The Positive Pup - Certified Dog Training Service - Chicago, IL
As an Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), I specialize in positive reinforcement techniques to enhance the bond between dogs and their humans. With a strong foundation in pet behavior modification and dog obedience training, I've been serving the pet community for over five years. Whether you're looking to master basic obedience or address more serious behavioral issues, my approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of your furry family members. As a Fear Free Certified Professional and an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator, I ensure that every interaction is both safe and enjoyable for your pet.
In addition to my in-person sessions, I offer the flexibility of online consultations, enabling pet parents to address their concerns conveniently from home. My expertise extends to pets of all sizes, from under 20 lbs to those over 80 lbs, and I'm well-equipped with tools and techniques like clicker training, praise, and a variety of collars and harnesses. I am also American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified, providing an extra layer of safety and peace of mind. Whether your dog needs training, your cats need a reliable caretaker, or you simply require a professional you can trust, I am dedicated to providing exceptional service within my travel radius.
I am passionate about creating a positive environment for both pets and their owners, as echoed by a satisfied client who shared, "Rachel has been her trainer, walker, and literally the only person we have ever left our dog (and two cats) with to go away. I can’t recommend her enough." If you're ready to transform your pet's behavior and enhance your relationship, I'm here to help. Let's get started on this rewarding journey together—book me through Petworks today!
- Certified
- Online Sessions
Pricing Packages
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Private Dog Training
- K9 Training
- Dog Behaviorist
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
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
- American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
- Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
- Fear Free Certified Professional
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Chicago, IL
What year did you begin serving pets?
2004
How did you hone your craft?
I started out as a dog walker in NYC in 2004. I shadowed other trainers mainly to learn how to handle my more challenging canine clients, but caught the dog training bug and 19 years later, here we are!
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
Catch your dog being good! Don’t wait for them to get up to shenanigans and then try to stop it, find those little moment when they’re being perfect little angels and reward them for it!
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
My job is to train humans to train dogs. I want every person I work with to feel empowered to continue the work of training their dog(s) on their own.
SERVICE AREA: Within 75 miles, including Chicago, IL
Distinction
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Private Dog Training
- K9 Training
- Dog Behaviorist
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
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
- American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
- Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
- Fear Free Certified Professional
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Chicago, IL
What year did you begin serving pets?
2004
How did you hone your craft?
I started out as a dog walker in NYC in 2004. I shadowed other trainers mainly to learn how to handle my more challenging canine clients, but caught the dog training bug and 19 years later, here we are!
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
Catch your dog being good! Don’t wait for them to get up to shenanigans and then try to stop it, find those little moment when they’re being perfect little angels and reward them for it!
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
My job is to train humans to train dogs. I want every person I work with to feel empowered to continue the work of training their dog(s) on their own.
🐾 About Rachel LaMere – Expert Mobile Dog Trainer based in Chicago, IL
Rachel is a trusted professional dog trainer in Chicago, IL, dedicated to helping dogs and their families build lasting, trusting relationships. With years of hands-on experience working with dogs of all sizes...from playful puppies to seasoned seniors, Rachel LaMere uses positive, effective, science-informed techniques to make training enjoyable, rewarding, and results-driven for you and your dog.
🏙️ Personalized Training Right at Your Home
Living in a busy urban or suburban environment can bring unique challenges for dogs - distractions, new neighbors, and varying routines. Rachel LaMere’s canine training services bring expert guidance directly to your door, providing flexible schedules, personalized attention, and safe, fun walks and training sessions for dogs of all energy levels.
🐶 Obedience & Manners – Teaching reliable commands and respectful behavior
📏 Leash & Walking Confidence – Ending pulling, lunging, and stress during walks
🧠 Behavior Modification – Addressing fear, anxiety, reactivity, or unwanted behaviors
🐾 Puppy Foundations - Socialization and good habit development from the start
❤️ Transforming Your Dog’s Life - and Yours
Training is about more than obedience. It’s about connection, trust, and confidence. When your dog understands expectations and communicates clearly, everyday life becomes calmer and more joyful. Imagine stress-free walks, confident greetings at home, and a deeper bond built on love, patience, and understanding. Rachel LaMere is dedicated to helping you and your dog experience this transformation.
📘 Training Tools & Techniques
Rachel LaMere uses customized, positive methods tailored to each dog’s needs:
🎯 Clicker or reward-based reinforcement
🦴 Treats, toys, and praise for motivation
🐾 Safe harnesses and leashes for structured practice
🧠 Behavior plans focused on sustainable, long-term results
These techniques strengthen good habits, reduce problem behaviors, and make training fun for your dog.
📌 Book a Session With Rachel LaMere Today
Ready to see lasting results with your dog? Book a virtual or mobile dog training session with Rachel LaMere in Chicago, Cook County, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Elgin, Waukegan, Cicero, Arlington Heights, Evanston, Schaumburg, Bolingbrook, IL at your convenience.
Whether you’re tackling basic obedience, leash issues, or more complex behavioral concerns, expert guidance is just a click away. Explore verified reviews, request quotes, and start your journey toward a happier, more harmonious life with your four-legged companion!