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Training

Pups Pups

Training

A BALANCED APPROACH


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Options for Training

We really encourage you to be actively involved in your dogs training, but we understand that you have a busy schedule and it doesn’t always allow for time. We have a wide variety of training options for you.



Classes

Group Training

A PUPS expert trainer will lead pet parents and their dogs in a group class setting including structured activities, one on one attention and hands-on practice. Class size is kept small, allowing each participant focused attention and assistance.


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Private Lessons

One on One Training

Meet one on one with a trainer to address specific training challenges that go beyond the class setting. Ideal for dogs that may have social issues and parents who may have scheduling conflicts with the group class offering.


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Bootcamps

Intensive training

PUPS expert trainers will help build a great foundation or advance already established training skills at an accelerated pace. This intensive program includes written and video diary with custom training plans.


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PUPS Specializes in

Do you want to impress your friends, family, and neighbors with how well your dog is trained? Look no further than PUPS for a training program that fits your needs. Whether you’re a new puppy parent that needs help with everything or you are just looking for something fun and educational to do with your dog, PUPS has a trainer and a program that is right for you.




Obedience Training

Teaching your dog to respond to certain verbal commands and physical cues



Behavioral Training

A systematic approach to changing your dog’s reaction to a particular situation




Benefits Training

Benefits of Dog Training With Pups

  • Improved Confidence
  • Humane and Effective
  • Positive reinforcement
  • Robust Class Schedule
  • Proven Methodology
  • Easy to understand and apply
  • Highly communicative and responsive trainers




Methodology Training

Methodology

We use treats, toys, and training collars to get the results you desire. We strongly believe in verbal and physical praise, but sometimes your dog needs a little extra. We have also standardized our training methodology which has proven to be effective time and time again.







Master Trainer & Behavior Consultant

Dan Rubenstein, CBCC-KA

Multi-certified Master Trainer and Behavior Consultant, Dan Rubenstein is on a mission to improve the quality of life for pups and their people.

Along with a lifetime of experience training and communicating with dogs, Dan has been active in the dog care business since 1999, and training dogs since 2001. Designated as a Master Trainer, Dan has a a gift for working with behavior issues of all types with an emphasis on modification through positive reinforcement. His effective methods have attracted a high-profile client base including celebrity pup owners like Mariah Carey, Kelly Ripa and Bernadette Peters to name a few, earning him the names ‘Doggie Dan’ and ‘the NYC Dog Whisperer’.

Dan’s careful development of the PUPS program has resulted in a highly-trained staff that provides a consistent, caring, and safe approach. Each expert member of the PUPS training staff works directly with Dan using his effective philosophies and methods to ensure the best outcome for every pup.



The pups training levels




Training Level

Beginner

Rising Star

Dogs at this level are well-socialized who can demonstrate basic obedience commands on a leash but is still quite easily distracted. The bond between you and your dog is still being developed. The training at this level is foundational and will lay the groundwork for a well mannered and obedient dog.



Training Level

Intermediate

Skilled Performer

Your dog demonstrates a very high proficiency of on leash obedience and the beginning stages of off-leash obedience. They are focused on completing tasks and can be counted on to maintain good behavior at all times. The training at this level is focused on developing reliable responses consistently in your dog.



Training Level

Advanced

Star Performer

Your dog is well-adjusted, calm, and confident. You can demonstrate competition level obedience skills with them. Your dog is very strongly connected to you and does not react to distractions. The training at this level mostly focuses on polishing skills to an expert level by working through more challenging tasks.





Training Certification

Certification process

We help you achieve your goals for your pup’s training. A PUPS expert trainer will administer a short (25-35 minute) dog training and behavior test to assess you and your dog’s skill level. Upon completion, the trainer will suggest placement in the appropriate class with other students at the same level and establish goal setting. We may also suggest boot camps or private lessons to ensure the most effective and efficient progression.




PUPS Expert Dog Trainers

We understand that it takes a lot of patience to train your dog, and we are here with you every step of the way. We are focused on communicating effectively to each client and centering the program around your goals and needs. No matter the program we start with the same simple question… “What do you want to achieve with your dog?” Then we go from there.




Liz Silberman


Elizabeth Silberman, CBCC-KA, AKC Evaluator

Director of Dog Training

My passion in life is working with dogs and their families to create a safe, comfortable, and most importantly fun life together!


I have been training dogs since 2007, and my priority is making sure families know how to communicate with their dogs in a positive and respectful way. Training your dog is such an important part of bonding and learning each other’s needs and wants, and I take that responsibility very seriously. My goal is to help my clients understand the “why” behind what their dogs are doing or thinking and work together to reinforce behaviors that are both beneficial and necessary to live together in harmony and happiness. Communication with your dog is key, and I think of myself as a “dog translator” here to help you speak “dog” fluently! I also have a four-year-old Doberman named Zelda who loves to learn new tricks and go to the dog beach whenever possible.

