Adolescent Dog Training in Chicago
When your sweet puppy turns into a chaos gremlin—we’ve got you.
Adolescent dog training focused on real-world reliability, so walks feel peaceful again, your shoulders relax, and your dog remembers how to use the good part of their brain.
Why Adolescent Dog Training Matters
Between 6 and 18 months, dogs go through a major developmental shift. Their bodies are growing fast, their environment suddenly feels very exciting, and their impulse control hasn’t quite caught up.
This stage often shows up as:
Difficulty focusing—especially outside
Pulling, reacting, or over-arousal on busy sidewalks
Jumping, mouthing, or attention-seeking behavior
Trouble settling at home
Big emotions around new dogs, people, or city life
None of this means your dog is “being difficult.” And it definitely doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong.
They’re not giving you a hard time—they’re having a hard time.
With clear communication, predictable routines, and structured real-world practice, adolescent dogs learn:
• How to regulate excitement and frustration
• How to listen even with distractions present
• How to relax their bodies and settle their minds
• How to stay connected to you in the environment
This is where everyday life gets easier—and your relationship gets stronger.
How It Works
Every adolescent dog—and every family—has different needs. That’s why we offer three proven training formats, all built on clear communication, structure, and real-world practice.
Whether you want immersive results, consistent weekly support, or a guided small-group experience, each option helps your dog develop focus, manners, and confidence in everyday life in Chicago.
Real-Life Dog Training, Where It Actually Matters
Your dog lives in Chicago—so we train where real life happens.
We practice engagement, leash manners, and calm behavior on neighborhood walks, in parks, dog-friendly stores, patio spaces, and everyday city environments. This helps your dog learn how to stay connected to you, manage excitement, and make thoughtful choices even when the world is interesting.
If it’s part of your life, we practice it—so the skills your dog learns are the skills they actually use.
Our Adolescent Dog Services
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BOARD & TRAIN
IMMERSIVE REAL-WORLD FOUNDATIONS
Our Board & Train program gives adolescent dogs the structure and support they need to reset, regulate, and learn how to be calm and connected in real life.
Your dog stays with us in our trainer-owned facility, practicing daily life skills in both structured training sessions and a real home environment. We work on engagement, leash manners, recall, environmental neutrality, and emotional self-regulation—not just performance in a quiet room.
You’ll receive regular photo and video updates, plus transfer sessions so you know exactly how to maintain progress at home.
Best for:
• High-energy or easily overstimulated adolescents
• Families looking for a reliable reset and lasting changeIncludes:
• Daily real-world practice
• Personalized training plan
• Two transfer sessions
• Lifetime trainer support -
DAY SCHOOL
CONSISTENT PROGRESS WITHOUT OVERNIGHT STAYS
Day School provides a predictable structure and frequent practice for adolescent dogs who benefit from repetition and guided support.
Your dog attends focused training sessions several days a week, working on calm leash manners, polite greetings, engagement around distractions, and the ability to settle in stimulating environments.
At pickup, we review what your dog worked on that day. You’ll also receive weekly practice plans so you can stay consistent at home—without overwhelm.
Best for:
• Families who want structured support
• Dogs who thrive on routine and repetition
• Owners who prefer their dog sleeps at homeIncludes:
• Consistent skill-building sessions
• Weekly recap and homework plan
• Lifetime trainer support -
GROUP CLASS
GUIDED PRACTICE WITH COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Adolescent dogs don’t just need skills—they need safe opportunities to practice those skills around other dogs and distractions.
Our group class offers a supportive, low-pressure environment where dogs and owners learn together. We focus on engagement around other dogs, polite leash manners, emotional regulation, and settling the body and mind during activity.
You’ll learn how to train effectively in public spaces—not just at home—with plenty of time for questions, feedback, and celebrating progress.
Best for:
• Social or friendly adolescents
• First-time dog owners
• Families who want encouragement and communityIncludes:
• Trainer guidance and individual feedback
• Weekly homework plan
• Supportive learning environment
Need Help Deciding What’s Best For Your Dog?
Have questions about our programs? Give us a call, and we’ll help you choose the best program for your dog’s personality and learning style.
Life with a teenage dog can feel like living with a furry roommate who suddenly forgot the rules. That’s why our programs focus on clear communication, consistency, and calm—so your dog learns how to think before reacting, and you can finally stop managing every moment.
Board & Train and Day School both include lifetime trainer support, so help is always just a message away.
Program Options & Pricing
FAQs
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As soon as you notice your dog’s “teenage brain” showing up—usually around 6–9 months. This is when focus drops, energy spikes, and impulse control takes a break. Starting now prevents frustration later and helps shape reliable habits early.
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Yes. Most adolescent dogs who bark, lunge, or “lose it” aren’t being defiant—they’re overwhelmed. We teach dogs how to regulate themselves and stay calm in real Chicago environments instead of avoiding the world.
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Board & Train: Immersive daily training with structured real-world exposure
Day School: Repetition-based training with predictable routine
Group Class: Weekly small-group practice with trainer feedback -
We use ethical, modern tools to support clear communication—not fear or punishment. If tools are introduced, we explain their purpose and coach you so you feel confident and comfortable.
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Absolutely. Adolescent training teaches dogs how to apply what they know when distractions increase—because life gets louder, busier, and more interesting.
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No. Dogs don’t forget their people. We provide regular updates and transfer sessions so your dog comes home calm, confident, and still very much your dog.
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That usually means skills were taught in quiet settings but not practiced in real life. We train where it matters—sidewalks, parks, stores—so behavior holds up outside the classroom.
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Yes—safely and intentionally. Controlled exposure is how dogs learn confidence and calm in busy environments.
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We’re based in Chicago and serve the entire Chicagoland area. Our trainer-owned facility includes a full home environment where one of our founders lives on-site.
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Yes. Board & Train and Day School both include lifetime trainer support. We’re here for refreshers, troubleshooting, and guidance whenever you need it.
What People Are Saying
Winter’s family had tried everything for leash pulling — multiple trainers, new tools, endless patience — but walks were still a battle.
After a two-week Board & Train, she came home the same happy, affectionate dog… just calmer, lighter, and walkable. Now her family says walks are peaceful instead of painful — and everyone’s shoulders are thanking them.
— Winter from Lincoln Park
Potato’s parents had tried group classes elsewhere, but nothing stuck. During our Day School program, he learned how to focus, walk politely, and handle new dogs with grace. His family says the best part isn’t just the training — it’s having lifetime support so they always know what to do next. Potato’s living proof that even “overwhelmed” can turn into “refined gentleman.”
— Potato from Avondale
Hailey came to us unsure of new people and nervous about other dogs. After four weeks in Day School, she found her stride. Now she greets guests politely, enjoys runs with her humans, and loves every person on the Canine Sports team. Her family says she’s happier, calmer, and finally confident enough to enjoy the life they always imagined for her.
— Hailey from Oak Park
Coral, a rescue with reactivity and confidence challenges, joined our three-week immersion program. She learned how to trust, stay calm around new people, and move through the world without fear. Her mom calls her “the best version of herself” — and they still come to polishing classes to keep her skills strong.
— Coral from River North
Turn the Chaos into Calm Today!
Living with an adolescent dog can feel overwhelming, especially in a busy city. You don’t have to manage it alone. With clear communication, real-world practice, and ongoing support, this stage can become a turning point instead of a struggle.