Louie D.• Meet & Greet

Louie is a lab rescue that has been with the family about 2 weeks. Board and train is an excellent way to introduce a new dog to you and your life. He is about 14 months old. He has strong food and ball drive. He loved foundation obedience. We bonded in a quiet area then perfected on our 6 plus acre facility. This is an exercise called Meet & Greet. The object is to teach the dog that he must sit for attention and affection. Once sitting I use the "off" command to keep him from touching with his paws or mouth. He then gets his chest rubbed and even a cookie. We use foundation obedience exercises to guide him to be the best the handler wants him to be. I would love to see Louie and his family in my intermediate group class.

Checkers• It's never too late• A Dalmatian @ 6yrs

Checkers is a 6 year old female Dalmatian. Mom and dad came to visit an intermediate/advanced obedience class. They were quite impressed with what could be expected from a trained dog. I had her for a one week board and train. At first we bonded practicing foundation obedience in a quieter area without distractions. Then we worked in more stimulating areas. She had aggression issues with other dogs. Once I get to know her it is easy to recognize when she is about to need some help. By observing her body language I can make adjustments before negative behavior becomes pronounced. I believe I can correct the thought which is before she initiates a negative reaction. We practiced in a lobby full of dogs and I was able to head off any potential issues before she misbehaved. Once I know with proper guidance Checkers can behave her parents just need to practice to let her know that is also their desire.

Ginger, the Kissing Pit Bull

How's that for unconditional love. Ginger affectionately known as the kissing pit bull is so full of love she can't stop kissing anybody she sees. That must be where the saying comes from. "My dog is so happy to have been rescued from the shelter." Ginger was featured on a live segment on the television show Inside Edition. She was one of the many dogs on that day on an Adopt-A-Pet segment which aired on Canadian TV. Ginger hooked up with a local Canadian dog trainer who was kind enough to work with Ginger to control her kissing ways! As cute as it is, Ginger was unable to stop kissing anyone once they came to her! Rumor has it Ginger now has a forever home, and has learned to curb her love!
As always for those of you who are local and in the area here I would love to be able to help you with any of your training issues you might have. I offer everything from Board and Train to private lessons.

PetTube.com....Now accepting training videos

Did your dog become a superstar in one of Best Friends training classes? Has he really learned some cool tricks on a private lesson? Show off his talents in his very own video on the Internet. (For those of you who have worked in Board and Train or private lessons, I might have already uploaded your work on the blog) PetTube.com, check it out today. Remember every dog is a superstar with positive training! I'll be watching!

Wally D.•Energetic Cockapoo @ 6 months

Wally is a blast. Full of energy. Just needs direction. A coupla private lessons followed by basic class, Wally ended up with me in board and train. He's still full of energy as with most 6 month old pups except he has the concept of working and following a human. He is still easy to stimulate and loves people but now he has learned how to make the leader happy and loves to make that happen. Positive reinforcement and good timing has made obedience a way to have fun with his human partner. He's having a blast. As a trainer I want him to work the most enthusiastically without going over the edge. Its a balancing act, my voice, my body language the noises I make all keep him interested and working with me. The owners plan to continue daily practice combined with intermediate group classes so that they can guide Wally to be the best they want him to be. See you in class!

Onslow CGC RL1•Pivot L&R/Pivot L&R 1 Step

RALLY CLASSES HAVE BEGUN AT BEST FRIENDS Saturdays at 11a.m.

Onslow R. is just a delight to spend time with. When his mom is out of town she prefers board and train. Mom has worked him regularly in group class and they have improved so much they have begun to compete in APDT rally. Rally classes have begun on Saturdays at 11 a.m.

Onslow•Obedience Pattern in the Lobby

Onslow is a delightful Goldendoodle that is fortunate enough to have a mom that lets him spend time while she is on vacation in board and train. Never would she have realized that his training would become a part of their life. There are private lessons while she is in town that she brings her 11 year old Great Pyrenees just to watch. There have been intermediate and advanced group classes. They have gotten so good a natural progression was rally classes which start for the public on January 9,2010. They passed in their first event. In one weekend they passed 4 tests and now Onslow•CGC•Rl1

Onslow CGC RL1•Pivot Left 360

CONGRATULATIONS to Onslow CGC,RL1{Canine Good Citizen/Rally Level 1}. He works with me around our 6 plus acre facility off leash. His mom says board and train is the only way to go. She works with him in my group obedience classes and in rally obedience class. He just completed his three legs, in an APDT trial on Nov. 21&22 in Schiller Park. They passed 4 trials in two days. In one trial they scored 204 out of 210 possible points. Not bad for her first trial and being a novice handler who never imagined this could be something she would do let alone compete at.

