K9 Training at K9U Chicago
Dog training is strongly recommended by many veterinarians. At K9U Chicago we believe training is necessary for the safety of your pet and those around you in a busy city like Chicago. We provide K9 training classes at every level of ability. We practice positive behavioral training methods to build and nurture desired behavior and build the confidence of your dog.
We speak the language of dogs. We train dogs by educating people. We believe the best way to build a bond between a dog and its family is to share knowledge about dog behavior and dog body language. Our training programs take many forms including classes, private sessions, and boot camps:
- We offer group classes for puppies and adult dogs.
- We have board and train programs that help establish a strong foundation on which to build future skills.
- We offer day train packages to reinforce learning.
- We provide specialized training to work on select areas like leash reactivity and separation anxiety.
Our expert trainers work with you to help your dogs reach their full potential either in a group setting or private lessons. They work with dogs of all ages (puppies and adults) and tailor the training and group classes to the dog’s individual needs and age. Our spacious, padded and climate-controlled 8,000 sf indoor facility provides plenty of room for dogs at every level of ability.
We offer a wide range of dog training options to provide you and your dog the best education, tools and training at all stages.
- Group classes aimed at every stage of your dog’s life
- Puppy training to give your sweet puppy a great start
- Group obedience classes for behavior modification
- Advanced obedience work to hone in on good dog citizen manners
- Intensive bootcamps for transformative results
- Focused daycare-and-train daycamps
- Specialized nose work, agility, or group socialization programs
- Private one-on-one training at our facility or at home
Meet Our Trainers
Amy Hammonds
Training manager
Amy Hammonds
As the daughter of a veterinarian Amy has worked with dogs since the age of 13. This background instilled in her the importance of education and customer service. With over 20 years of dog training experience Amy prides herself in using only positive reinforcement to train dogs as well as their owners.
Always staying current with the latest in trends and developments in the industry, Amy is a member of the Association of Professional Humane Educators (APHE) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Amy regularly attends seminars to expand her knowledge and remain relevant.
Amy works with all kinds of dogs from puppies to reactive or shy dogs. Her philosophy begins by understanding how to best communicate with each dog, then she works with their owner to help them build a bond based on consistency and support.
Amy will be teaching classes and offering private training as well as board & train services in her position as Directorof Training at K9 University Chicago. She will work with all trainers to develop a broad range oftraining services that assist any dog and their owners as they work to improve communicationand strengthen their relationship.
Grace Huffman
Dog Trainer
Grace Huffman
Grace has been around dogs throughout her life. In many ways her life is centered around dogs. From training dogs, to relying on Medical Alert Service Dogs for daily tasks, to competing in National Agility competitions, dogs have been teammates, companions and life partners.
Grace’s home pack currently consists of four dogs each with their own special skills and gifts. She trains and competes in agility with her two Miniature Schnauzers Gus and Bernie, who qualified for nationals in his first year of competing! As well as her Standard Poodle, Rafiki, and her Sheltie, Bella, who is a NADAC Champion. Rafiki is also a working Medical Alert Dog and training for Water Fowl retrieval in her spare time.
At K9U Chicago Grace will teach all levels of Agility Training from puppies to competition and will be teaching group obedience training classes. Grace uses only positive training methods and believes in having fun while learning new skills that enhance the bond between dogs and their owners.
When not at K9U Chicago Grace volunteers with shelters and rescue groups in Naperville to help the disabled connect and train service dogs. She also founded Beard & Golden a hand-made custom clothing company providing dog gear and accessories.
Victoria Comerford
Dog Trainer
Victoria (Tori) Comerford
A Chicagoland native with a degree in Zoology from SIU, Carbondale, Tori comes to K9U Chicago with a diverse background caring for and understanding animals. This has provided her with the experience to not only train dogs but teach owners how to positively strengthen the bond they have with their dog.
Tori believes in the power of communication as a valuable skill that helps dogs become secure and well socialized. This starts with understanding dog body language and the subtle cues they send to express their feelings of fear, confusion, frustration and joy. Her work as a trainer starts with sharing this knowledge through fun games and exercises that allow dogs the chance to fundamentally be dogs while nurturing and rewarding new behaviors.
Tori has experience working with all types of dog breeds and families who have needs that range from welcoming new puppies to older dogs with specific challenges including reactivity and other behaviors that require training to desensitize the dogs to certain objects, noises or other dogs.
Tori will be teaching all levels of obedience training as well as working with daycare day train clients, our board & train camps and providing private training sessions.
What Do We Need to Get Started with Training
- Be sure we have a profile for you and your pouch in our system by registering online.
- Upload vaccination records to your online profile.
Tailored Activities
From Treadmill Time for a little exercise, to Ball fetching to sharpen coordination and attention.
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Focused Training and Socialization
for dogs that need help getting along with others. The Dog Group Play Conditioning program is designed to develop mental strength and coach the dog to play with other dogs with respect.
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Indoor Swimming
We are very excited to offer clients an opportunity to add indoor swimming to their K9U Chicago experience through our partnership with Doggy Paddle.
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Get Ready for Dog Training, Chicago!
Our talented dog trainers care about dogs and their owners and will work tirelessly to achieve exceptional results. With each group class or private session our goal is for you and your dog to have a fun, successful experience while learning obedience or addresses any special challenges you may be experiencing with your dog of any age.
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Improve your relationship with your pup, develop their manners, and build their confidence with the right dog training program as K9U Chicago.
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