About Enjoy Your Dog Training
Our Philosophy
At Enjoy Your Dog Training, we believe dog training should feel good for everyone involved: the dog, the handler, the family, and the wider community.
As a science-based, reward-focused dog trainer serving Downers Grove, IL, our work is grounded in compassion, clarity, and real-world practicality — so you’re not just “fixing behavior”; you’re building a lifelong relationship.
We meet every team where they are, honor who your dog is in front of us, and help you move forward with kindness and confidence.
What We Believe About Dogs and People
Dogs are doing the best they can.
Behavior is communication, not a moral failing. When dogs bark, lunge, shut down, or get silly, they’re telling us something about their needs, emotions, or environment.
Handlers are doing the best they can, too.
You’re not “too soft,” “too anxious,” or “too late.” You’re here, you care, and that matters. Our job is to give you tools, not judgment.
Training should be humane, modern, and evidence-based.
We use reward-based, fear-free methods. We do not use pain, fear, or intimidation as training tools. We’re always learning, updating, and refining our approach based on current research and best practices.
Context matters.
A dog in a busy school hallway, a therapy visit, or a crowded neighborhood walk is under very different pressures than a dog in a quiet living room. We train for the situations you actually live and work in.
Success is shared.
Especially in therapy and facility work, teams don’t exist in a vacuum. We think about you, your dog, your family, your workplace, your clients, students, and community — and we design training that supports all of those relationships.
How This Shows Up in Our Dog Training
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We prioritize emotional safety
For dogs: We watch body language, advocate for breaks, adjust difficulty, and respect your dog’s “no.” Pushing a dog past their limit doesn’t create reliable behavior; it creates stress.
For people: We create an environment where you can ask questions, admit worries, and practice new skills without feeling embarrassed or judged.
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We go at the learner’s pace
We move as fast as the learner can, not as fast as the calendar wants. Some teams are ready to dive into advanced skills quickly. Others need time to settle nervous systems, build trust, or heal past experiences.
We break big goals into small, achievable steps. Whether your dream is a calmer neighborhood walk or a confident facility dog working in a professional setting, we map the path and walk it with you.
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We train for real life
Functional skills over party tricks. We love a cute behavior as much as anyone, but our focus is on skills that actually make daily life easier and safer — for you, your dog, and the people you serve.
Generalization is part of the plan. We think ahead about how skills will transfer from your living room to classrooms, hospitals, therapy offices, or busy public spaces.
Our Commitment to Therapy and Facility Dog Training
For teams working in schools, healthcare, mental health, first responder settings, or community spaces, our philosophy goes beyond “a nice dog with good manners.”
We honor the weight of the work. Facility and therapy dogs are doing emotional labor. We prioritize their welfare so they can sustainably support others.
We hold high standards with a compassionate lens. Clear, consistent criteria protect everyone: the dog, the handler, coworkers, clients, students, and organizations. We’re here to support you in meeting those standards, not to gatekeep or intimidate.
We think system-wide. A successful facility or therapy dog program doesn’t depend on one person. We help you think through policies, environments, and team expectations so your dog is set up to thrive in a well-supported system.
What We Don’t Do
To keep our philosophy clear, it helps to name what we intentionally avoid.
We don’t use aversive tools or techniques. We do not rely on pain, startle, or fear-based methods such as leash corrections, shock/“e-collars,” or intimidation.
We don’t shame dogs or people. You will never hear us label a dog as “stubborn,” “dominant,” or “spiteful,” or a handler as “the problem.” Behavior is information, and we work with it rather than blame.
We don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Every dog, handler, and environment is different. We use consistent principles, but your training plan will be uniquely shaped to you.
What You Can Expect When You Work With Enjoy Your Dog Training
Curiosity first. We start by asking questions and observing, not assuming. We want to understand your dog, your goals, and your context.
Clear explanations. We tell you not just what to do, but why it works. When you understand the “why,” you can confidently adjust and problem-solve on your own.
Collaboration. You’re not a passive participant; you’re a partner. We celebrate your wins, troubleshoot your stuck points, and adapt the plan as you and your dog grow.
Joy. Training should feel good. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy, but there should be laughter, relief, and moments where you look at your dog and think, “Oh, there you are. This feels like us again.”
Why We Call It “Enjoy Your Dog”
We chose the name Enjoy Your Dog because that’s the heart of everything we do. We want you to truly enjoy your dog — in your home, outside your home, in your neighborhood, at work, and in every space you share together.
A dog should add joy, connection, and confidence to your life, not stress or uncertainty. Whether you’re navigating everyday family life, preparing for therapy or facility work, or building skills for busy public environments, we’re here to help you do that.
At the end of the day, our philosophy is simple:
You deserve to enjoy your dog.
Your dog deserves to enjoy you.
And we’re here to help you do that.
“Enjoy Your Dog Training is not affiliated with any other dog training businesses using similar names.”