Onslow•Pivot Left 180

Onslow CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Rl1 (Rally level 1) Not bad for a wild out of control Goldendoodle. Started with board and train then intermediate and advanced group classes, private lessons and now rally obedience classes which will start Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 11 a.m. They passed twice on Saturday and twice on Sunday and earned a Rally level 1 title in their first try at an APDT event. Congratulations.

Onslow•Left 180 & Left About Turn

Onslow is a delightful Goldendoodle I've had the pleasure to work with. Here we are in the lobby where we are practicing obedience off of the leash. We do a tight u-turn to the left and a left about turn which is where I turn into the dog and he goes the opposite way. Onslow has begun to compete at rally obedience. He passed his first four APDT rally obedience events. Congratulations to him and his owner who never thought she would be proudly competing in dog trials.

Learn How To Speak Dog

Yes, I can train your dog. Dog training is my passion, I love to see the look in a dogs eyes when they have accomplished something. I love working with the owners, and helping them realize how easy and fun training your dog can be. I have taught people and dogs a lot of things over the years. However, teaching a person how to speak dog is not something I have done! Sure was fun to learn though! LOL! Check out the Petcentric website, you too can learn how to speak dog. If you ever need other training for you or your dog feel free to call me here at Best Friends!

The Whistling Puppy of Purina Animal All Stars

Click on this cute picture to see some unique dog training!

I thought I tought it all here at Best Friends, I missed this lesson!

Doggie New Years Resolutions

The Holidays are fast approaching! The new year is almost here and we all have a long list of resolutions ahead of us, I know I do. Why not let the dog have his own resolutions? Believe it or not dogs love to please their owners, they enjoy themselves more in a positive environment. While you are traveling this season, or enjoying your house full of relatives send your furry friends to me for Board and Train. This would be a great way for your best friend to start working on his new years resolution to be better behaved. I offer 1 and 2 week programs which include a discount on boarding. You can view the previous posts to see some of my best friends I have worked with in the past. Feel free to call me and we can discuss the options available to you. Together we can work on helping you and your friend have a bright new year!

Buddy L. Meet& Greet/off &take it

Here I am working with Buddy and teaching him how to interact with people. I have him sit. I use the leash to maintain while I praise him for doing what I ask. At first it is not necessary for people to touch if it causes Buddy to become overstimulated. Be patient. Work at the dog and handlers ability to do it right. I might remind Buddy not to touch first with food and eventually with my palm held in front of his nose. When this can be performed I have a stranger or family member repeat what I have done. At first distance is used to help the dog receive more praise and fewer reminders. If you cannot keep the dog calm with strangers at 4 feet away do not be in a hurry to get to 2 feet.

Here they come :: The SouthtownStar :: Photo Gallery

Here they come :: The SouthtownStar :: Photo Gallery


I thought I had my work cut out for me with some of the happy puppies I train.  I can only imagine the work involved in keeping all of these guys in line!  The Budweiser Clydesdales came into town for the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago this past weekend.  Check out the photos!

Anaaya • Victorian Bulldog @12 weeks

What could be luckier than a lady with a 12 week old female Victorian Bulldog named Anaaya that wants me to do board and train.  How about if her boyfriend has one from a different litter about a week older. He is a male named Rushbo. I had the good fortune to have each of them for 2 week board and train.  Rushbo was a little easier at first.  Anaaya was afraid to walk on the leash.  Both dogs have good food drive so it ws pretty easy to bond.  The first week we practiced foundation obedience in the Canine College.  I was eventually able to walk both dogs all around the complex.  When we worked in the lobby these puppies were magnets for attention.  I had a blast and so did they.  I brought Anaaya into the Canine College to show her to some of my private students who were about to practice on a Rally Obedience course that I had set up earlier.  I was amazed at how well she performed even with a couple of dogs in the room.  I brought her back later to film what I had witnessed.  In a familiar place she worked great.  She was a little bothered by Molly who was helping me film.

