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 — Certified Dog Trainer in Chicago, Illinois
Rachel LaMere is a certified dog trainer serving Chicago, Cook County, and surrounding areas including Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Elgin, Waukegan, Cicero, Arlington Heights, Evanston, Schaumburg, Bolingbrook, dedicated to helping dogs and their families build lasting, trusting relationships. Using positive, science-based methods tailored to each dog's age, temperament, and specific challenges, Rachel makes training effective, enjoyable, and built to last.
❤️ The best dog trainers don't just train dogs — they teach you how to communicate with yours. Rachel brings that philosophy to every session, working alongside you and your dog to build trust, consistency, and real, lasting results.
What Rachel Can Help With
Obedience & manners — reliable commands and respectful behavior at home and in public. Leash & walking confidence — ending pulling, lunging, and stress on walks. Behavior modification — addressing reactivity, anxiety, fear, and aggression. New dog foundations — building good habits and confidence from the start.
Why Book Rachel on PetWorks?
Verified, certified professional with credentials you can trust. Personalized one-on-one sessions — in-home, mobile, or on-site. Force-free, positive reinforcement methods that are humane and proven. A judgment-free approach focused on the wellbeing of both you and your dog. Backed by real reviews from pet parents across Cook County and Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Elgin, Waukegan, Cicero, Arlington Heights, Evanston, Schaumburg, Bolingbrook.
How Booking Rachel on PetWorks Works
Booking Rachel is secure and straightforward.
Review Services: Browse Rachel's training packages and services listed on this page and choose the one that fits your dog's needs.
Click "Book Now" or "Request Quote": If you see a package that fits, you can book directly. If your situation is unique or you'd like to discuss your dog's specific challenges first, click "Request Quote" to start a conversation with Rachel.
Secure Payment: All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Klarna. Your payment is held safely and only released once the booking is confirmed.
PetWorks Care Coverage: Every booking includes PetWorks Care Coverage, giving you peace of mind and access to our dedicated concierge team if you ever need support.
Connect & Schedule: Once your booking is initiated, you'll use the PetWorks Inbox to coordinate the best time and location for your session and share any details about your dog that will help Rachel prepare.
Ready to get started? Browse Rachel's verified reviews, compare credentials, and book confidently on PetWorks — serving Chicago, IL and the surrounding Cook County area.
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