K9 Zen - Private In Home Dog Training - Johnsburg, IL

Verified Member since Mar 2024 Verified checkmark

Hello, I'm Ali, your go-to pet professional dedicated to enhancing the bond between you and your furry companions. With over 20 years of experience as a veterinary technician and six years specializing in dog training, I bring a wealth of knowledge and compassion to every session. I'm a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and hold certifications as a Fear Free Certified Professional and Low-Stress Handling® Certified – Silver (LSHC-S). My approach is centered around the force-free, choice-based training philosophy, which empowers your dog to communicate their needs and fosters a harmonious relationship between you and your pet.

I am committed to continuous learning, having attended numerous seminars and courses led by veterinary behaviorists. These experiences have enriched my skills in both dog obedience training and pet behavior modification. I offer personalized in-home training sessions and board-and-train options, ensuring that your dog learns in an environment that suits their comfort and needs. Whether you're looking to resolve specific behavioral issues or enhance your pet's obedience skills, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.

I serve a wide range of animals, including dogs, and am flexible in catering to your unique scheduling needs with a cancellation policy designed to accommodate life's unexpected events. My goal is to make every training session a positive and stress-free experience for both you and your pet. Ready to embark on a journey towards a harmonious relationship with your furry friend? Book me through Petworks today!

  • Certified

Pricing Packages

Single In Home training
$ 130.00 Per 60 minutes book

Single in home training session

5 session package
$ 600.00 Per Package book

5 in home dog training sessions lasting 1 hour each

10 private training sessions
$ 1200.00 Per Package book

10 pack of in home private training sessions

2 week Board and Train
$ 2800.00 Per Program book

2 week board and train at my facility, includes initial meeting, board and train and follow up visit after. 24 hour access to camera inside dogs kennel. Owner visit halfway through training also encouraged.

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • K9 Training

What training tools do you use?

  • Back-clip Harness
  • Barriers
  • Clicker
  • Front-clip Harness
  • Head Collar
  • Leash
  • Long Line
  • Martingale Collar
  • Muzzle
  • Praise/Affection
  • Toys
  • Treats

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Dogs

Pet Certifications

  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
  • Fear Free Certified Professional
  • Low-Stress Handling® Certified – Silver (LSHC-S)

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Elgin, Schaumburg, Waukegan, Arlington Heights, Oak Brook, Bolingbrook, Palatine, Streamwood Illinois

What year did you begin serving pets?

2004

BASED IN: Johnsburg, IL
SERVICE AREA: Within 75 miles, including Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Elgin, Schaumburg, Waukegan, Arlington Heights, Oak Brook, Bolingbrook, Palatine, Streamwood Illinois

Distinction

Pw without hitch CPDT-KA Fear Free Certified Professional Low Stress Handling Certified - Silver Petworks Best of 2024

Customer Reviews

We brought our 2-year-old golden retriever to Aly for help with some training he lost during his “teen” phase and we were too busy to reinforce. In particular, we struggled with him being able to calmly greet people without jumping on top of them. From the beginning consultation, Aly was kind, answered all of my questions, and worked with us to determine the best path forward for our boy. We ended up doing a board and train program and couldn’t be happier. It’s clear he absolutely loves Aly and loved his time with her, and we are thrilled with the progress he made with her. I highly recommend Aly if you’re looking for a partner in training your dog in a positive, fear-free manner. - January 2026

- Emma B

My husband and I reached out to Ali to help with our dog that we rescued almost 2 years ago. She went above and beyond and exceeded our expectations. Ali takes the time to get to truly know your dog. She wants to know what their personality is like, home life, allergies to food, and environmental factors that could be effecting their behavior. We had multiple visits with Ali at our home. Every time Ali left, we had homework and training to do with our dog. After only 3 sessions and weeks of training in between we are so happy with the outcome at home and the progress that has been made. We couldn’t be happier with our experience! - December 2025

- Kylie H

We had our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel do a 2 week board and train with Ali and saw an immediate and significant change in behaviors. Ali established a strong base with him that has allowed us to continue seeing positive behaviors. Furthermore, having Ali visit our home both before and after the board and train were very helpful in ensuring our pup and whole family was comfortable with her. Getting consistent updates on his wellbeing while he was away were vital as well giving us further peace of mind. All told, I would highly recommended Ali for anyone looking to start their puppy with a good solid base of commands that you can continue to foster within your home.

- Evan K

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • K9 Training

What training tools do you use?

  • Back-clip Harness
  • Barriers
  • Clicker
  • Front-clip Harness
  • Head Collar
  • Leash
  • Long Line
  • Martingale Collar
  • Muzzle
  • Praise/Affection
  • Toys
  • Treats

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Dogs

Pet Certifications

  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
  • Fear Free Certified Professional
  • Low-Stress Handling® Certified – Silver (LSHC-S)

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Elgin, Schaumburg, Waukegan, Arlington Heights, Oak Brook, Bolingbrook, Palatine, Streamwood Illinois

What year did you begin serving pets?