Koji: A rescue: Gold from the first time we met

I first worked Koji after she was rescued at about 5 years old. A golden and perhaps chow mix. She carries herself majestically. Nice gait and her head held high as she walks. She loved the attention and praise she received in board and train. We practiced and bonded as I taught her foundation obedience. We began in the canine college a quieter area. It was no time before we were out and working at our 7 acre facility. We perfect in real life situations. She loved to chase anything moving. It was a short time before we were walking on the island in the middle of Aptakisic Road. With guidance she truly is a delight to work with. Now she is almost 9 years old and I had the pleasure to again work with her in board and train. Mom says stays here are less stressful and she comes home calmer after spending time with me. Thanks, I'll be glad to spend time with Koji any time..........

Deer Intruder

I have had many types of requests through out my years as a dog trainer. From simply "can you help my dog to stop barking" to "I need my dog to protect the house". Protection work is not my main focus,I prefer the fun of Rally, and Obedience Training. More rewarding, for both myself and the dogs. They are just like kids they get very happy when they know they have done well and accomplished what was expected. Back to the Protection side of training. In most cases people simply want their dog to learn to be more aware of their surroundings. To be able to bark and scare an intruder off. An intruder being the human kind that is! In a recent episode of Fox News they spoke of a neighbor calling the local police department because she heard loud noise coming from her neighbor's house, her neighbors were on vacation. When the police arrived they saw the back door open, and cautiously entered the home where they saw furniture all knocked over, and things from shelves on the floor. Upon further search they came to realize the intruder causing the big scene really meant no harm he just wanted to go back home. It was a misguided deer! The officers were finally able to chase the deer out of the home and back into the forest,his real home! To everyone out there keep in mind we can teach our dogs to protect our, their, home but not in every case! Any animal in an unfamiliar place is bound to be scared and slightly agitated. In any situation where you and or your pet come into close range with a animal you are best to leave it alone. You can contact your local animal control if the animal is injured.

Well behaved dogs and social events

My clients come to see me for various reasons. Some people simply want something fun and rewarding to do with their companions so they sign up for my many different group classes. Currently I offer basic, and intermediate group training class. Soon we will be offering Rally. Other people prefer the one on one training during private training lessons, that allows us to tailor the training session to something particular. Perhaps you are going out of town and you would like for your pet to have an educational vacation while they are here boarding at
Best Friends, in that case you can sign them up for Board and Train. In any case I have many different training options available from the basic and simple to something more in depth.
For those of you who have gone through training before there are many fun social events around town you can take your well behaved dog too! One such event is coming up soon at The Goodman Theater. "Pooch on Scrooge" It takes place on Sunday November 14Th. Reservations are required you can visit the Goodman Theater's website to do so. All dogs that come will get a digital copy of their picture along with a 2010 Sutton Studios dog calendar. David Sutton himself will be doing the photos.

Sophie St.J: a delightful rescue

Sophie is a "Mountain Feist" (a southern breed) found running loose in Tennessee. She made it to a shelter where she found the love of her new owner. She was very shy at first. Fortunately she quickly overcame the baggage she had come with by introducing calm obedience from a leader she could trust. Not only is she a great player in doggie day camp with other dogs but loves to please the leader while doing obedience. She is a great hunter and in her backyard shows her owner the moles and other animals she collects while being careful not to injure them. I have been fortunate enough to work with Sophie and her sister Raven in private lessons and board and train. Sophie loves the association with humans through obedience training. She just needs guidance to be the best her owner wants her to be. Although she lives in Madison, Wisc. the owner uses me because of previous dogs of hers I've worked and the results I've achieved. I'm proud to say that the owner knows the importance of continuing practice and has her enrolled in obedience class in her home town. Keep up the good work ladies and I'll look forward to seeing you again.

Oreo W. @ 16 weeks after Board & Train

I'm sooooo lucky! Oreo is back a month after his first week in board and train for another. Trust and bonding was established along with all the elements of foundation obedience. Now we work on perfecting. Trying to duplicate what we can do in a quiet area all over our 6 plus acre facility. Distance from stimulus makes it easier for the dog and the handler. More praise and fewer corrections. If I'm able to keep the focus on me then Oreo is not worried about anything else. I let him absorb while I keep him in a calm state of mind. Timing is essential. By learning your pet's body language undesired behavior can be corrected before it becomes pronounced. An excellent place to practice is in a group obedience class. If you take the time to guide your dog to be the best you want him to be before bad behaviors become a habit or a release for stored up energy, the owner will probably have less things to fix down the road.

