Business Details
34 Years
experience
Expert Canine Training in Hampshire, IL
Founded in 1992, Call of the Wild Dog Training has established itself as a leader in canine behavior modification and owner education. Our approach emphasizes collaboration between trainers and owners, combining structured professional training with home practice through our proprietary Intensive Training Experience program. With decades of experience in competitive sheepdog trials and certifications in advanced training methodologies, we specialize in addressing behavioral challenges while fostering everyday obedience.Our facility in Hampshire, IL, provides a unique rural environment for practical training sessions, serving both local and national clients. The team's expertise extends to herding sports, obedience competitions, and addressing complex behavioral issues through science-based techniques.
Services
Private Lessons
Group Classes
Sheepherding Training
Virtual Training
Behavioral Consults
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- Founder Jennifer Boznos has trained dogs professionally since 1992
- Certified in Chris Bach's The Third Way training methodology
- Developed proprietary Intensive Training Experience program
- Competes nationally in USBCHA sheepdog trials
- Combines behavioral expertise with real-world training environments
Associations and certifications
- CPDT-ka
- Master Trainer in The Third Way Method
Services
Private Lessons
Personalized training sessions with founder Jennifer Boznos at our Hampshire farm. Focus on behavioral issues and obedience training at your pace. Combines professional expertise with owner participation for lasting results.
Group Classes
Structured classes covering basic to advanced obedience skills. Instructors guide dogs and owners through progressive training in controlled environments. Available at multiple locations with specialized curricula.
Sheepherding Training
Specialized training introducing herding breeds to sheep work. Includes educational sessions on herding dynamics and hands-on practice with professional demonstration dogs in rural settings.
Virtual Training
Remote training sessions via Zoom platform. Provides flexibility for behavioral consultations and skill development without geographic limitations. Includes customized training plans and follow-up support.
Special Events
Themed training days focusing on specific skills like recall training or holiday preparation. Combines practical exercises with educational components in immersive rural environments.
People
Jennifer Boznos
Founder & Lead Trainer
Certified Master Trainer with 30+ years experience in canine behavior modification. National competitor in sheepdog trials. Developed the Intensive Training Experience program combining professional and owner training.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use science-based methods focusing on positive reinforcement and behavior modification. Our approach emphasizes understanding canine communication and building effective owner-dog partnerships.
Do you offer virtual training options?
Yes, we provide virtual lessons via Zoom for clients who prefer remote training. These sessions maintain the same personalized approach as in-person lessons.
What areas do you serve?
Our primary training facility is in Hampshire, IL. We serve clients locally and offer virtual training nationwide for behavioral consultations.
How do I book a private lesson?
First-time clients book through our office by phone. Our staff will complete a detailed questionnaire to prepare for your lesson with Jennifer Boznos.
What vaccinations are required?
For farm lessons, dogs need rabies, parvo/distemper, bordetella vaccines, and biannual fecal exams. H3N2 flu vaccine is recommended but not required.
Do you offer group classes for beginners?
Yes, we have Beginner Basics classes focusing on foundational obedience skills. These 7-week courses cover essential commands and real-life dog manners.
Reviews (4)
James Devereux
Apr 06, 2020
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A week after adopting my 2 year old rescue dog Henri, I brought him to COTW for a private lesson with the lead trainer, Jennifer. Over a just a few lessons, she helped Henri develop a level of obedience I would have never thought possible with my first dog. For every obedience exercise, she would make sure I knew the intricacies of the exercise, how to incrementally increase the difficulty, and exactly what behaviors and body language cues of his to look for so that I could effectively continue the training outside of the lesson (the lessons are for you as much or more than they are for the dog!).
I understand my dog so much better because of her. I could tell just how much she cared about Henri and his growth from the start, and am very thankful to have taken him to COTW. Looking forward to taking their group Beyond Basics lessons soon.
I understand my dog so much better because of her. I could tell just how much she cared about Henri and his growth from the start, and am very thankful to have taken him to COTW. Looking forward to taking their group Beyond Basics lessons soon.
Judy Illes
Jan 29, 2019
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Call of the Wild is an outstanding dog training school. The trainers are top notch and the methods make sense to me and my dogs. Jennifer sets the bar high for her school. The trainers and day care staff are professional and kind. They care about each and every dog. All in all this is a top notch training facility with excellent standards. You and your dog will learn so much and you'll have fun training at Call of the Wild.
Drew Coatney
Dec 11, 2018
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We have been using them for a few years to board our dog and train. I can't recommend them enough. They recognize Edgar by name and you can tell they care about each dog, which is a big thing for us when boarding.
Lily Campbell
Nov 26, 2018
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Staff are amazing with the dogs and are incredibly loving. Call of the Wild is great for training and boarding. We trained our dog there after we got him and they taught him how to sit, come, and got him to be more calm when he sees other dogs. They do solo training or group training sessions with you and your dog, so you can have an active part in training your dog yourself! They are also great for boarding.
We put my French bulldog there every time we go on vacation and he absolutely loves it/looks forward to going! He comes home exhausted from how much playing he did. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good boarding place for dogs, especially for extended boarding. Our dog loves the staff and the staff loves our dog! We are obsessed with our dog and very protective, but we trust the COTW staff wholeheartedly with our baby!
We put my French bulldog there every time we go on vacation and he absolutely loves it/looks forward to going! He comes home exhausted from how much playing he did. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good boarding place for dogs, especially for extended boarding. Our dog loves the staff and the staff loves our dog! We are obsessed with our dog and very protective, but we trust the COTW staff wholeheartedly with our baby!