2004

Customer Reviews

We brought our 2-year-old golden retriever to Aly for help with some training he lost during his “teen” phase and we were too busy to reinforce. In particular, we struggled with him being able to calmly greet people without jumping on top of them. From the beginning consultation, Aly was kind, answered all of my questions, and worked with us to determine the best path forward for our boy. We ended up doing a board and train program and couldn’t be happier. It’s clear he absolutely loves Aly and loved his time with her, and we are thrilled with the progress he made with her. I highly recommend Aly if you’re looking for a partner in training your dog in a positive, fear-free manner. - January 2026

- Emma B

My husband and I reached out to Ali to help with our dog that we rescued almost 2 years ago. She went above and beyond and exceeded our expectations. Ali takes the time to get to truly know your dog. She wants to know what their personality is like, home life, allergies to food, and environmental factors that could be effecting their behavior. We had multiple visits with Ali at our home. Every time Ali left, we had homework and training to do with our dog. After only 3 sessions and weeks of training in between we are so happy with the outcome at home and the progress that has been made. We couldn’t be happier with our experience! - December 2025

- Kylie H

We had our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel do a 2 week board and train with Ali and saw an immediate and significant change in behaviors. Ali established a strong base with him that has allowed us to continue seeing positive behaviors. Furthermore, having Ali visit our home both before and after the board and train were very helpful in ensuring our pup and whole family was comfortable with her. Getting consistent updates on his wellbeing while he was away were vital as well giving us further peace of mind. All told, I would highly recommended Ali for anyone looking to start their puppy with a good solid base of commands that you can continue to foster within your home.

- Evan K

🐶 About Ali Phillips — Certified Dog Trainer in Johnsburg, Illinois


Ali Phillips is a certified dog trainer serving Johnsburg and the surrounding Mchenry County area, including nearby communities such as Mchenry, Crystal Lake, Round Lake Beach, Waukegan, Palatine, Lake In The Hills, Buffalo Grove, Mundelein, Cary, Algonquin. They specialize in helping dogs and their people build calm, trusting, and lasting relationships through positive, science-based training. Whether you're working through leash pulling, anxiety, reactivity, or simply want a well-mannered companion, Ali tailors each session to your dog’s personality, history, and learning style—so progress feels natural and sustainable, not forced.


❤️ Great dog training isn’t just about commands — it’s about connection.


Ali works closely with you as the owner, helping you understand your dog’s behavior, build clear communication, and create routines that lead to real-world success at home and in public.


Training Support for Real-Life Challenges


From everyday manners to more complex behavioral concerns, Ali provides practical, results-driven support with:


  • Obedience and focus for home and public settings

  • Leash training and more relaxed, enjoyable walks

  • Reducing anxiety, fear, and reactivity

  • Puppy and new dog foundations for long-term success

Each session is designed to be encouraging, easy to apply, and tailored to your daily routine.


Recommended Certifications for Dog Trainers


When choosing a dog trainer, professional certifications are a strong indicator of expertise, experience, and commitment to ethical, science-based methods. Widely recognized credentials include the CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which demonstrate mastery of modern training techniques, canine behavior, and learning theory. The KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) highlights trainers skilled in positive reinforcement and clicker training, while the IAABC Certified Dog Trainer credential, recognized internationally, signals advanced knowledge in behavior modification and problem-solving. Membership or certification through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) further reflects ongoing education and adherence to ethical standards. Many trainers also pursue specialty certifications in areas such as aggression management, behavior modification, or puppy development to address specific challenges.


For pet parents, choosing a certified trainer like Ali Phillips, ensures that your dog’s training is grounded in science, safety, and compassion. Asking about a trainer’s credentials is one of the best ways to make a confident, informed choice.


Why Pet Parents Book Through PetWorks


Booking through PetWorks gives you more than access to a qualified trainer — it gives you confidence in your choice.


Ali is a verified professional who uses force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in modern behavioral science. Pet parents value the supportive, judgment-free approach, along with the ability to read verified reviews and book securely through a trusted platform.


🦔 How Booking Dog Training in Johnsburg, IL on PetWorks Works


Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On PetWorks, you can explore Ali’s profile, read real feedback from pet parents across Mchenry County, and either initiate a booking offer by clicking the "Book Now" button, or start with a conversation by clicking 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Send Message'.


Training works best when you begin at the right time. For puppies and newly adopted dogs, early training builds strong habits from the start. For older dogs, challenges like leash pulling, anxiety, or reactivity can absolutely improve with consistent, professional guidance — with many pet parents noticing meaningful progress within just a few sessions.


In Johnsburg and throughout Illinois, demand for experienced, force-free dog trainers can increase during the spring and early fall, when routines shift and outdoor activity picks up. Booking a bit in advance can help you secure the schedule that works best for you.


Most dog training sessions across the U.S. typically range from $75–$150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and training type. On PetWorks, you can review available services and choose the option that aligns with your goals.


All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. Every booking also includes PetWorks Care Coverage, giving you access to a dedicated concierge team, added protection, and support throughout your experience. Once you connect, you’ll coordinate scheduling, location, and training goals directly with Ali to get the most out of your sessions.


Dog Training FAQs


How many dog training sessions will I need? Every dog is different, but many pet parents begin to see progress within 2–4 sessions. More complex behavior issues like reactivity or anxiety may require ongoing training and consistency at home.


Do you offer in-home dog training in Johnsburg, IL? Many trainers on PetWorks, including Ali, offer flexible options such as in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services listed above or use Request Quote to confirm what works best for your situation.


Can dog training help with aggressive or reactive behavior? Yes. Positive, science-based training can be very effective in addressing reactivity, fear, and certain forms of aggression. Early guidance from a certified professional helps ensure safe, lasting progress.


🐾 Start Building a Better Relationship With Your Dog


Training is an investment in your dog’s happiness — and your peace of mind.


Explore Ali’s profile, read verified reviews from local pet parents across Mchenry County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog today. Availability can vary week to week, so booking ahead is recommended.