Happy Howl-o-ween!

A few of our friends at Best Friends.

Doggie Day Camp 2008

Always remember dressing up is not a usual routine for your pet, while dogs always aim to please their owners, they might however still show a little fear in an uncertain situation. Some people even recommend that you take your dog to the Dog Park, or on a long walk prior to dressing them up. This way they will be tired and a little more relaxed. You want to make this a fun time for everyone involved, even the dog. You are enjoying dressing them up and seeing people's reaction, let your dog enjoy them self also, make this a rewarding and fun experience for all involved. Remember all of those tricks you learned in basic obedience? Have your dog come to you, sit an stay, etc. He will remember how happy the two of you were during training, and want to continue to please, and have fun. For more recommendations on Dressing your pet for Halloween you can visit the ASPCA. They offer some good tips for the basic safety of your pets during this time.

Rally Obedience

For those individuals and dogs who have learned to work well in obedience there is a team sport just for you! A course is set up with numbered signs. The teams follow the signs around and does the exercise the sign instructs them to do. Instead of driving your car, you navigate with your dog!
For those who desire there is competition at all levelsNovice, Advanced, and Excellent. There are several organizations offering Championship Titles, National Rankings, and Awards of Excellence.
All dogs may participate. Mixed Breeds, Pedigrees, and even dogs with disabilities may join. Trials usually have Level1,2,and 3 courses. Once your team completes three course runs with qualifying scores you receive a Rally Title.
Students in my intermediate and advanced classes have found the level they have achieved from working in my class has them ready to confidently complete in Rally Events.
Rally Classes will be starting in the Beginning of November here at Best Friends. Please call for more information or to sign up.
As always spectators are invited, without their pets, to view my intermediate training class, advanced training class, and Rally classes.

Oreo • 12 weeks

Sometimes my job is just too much fun. Sometimes owners get puppies and go on a vacation or have to leave town. Don't fret, have your pup spend time with me! Instead of boarding it becomes a learning experience. You're pup comes back knowing more than when you dropped them off. It was my pleasure to work with Oreo, a lab, in board and train at 12 weeks then again at 16 weeks. At first I used just a leash and played and guided and had a blast with Oreo and then the next time was a month later. He was heeling and making about turns without reminders and even sits automatically when I stop. Eye contact can be great and he is having a ball. Hopefully the owner will continue to practice and I believe it is very important to continue in an intermediate group when Oreo is 5 months old. A blast to work with..

Peer Pressure Now a Good Thing with Dogs in School

Peer Pressure Now a Good Thing with Dogs in School

Shared via AddThis

Pickles and Obedience

I might not be able to train Grandpa or your husband to share the remote, however I can train your dog not to growl when the children are by the food bowl. As cute as this comic is, in real life this situation is not a good one, but it can be fixed. I offer private lessons if you feel this is the only issue your best friend might have. I also offer Board and Train, and various types of group obedience classes. Thanks to the Pickles cartoon for a funny look at how dogs and humans both do not always like to share! For all those husbands out there, I don't share the remote either, no worries!

Best Friends Jack-O-Lantern!

This Jack-o-lantern was created by our Houston, Texas location. Nice work- click for more detail! Happy Halloween!!!

Oreo W. @ 16 weeks after Board & Train

I'm sooooo lucky! Oreo is back a month after his first week in board and train for another. Trust and bonding was established along with all the elements of foundation obedience. Now we work on perfecting. Trying to duplicate what we can do in a quiet area all over our 6 plus acre facility. Distance from stimulus makes it easier for the dog and the handler. More praise and fewer corrections. If I'm able to keep the focus on me then Oreo is not worried about anything else. I let him absorb while I keep him in a calm state of mind. Timing is essential. By learning your pet's body language undesired behavior can be corrected before it becomes pronounced. An excellent place to practice is in a group obedience class. If you take the time to guide your dog to be the best you want him to be before bad behaviors become a habit or a release for stored up energy, the owner will probably have less things to fix down the road.

