D.O.G. – Dog Obedience Group

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.

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?

Wendy is WONDERFUL! She is so knowledgable about dogs and their behavior. She explains things to you and helps you recognize what your dog is communicating. She also really cares about the dogs and people in her classes. I took both of my pups to her. Bella attended her puppy class when she was 5 months and Lexie attended the adult class when she was 8 months. Both her and Dennis were very patient when Lexie struggled to focus in class due to her age and energy. Wendy gave us a little extra attention to try make it work. She was flexible and even allowed us to try the puppy class with Lexie even though she was outside the age range and we were already attending the adult class. She is willing to do what will work for you and your dog. When we finished class, Wendy also recommended that Lexie should try agility training and provided resources for places offering the training, which we tried out. Lexie LOVED it and it was easier to teach basic training when she was able to burn off energy.
Wendy is so committed to your success that she is available before and after class for questions. She also responses to all your emails and questions between classes to help guide you further. In fact, I emailed her more than 8 months after my dogs were in her class and she was still willing to offer support and answers. She is all about helping you and your pups learn and her classes are by far one of the cheapest I found in Chicago. This is one time where the saying «You get what you pay for» isn’t true!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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!

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.