviewClose full review
I had an excellent experience at Copilot! I started private training with Cailin for my dog, Athena, about 3 months ago and I cannot say enough good things! Cailin is an expert when dealing with dogs that need help with reactivity and knows how to read dog body language very well. My pup really struggles with leash reactivity towards other dogs and when I thought that things would be hopeless, Cailin showed us through proper training, positive reinforcement, and overall confidence and guidance that Athena and I could begin to move towards a less stressful and more positive way of life. I am forever grateful for Cailin and Copilot!
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Elizabeth Pinto
5/5Ronnie completely changed my life! She gave me my life back. Prior to moving to Chicago, I hadn’t been able to leave my dog without giving her anxiety meds or having someone watch her. My dog struggled with separation anxiety pretty badly. Prior to working with Ronnie, I couldn’t…Read full reviewClose full review
Ronnie completely changed my life! She gave me my life back. Prior to moving to Chicago, I hadn’t been able to leave my dog without giving her anxiety meds or having someone watch her. My dog struggled with separation anxiety pretty badly. Prior to working with Ronnie, I couldn’t even go to the gym or take the trash out without worrying about my dog barking and freaking out. I now am able to leave my dog for hours without meds or a sitter! She’s calmed down a lot. Ronnie gave me the tools I needed to be able to do just normal activities. It’s been THREE years and I never had this freedom. So thank you 🤍
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Deb Hindin
5/5
So far, first training is great. The vibe is friendly and the trainers know what they are doing. Easy to find.
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Cynthia Browne
5/5This was my first experience with Copilot dog training classes. I was thrilled they are expanding to Oak Park. I took a foundations class with my 8 month old puppy. She loves training and learning and it’s much more fun surrounded by others dogs/people!! Susy was always prepared …Read full reviewClose full review
This was my first experience with Copilot dog training classes. I was thrilled they are expanding to Oak Park. I took a foundations class with my 8 month old puppy. She loves training and learning and it’s much more fun surrounded by others dogs/people!! Susy was always prepared and kept the classes flowing and could quickly read the dogs excitement or interest level and made great suggestions when we needed more of a challenge or offered suggestion to try in class or at home. The weekly email wrap up was helpful to read and review all that we learned. Twiggy is ready for Calm Copilot class starting this weekend! Trying to post some pics, but can’t figure out how to do it?!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
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