Peanut W.• Not Bad /1 week Board &Train

At first pickup Peanut, a year old Schnoodle, went into a corner, growled and almost snapped at me. Her tail was not visible because it was tucked between her legs. In the Canine College if I asked her to sit she would lay down and there was some urine on the floor. Eye contact was out of the question and when she did sit she would face away. Fortunately, she has strong food drive and by the end of the first session through the use of voice, touch, and food, I was able to introduce her to the elements of foundation obedience including the sit, down, stay, heel, and, even watch and come. To get her to take food, make eye contact, and even get her to come to me established the beginning of bonding and trust . I'll teach "off " and "take it" later since I just got her to take food no need to slow the process. She was a little shy the next day, still submissive at first but no urine. By the end of the session she was having a ball.She made about turns without even a tug on the leash and began to sit automatically as I stop. WOW! By the third day she was too excited to see me. Now I can work on calming her down. As dogs learn to work nicely with the handler in quieter areas it becomes easy to see other issues. Peanut has socialization and desensitization problems that now can be worked on. She has learned to avoid or go to flight whenever something is unfamiliar. I'm proud to say we made huge gains in the 5 sessions I spent with Peanut. She had a ball in the game of obedience. I helped to deal with some of the baggage she came in with due to poor communication. I would even challenge her to keep up with me. I can only hope that the owner continues showing Peanut that the world is a beautiful place, especially when her guide is a leader she can trust. Group obedience would be a familiar area with calm stable dogs to practice. I invite anyone to view one of my intermediate, advanced or Rally obedience classes. (Please do NOT bring your dog until it has been determined they and you are capable of working in the class.)

Pet Fitness

We here at Best Friends Pet Care offer many different types of Dog Training. If you have limited schedule availability I offer Board and Train. For this your dog would have his or her very own private suite with a bedroom and patio, and I will work with them privately each day. You can also sign them up for other activities if you wish such as a nature walk, bed time story, or even a scoop of low fat Doggie Ice cream! When all of the sessions are finished I will meet with you to go over all of the notes I have taken for you. This type of training can be done on a daily basis where you would drop off and pick up on the same day, or we can arrange a 1-2 week vacation here for them.
If time is something you have on your side than I offer private lessons, Canine Good Citizen, Rally, and Group Dog Training. These are all great ways to keep both yourself and your pet in shape. A rewarding experience for everyone involved. We also now have a brand new outdoor dog park. You can sign up for a daily pass or a yearly pass and go play and run around before or after class. (all dogs must be friendly towards other dogs to enter the park. Call for more information)
Check out the following site for a cool giveaway from Iams Pet Food and Tails Magazine. It is a really cool giveaway with some neat things to help you and your furry friend keep in shape together!

Cat Training

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks. OOPS! I mean an old cat new tricks! You got it, I said cat. Sorry folks I will definitely leave this training up to Gregory Popovich. Board and Train, Canine Good Citizen, Rally all those fun dog training classes at Best Friends are what I'll stick to! I tell you I give this man credit, that has got to take a ton of patience. Gregory comes from a long line of circus performers so he is used to the hard work, and truly has a love for what he does. He gets all of his dog and cat actors form local animal shelters and pet rescues. He has a regular show in Las Vegas, Comedy Pet Theater. You can read more about his show in the Sun Times, or you can check out his book "You Can Train Your Cat". (St. Martin's Griffin)

Sophie Rose @ 9 yrs It's never too late

What a delight it was to meet this dog. She came into the hotel on a harness and a retractable lead. Aggressive and very dominant for a tea cup poodle tipping the scale at 7 lbs. Full of energy and plenty of food drive. She has some orthopedic issues and waddles and looks like she has a ball between her back legs. Originally she had to be on a harness because she pulled so hard she would injure her neck. Her owner decided to do a two week board and train. We started in the Canine College for work on foundation and bonding. She absolutely loved the game of obedience. We eventually worked in food prep and a courtyard full of barking dogs. Perfecting took us to the main building where we were able to practice in the lobby. We used the elements of obedience to guide her to be the best dog she could be with dogs and people all around. I'm not sure who had more fun, her or me. Her dad had me do another week because he loved the work I had done and the constant observation she receives as I work and spend time with her daily.

A Happy Puppy

Being it is National adopt a shelter pet month I thought I would share with you a few things I have learned through my years of dog training. After all there are many great animal shelters and pet rescues out there with very adorable puppy's. The most common reason someone walks right past that adorable puppy is the lack of training the puppy has. Any rescue pet needs some sort of training or refresher course. No matter what their age they are going into a whole new world when they leave that shelter. They are so happy to have a new forever home that they want to be able to make you proud and be proud of them self. The best way to do that is with some sort of training. Whether it be a refresher course in basic obedience, an intermediate dog training class, private training, or Board and Train. Perhaps you have just rescued the cutest little Border Collie, than after adjusting, Agility Training or Rally Training would be perfect also.
On dogchannel.com, the website for dog lovers, they wrote an article titled "35 Ways to Make Your Puppy Happy". Everything from making sure he or she is micro chipped through Avid, to training an exercise tips. Plenty of great ideas to keep yourself and your new forever friend happy and healthy for life.