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Trainer Ryan Topf


Ryan Topf, CBCC-KA

Expert Dog Trainer

I have been working exclusively with dogs since 2013. I’ve safely logged thousands of hours socializing and training dogs of all breeds.


I have used my experience and my education (B.A. in Philosophy) to successfully train and rehabilitate dogs. I believe that every interaction with a dog is an opportunity to train them. In a society that tends to treat dogs like humans more than ever before, I believe it’s incredibly important to educate pet parents on dog psychology and communication so that both canines and humans feel as if their relationship is fulfilling. I have three dogs: Moo who is a Rat Terrier mix, Annie who is a Dachshund mix, and Tom Cruise, a Labrador Retriever.

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Samantha Lacy, CPDT-KA, AKC Evaluator

Senior Dog Trainer

I’m so excited to be using my B.A. in Psychology from ASU (Go Sun Devils!) to be able to connect with pets and their parents and help bridge the communication between the two.


I’m a proud dog momma of my Australian Cattle Dog, Scout, and found a passion for training dogs when I started training and doing agility with her. I also have previous experience working with rescue dogs, providing various pet services, as well as working with dogs at PAWS Chicago and helping with the adoption processes. I love dogs, and hope to be able to help create lasting fur-ever relationships with pets and their parents!

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Michelle Goodman, CPDT-KA

Senior Dog Trainer

My goal is for dogs to be able to stay and live harmoniously in their forever homes. My focus is on using positive reinforcement-based methods as it encourages the dog to start and continue doing the desired behaviors. I am always seeking to learn more about dogs and what I can do to help them better.


I graduated from the Animal Behavior Institute where I earned my certificate in advanced canine training. I completed my second certification from The Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers in 2021. I look forward to helping you build a better connection with you and your dog.

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Veronica Mazzola


Veronica Mazzola

Experienced Dog Trainer

I have a degree in Business Administration but finding an office job didn’t feel right for me so I decided to follow my love for dogs and pursue a career with PUPS.


I have had dogs all my life. I grew up with two German Shepherds and now I have two mixed breed dogs, Chester and Timothy, who live with my family in Italy. They are spoiled just like your dogs. By the way, I’m a native Italian! I moved to the US in 2019. My journey at PUPS has been great so far. I worked at the daycare and met incredible people and their awesome pups! This opportunity with the training team excites me because I get to help humans and their dogs build strong and happy relationships.

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Christine Parisi


Christine Parisi

Experienced Dog Trainer

I got my first rescue dog in September of 2020 and she inspired me to look into dog training as a possible new career. I had been a high school Art and English teacher for 16 years, and although I was a skilled educator, I’d felt a nagging need for a change growing in my mind for a number of years.


My new dog, who I adopted, named Rachel was adapting to her new home, learning new things and changing so quickly. I wanted to know where some of her hilarious and seemingly random behaviors were coming from, how her mind was working and most importantly, how she became such a perfect angel dog. I also have another pet: a small bird named Fiver, who is a goofball, but they get along! “How,” I began asking myself, “did I end up with this perfect dog who will allow a bird to land on her head and not even flinch?!” I couldn’t wait to begin my training journey with PUPS Pet Club. Now, I hope to use my extensive experience working with human students and parents to foster many awesome and loving pet parent relationships.

 

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Jazz Cooley


Jazz Cooley

Experienced Dog Trainer

I was originally pursuing a career in Screenwriting, and even completed my Bachelor’s Degree at DePaul University in Writing for Film and Television. I soon found out that Los Angeles wasn’t for me and decided to make Chicago my permanent home. In 2021 my partner and I adopted our first dog and through working with a trainer I discovered my passion for dog training.


I’ve grown up around animals of all sorts; birds, cats, dogs, rabbits, fish, and ducks. Some might say I had a colorful upbringing. From a young age I had a strong desire to work with animals and began volunteering at a marine rehabilitation center in Colombia, the Oceanarium Rosario Islands. It wasn’t until moving to the United States that I found many viable career paths involving constructive/reconstructive animal care. Soon, a wavering desire to integrate my passion for film and television along with my passion for animals was overtaken by a desire to train dogs. Having developed a strong bond with my own dog, Nelly, I’ve come to understand that this field of work is built upon the notion of strengthening a pet parent’s bond with their canine companions. It’s that reason that I love this line of work and can’t wait to work with all the wonderful pet parents and canine companions that the great city of Chicago has to offer.

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Maya Caroll


Maya Caroll

Experienced Dog Trainer

Being able to help people create and strengthen the bond with their dog is what makes training such a joy for me! My love for working with dogs started with my experience adopting, fostering, and working with rescue Shiba Inu’s.


Rescue dogs come with many unique challenges, often dealing with anxiety, trauma, and sometimes physical disabilities. The care and understanding they require can be overwhelming at times, but helping a dog feel safe and happy is incredibly rewarding. Being able to apply that same special care to every dog I train and work with, no matter their background, is such a privilege and a joy.

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Rates

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PUPStart Training

COMPLIMENTARY PUPStart training session to all members and pet parents!

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with one of our highly skilled dog trainers.
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