Frequently Asked Questions

Your dog will never be too old to learn. The saying "You can't teach old dogs new tricks" was almost certainly coined by an owner who didn't want to change their ways. Your dog will love and benefit from our programs, regardless of their age. You will too!

Absolutely. We require dogs to be fully vaccinated and puppies to be age appropriately vaccinated — this is for their own safety, and the safety of any other dogs we may come into contact with. For puppies we offer one-on-one puppy training sessions, or a 3-week Puppy Foundations Board and Train in the home of a puppy trainer. We can possibly offer the day training program, depending on age and needs, though if your puppy is very young, they need to get out enough during the day to positively affect potty training. See our services page for more details.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Whether your dog is nervous and shies away from people, or has developed some fear-based aggression, we can help. Training starts by building your dog's confidence — which is the key to building trust in their handler. With a solid relationship and clear communication, we can teach your dog better ways to respond to different environments.

Note: programs for dogs that really struggle will take longer than a basic obedience program — a big part of that extra time is for relationship building.

No. Your dog doesn't need to be spayed or neutered for training. We offer mostly one-on-one handling with each dog.

Yes. We have safety protocols in place to keep them and ourselves safe while we build a relationship. While this is a case-by-case scenario, it would include things like muzzle conditioning, controlled environments, and being trained by an experienced trainer with the appropriate skill set.

Easy. Just fill out the form on the contact page and send it. Someone will reach out within the next couple of days!

Our initial evaluations are virtual, and there is no charge.

The consultation is for us to discuss your situation, establish that we are a good fit, and to figure out our best plan for moving forward. You don't need to have anything, though it may be helpful to have notes if you want to mention specific behaviors & needs.

For training, definitely. For evaluation, only if it is in-person.
Adult dogs: We need proof of the following vaccinations from your vet: Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, and an up-to-date negative fecal.
Puppies: proof of age-appropriate vaccinations and an initial vet check since you brought them home.

Email vaccination records to Vaccinations@MccChi.com

24-hour notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling. Our initial evaluations are FREE. However, if your evaluation is missed without our minimal notice, the fee to reschedule is $125. This is a non-refundable deposit that will be applied toward a program or package when you join our pack.

We have programs that should fit most schedules and needs.

• One-on-One sessions: General Manners & Obedience or specific behaviors.
• Day Training: We come train your dog while you are at work (Monday through Friday), followed by parent-teacher sessions so you can keep up.
• Board and Train: In the trainer's home. Options vary based on your dog's needs.
• Group Classes and Pack Walks at local parks, starting in the summer.

See the services page for full details.

Each program is tailored to you and your dog's needs. In general, the programs will cover the following:

• Basic obedience: stop jumping, reduce excessive barking, stop nipping, leash pulling
• Advanced obedience: leash communication, doorway etiquette, Place (relax on cue), socialization
• Owner skills: clear communication, marker training, luring, proper leash use.
• As needed: anxiety, reactivity, aggression

Absolutely. In most cases, dogs with human aggression are much more successful in the Complex Canine program. As it is a boarding program, your dog is fully immersed in the training system. Removing them from their comfort zone (you), gives us a neutral place to start building expectations - and it gives us extra time to really get to know and understand them. Safety is a huge priority, and the faster your dog bonds with your trainer, the safer it is for everyone.

In day training, you work with your trainer at the end.
In a boarding program, we aim for once per week.
In one-on-one sessions you are involved in every session.
Throughout all programs you'll be updated regularly and given advice on how to continue at home.

We need proof of the following vaccinations from your vet:

Adult dogs:
Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, and an up-to-date negative fecal.
If Boarding, we also require proof of Bordetella.

Puppies:
Proof of age-appropriate vaccinations, negative fecal test, and initial veterinary check since you brought them home.

Email vaccination records to Vaccinations@MccChi.com

The most important job of your trainer isn't actually training your dog — it's making sure you have the correct understanding and skill set to continue the training yourself and see the same improvements. That means teaching you how they do what they do, and making sure you understand the nuances. Consistency on your part is the next big thing.
So, no - if we are all committed, that will not happen again.

I want your dog to be comfortable taking food from me. It can slow down a program if they take a long time to adjust. You can ease the transition, if you start having your dog take their food from you directly (ideally from your hand). You could take breakfast on the morning walk, and reinforce sits or sit-stays with a handful of kibble, etc.

Your pup should NOT attend a session if they have vomiting or diarrhea, as their sickness could transfer via my clothing or car, and potentially make another dog sick.

Your dog should have had no sickness or diarrhea for 3 days prior to our session. Additionally, you'll need a new negative fecal result to be cleared to continue.

If your dog has tested positive for Giardia, I require two negative fecal tests , two weeks apart, before we continue with training.

Our Canine Development Program is ideal for most dogs. The length may vary depending on factors like anxiety level. The program is not intended for extremely reactive, anxious, or aggressive dogs. For those friends, the Canine Development Plus is sometimes suitable. The Canine Development Program is meant to develop both you and your dog, so we hope you like to learn too!

The Canine Development Program starts at 6 sessions, which we will complete over 2-3 weeks. Development Plus would last around 3-5 weeks, depending on scheduling.

The program starts at:
$1,200 for our 6-session, basic obedience program.
$2,000 for our 10-session, obedience Plus program.
See the program page for details.

- Your dog should be wearing a secure collar (flat or martingale).
- If you walk them on something different, ie Harness, Training Collar etc, that should be brought along.
- Their food if they will work for it, and some soft, relatively small, high value treats.
- Notes on behaviours and updates - if any.

We have Board and Train options to fit any dog's needs. It's great if you have a busy schedule, or when you go on vacation.
- Young dogs who need manners are perfect for our 2-week program.
- Anxious or reactive dogs may be better in a 3-week program.
- Then there's our Complex Canine program for slightly more complex dogs where extended boarding is required.

Our boarding programs start at 2 weeks and the length varies depending on your dog's needs.

Our basic obedience boarding program starts at $2,200 for 2 weeks. For extended program rates, check the programs page for pricing.

We do our very best to operate with a 'no surprises' policy. If there is a chance your program may be extended, for any reason, you will be informed from the start.

In very rare instances, we get surprised by a dog's behavior and need to switch gears mid-program. Should anything unexpectedly, you would be consulted and any edits to length of stay, direction, price etc would be a joint decision based on the circumstance.

Your dog needs:

- A flat or martingale collar plus whatever you usually walk them on.

- Their food and any medication — labeled with written instructions including name and quantity per day. We'll also send a boarding-specific form for this information.

Please do not bring bedding, bowls, or toys — we provide everything else your dog needs.

As of May 31st 2026, we're closing the Clark St location, in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. Moving to a more accessible in-home training model, we will be providing services to Chicago's north-side neighborhoods and suburbs.
Rogers Park, Andersonville, Edgewater, West Ridge, Albany Park, Mayfair, Lincoln Square, Jefferson Park, North center, Evanston, Skokie, Niles, and others.

Yes. If you want to support a family member or friend's training journey, just reach out.

Yes — this is a new offering and we are finalizing details. Video/phone coaching will be available for clients anywhere very soon. Please reach out if interested in being added to our wait list.