Pet Rescue Class

Dr. John Hanover, of the Animal Hospital of Gurnee, will be teaching a pet first aid class at Harper College. He will be teaching basic skills like taking your pet's vitals, including pulse, temperature, and evaluating their lymph nodes. He will also teach you how to handle bleeding, and basic treatment for poisoning. You will learn what basic first aid equipment you should always have on hand, along with the basic principles of dog CPR. For more information on this class you can reference the Daily Herald newspaper, or visit Harper College.

Allan and Petey Obedience

Petey • I first met Petey, a cairn terrier, at about a year old. He
had belonged to the family’s college daughter’s friend. The dog
had no formal obedience training & had taken control. He was
always hunting, guarding, protecting; everything a leader could be.
He has been a blast for me to work with, he learns quick and loves
to please ‘the leader’. Mom and Dad have realized a group oriented
training class is the place to continue being the leader. The BEST is
that 2 of their 3 daughters have worked with me in
private training lessons so they too can control Petey everywhere.
Hope to see them in Best Friends next training class.
Keep up the good work Petey!

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Let's celebrate, our love for our pets. It is their unconditional love that really helps us through our journey in life.

"Approximately 4 million cats are killed each year due mainly to overpopulation. Did you know that 25-30% of dogs in shelters and rescues are purebred? The other 70-75%, are of course loveable mixed-breed pets, just waiting for a perfect new friend." - Adoptapet.com

October is Adopt a Shelter Pet month. There are so many pets out there that do not get a chance to share a journey with a forever home, together we can change that. When you are ready to share your lives with another furry friend keep in mind the millions of pets out there without homes.

If you are not sure what kind of dog would suit your family or how to go about socializing your new friend, please call me. I would love to help you and your family share your love with another furry friend. Best Friends Pet Care offers many different options for training and socialization. Together we can embrace the love and happiness an adopted pet can bring.

Canine Good Citizen

Do you remember the big smile on your child's face when they came home from school with their first award! That genuine sense of accomplishment they felt and you felt for them. They had something to be proud of. Did you know that your dog can sense when you are proud of them, and feel just as happy when they to do something worthy of praise. Best Friends will be holding a Canine Good Citizen Practice session and test in October. Call for more information and to register. See the class schedule posted on this blog for exact times and dates.

"Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. The Canine Good Citizen Program lays the foundation for other activities such as obedience,agility,tracking, and performance events. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog." -American Kennel Club

As always Best Friends will continue to offer all of our other training programs, FREE Puppy Class, Basic and Advanced Obedience training classes, Private Lessons, and Board and Train. Coming in the near future Rally!

Obesity in pets

We can only use the excuse so much that my dog or cat simply has a lot of fur, he is not overweight. That excuse does not work on a 20 lb cat, or a 15 pound Chihuahua! Just like with humans there are many different reasons behind a pets weight, not all of them can be helped. However some of them can. Our pets are a lot like kids they do not necessarily know when to stop eating, unless we show them. They are not as likely to get up and play or exercise until we do it with them, or at least give them the idea. We all love our pets and want them to be with us forever, the easiest way to make that happen is to watch their weight. Excessive
pet weight gain is very detrimental to their well being and longevity. We at Best Friends offer numerous training programs for you and your pet to join together. Even if you think you dog is smart enough and he does not need any training. NOT TRUE! You can join training programs simply for the socialization and to get out of the house and have some fun. Best Friends also offers Dog Camp. You can drop your four legged friend off with us for the day and he can run around and climb the slides with his new friends to help burn some calories. Perhaps your schedule does not work into our open hours, we also now have a Dog Park you can join. It is open 365 days a year, from 8am to dusk. A great way to let "Fido" run off some steam after dinner. There are many different websites and books out there dedicated to
pets and obesity. Just like in human medicine they all have their opinions on what to do and not to do, but they at least help point you in the right direction.

