Business Details
29 Years
experience
Trusted Dog Training Classes in Peoria, IL
Founded in 1997 by Joan Segler and Chuck Summers, our non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting responsible dog ownership and strengthening the human-animal bond. Our facility in Peoria, Illinois, features a fully accessible indoor obedience ring and expansive outdoor training areas designed to address behavioral challenges. We offer structured classes for puppies and dogs of all skill levels, utilizing methods aligned with the AKC Novice Platform to ensure practical, real-world results. Our team of experienced volunteers brings decades of expertise in dog training, showing, and certification, prioritizing personalized instruction in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.Through community outreach and donations to local causes, we strive to reduce pet surrenders by equipping owners with tools for success. Our small class sizes guarantee individualized attention, whether your goal is a well-mannered companion or competitive obedience excellence. As a donation-dependent organization, we rely on the generosity of supporters to maintain our programs and facilities. Visitors are welcome to observe classes to determine if our approach aligns with their training needs. Our mission remains focused on fostering responsible pet ownership through education and hands-on training opportunities.
Services
Puppy Training
Beginners Obedience
Intermediate Obedience
Rally Class
Behavioral Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- Experienced volunteer trainers with decades of dog training expertise
- Small class sizes ensuring personalized attention
- AKC Novice Platform-based training methods
- Fully accessible indoor and outdoor training facilities
- Community-focused non-profit reducing pet surrenders
Services
Puppy Training
Our puppy classes focus on early socialization and basic obedience for dogs aged 3-6 months. Through gentle, engaging exercises, puppies learn leash walking, recall commands, and foundational behaviors while interacting with other dogs and people. The six-week program emphasizes positive reinforcement to build confidence and prevent future behavioral issues. Ideal for small and large breeds, this class establishes the groundwork for lifelong good manners.
Beginners Obedience
Designed for dogs six months and older, this eight-week course teaches essential commands including loose-leash walking, sit/stay, down/stay, and reliable recall. Training focuses on creating a well-mannered companion through structured lessons that prepare dogs for real-world scenarios like vet visits and public interactions. Graduates demonstrate consistent obedience and improved focus in distracting environments.
Intermediate Obedience
Building on basic skills, this six-week program develops Canine Good Citizen qualifications through advanced leash control, hand signals, and extended stay commands. Dogs learn to maintain focus and proper behavior in increasingly challenging situations, preparing for potential therapy dog certification or competitive obedience trials while strengthening handler communication.
Rally Class
This six-week rally course combines elements of obedience and agility in a fun, dynamic format. Dogs and handlers navigate a course of 10-20 stations performing various commands with minimal pauses, emphasizing teamwork and adaptability. The activity promotes mental stimulation while reinforcing obedience skills in an engaging, competitive environment.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We follow the AKC Novice Platform approach focusing on positive reinforcement and clear communication to build reliable obedience skills.
Do you offer private training sessions?
Our programs focus on group classes for socialization benefits, though instructors provide individualized attention during sessions.
What vaccination records are required?
Dogs must have current rabies, distemper, and bordetella vaccinations documented by a licensed veterinarian.
Can I observe a class before enrolling?
Visitors are welcome to watch any session to experience our training environment and teaching style firsthand.
How are classes structured?
Classes maintain small student-to-instructor ratios with progressive skill development through consistent weekly sessions.
Do you accept service/therapy dog training?
Our intermediate program prepares dogs for Canine Good Citizen certification, a common prerequisite for therapy dog training.
Reviews (4)
Eboy Simps
Aug 24, 2021
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This place is amazing great staff and great ways too train In going here fkr my puppy his name is Enzo and he's learned a lot I would have to say the best day is graduation all the dogs get to have fun. Enzo has met a lot of new friends and has learned a lot from classes. Training is fun fkr both dogs and owners and there's usually two bathroom breaks and I would bring water for you and your dog because you will get tired. Me and Enzo had lost of fun and hope to have more fun in a couple of weeks!
Kathy Shelton
Dec 30, 2020
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Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, Responsiveness, Value Training was haphazard at best. The trainers were "ok". I was in 2 classes, with different dogs. During my second class, after session #1, I developed a medical condition and was not able to continue. I asked for a refund, and received no response.
Larry Shearburn
Nov 02, 2018
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Some of the trainers are rude, and don't help train the dogs. They made more of attempt to put them down then to build their confidence handling the dogs.
Daniel DeRenzy
May 22, 2018
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Good staff and pleasant atmosphere. They took control of unruly dogs and pared like personalities for the final exam. Sometimes hard to hear staff over the noise of the barkers and many fans.
