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Dogs can make excellent companions. They offer loyalty, comfort, and a sense of purpose that many people find emotionally fulfilling. But even with the many benefits of dog ownership, it is not always the right time – or the right situation – to bring a dog into your life. There are times when adding a […]

Adopting a dog is meant to be a long-term decision. Yet every year, many dogs are returned to shelters or rehomed by owners that find themselves overwhelmed, unprepared, or unable to continue providing care. These returns are difficult not only for the people involved, but also for the dogs, many of whom experience emotional distress

At any point in our lives, we may find ourselves faced with significant trauma. When this trauma occurs, we’re often tasked with finding an effective way to cope. While psychotherapy and mental health counseling are going to be the primary tools we use to address trauma related challenges, you’ll also want to look for changes

We often talk about post-traumatic stress disorder as it pertains to people. But Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in dogs is a real and documented condition, often seen in animals that have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment, or other traumatic events. While many adopted dogs adjust well to their new homes, some may exhibit long-term behavioral and

Everyone has their own reason for getting a new pet. Some people want new life in the house. Others just love dogs. There are many amazing reasons to get a new pet for yourself, as all animals – but especially dogs – bring so much lifelong joy. Still, with that in mind, there are certainly

If you’ve ever attended one of our dog training sessions, then you’re likely aware that dog training isn’t really about your dog. It’s about you. It’s about teaching you how to talk to your dog, what to expect from your dog, how to make sure your dog is getting what they need, how to “punish,”

Here at Chicago Dog Trainer, we know how much you love your dog for being a dog. An acquaintance of mine often talks about how, after his dog passed, he started to notice that he would be sad when there were crumbs on the floor because he actually missed when his dog would eat the food

Sometimes, we love our dogs a little “too” much. Sometimes we don’t want to “command” our dog. We want to pamper them. We want to let them have fun. We want to praise their silly behaviors and give them as many treats as we can for being so cute and loveable. But one thing we

Most pet owners have met someone that is afraid of dogs. This known as “Cynophobia,” which translates to “phobia of dogs.” Those with cynophobia experience severe emotional distress and anxiety not only when they come into contact with dogs, but when they think about coming into contact with dogs. Phobias can be so severe that

Once we’ve bought a home we love, we typically take the time to “make it ours” through renovations. We redo the kitchen to make it functional for our needs. We redo the paint to ensure that we love the indoor color. We invest in our property so that we can turn the house into a