Allan & Mufasah • Obedience Routine

Mufasah • I initially met Mufasah, a Great Dane, after he knocked down a neighbor
and jumped on the animal warden. He was 10 months old and out of
control. While the family goes on vacation, he stays at Best Friends, and does Board and Train with me.
Calm obedience training work in the Canine College was just the beginning.
We practice in a quiet area with fewer distractions to bond and make
the game of obedience training fun. We then can use the tools of obedience
to guide him through areas with more distractions. Showing and
guiding him to be the best we want him to be. I am proud to say the
whole family is now able to take him for walks. Great job Mufasah!

A Word From Our Trainer

Our pets are family members. When they become additions to our ‘packs,’ they are walking into an established order. They naturally test for their place. Adults provide the food, shelter and clothing and all family members should recognize them as the leaders. The top of this hierarchy is not the most comfortable. It can be stressful. We would not let infants do whatever they might because of existing dangers, lack of experience, and knowledge. Why should our pet be allowed to determine where he/she fits in. We, as leaders, should teach him where he belongs and how to be comfortable with us. Training the pet is the owner’s responsibility to himself, his/her family, and to the order that existed before the dog arrived. Hopefully you have chosen a pet that fits most comfortably with your lifestyle.

Whatever the situation may be, from new pup or dog, to one with habits that never should have begun, obedience training is the first and most important thing to teach our dogs. Training calms most dogs and gives the owner control. “Sit, down, heel,” when you tell him and for as long as you tell him, that’s obedience. Patience and repetition is the solution.

You teach a dog something new without distractions; you perfect them with distractions. Just like anything else in life, it takes practice. Learn how to train your dog. Learn how to handle a trained dog in any situation if the dog becomes stimulated. If your dog is trained but aggressive to people or dogs, do you know what to do? Embrace a distraction; use it as a window of opportunity to teach your dog the desired reaction to a situation or stimulus.

I can train your dog in a board and train program; help your dog and/or you in private lessons. I even have a day training program.

I work with positive reinforcement, which could be food, prey (toys) or praise; or any combination that works best and provides the least stressful motivation for your dog.
Thank you,
Allan Ross, Training Director

Pflash & Tito

These are my two dogs. Pflash(German Shepherd)
works off leash on the left. With 2 dogs I think it is
easier for individual needs by keeping one on the left
& the other on the right. Tito(Chihuahua) has learned
it is safest to stay on my right. Even at home both can
usually be found following in the positions they've
learned in obedience training.
My about turns are quite unique. Pflash has learned
a left about turn & Tito, on my right, does a left 180°.
It may be difficult to explain but watch as we reverse
direction & Tito finds his route between me & Pflash
& in the opposite direction as Pflash.

Allan Ross Dog Training • Moses, Ball Drive

I start by stimulating prey drive & transfer this natural
drive into ball drive. I stimulate, then throw, then teach
it's fun to bring it back. I believe
when you control the games, you control the dog.

At first it may look as though I'm playing with Moses,
but actually I'm stimulating then using the Kong on a rope
as a motivational tool to reward and get Moses to
enthusiastically work for me.

Moses,a Portuguese Water Dog came to me at about a year old with very little training at about 3 months. I began in the Canine College working on foundation obedience. We bonded and I worked with food at first. He was a very quick learner that did not come with much baggage. It was easy to transfer play drive into ball drive. Top trainers know this is the way to produce the best working dogs in the world.

A Few Words from our Clients

Allan Ross is a wonder!! He turned an out of control, hyper
Golden Doodle into a pet therapy dog who works off leash
& my 10yr old Great Pyrenees acts like a pup when she is in
his class. I sent my vet to Allan & she thought he was the
best trainer she’d ever worked with. Allan is a marvel,
pets love & respond to him. He is our very own ‘Pet Whisperer”.
Sue R., Lincolnshire

How do you walk a 91 pound, 7 month old Great Dane puppy?
With ease after working with Allan. Allan’s ability to work with
dogs and understand the personality of each dog makes a dog
owner feel happy! Bonnie R., Buffalo Grove

Allan is fantastic. Has worked miracles with my very dominant
Shepherd mix. He is patient and caring, but demands respect from
the dogs he works with. He has taught me how to be ‘pack leader’.
Ruth S., Grayslake

“Allan is the trainer that all trainers should listen to -- He’s great!
Barbara C., Long Grove

Coming Soon...

Watch for your dog superstar on our next blog posting!