Compassionate Dog Training in Chicago

Sniffspot’s Top Rated Trainers in Illinois

Our Services

Chicago’s Go-To Trainers

From group Classes, private sessions & drop-off options, we hope build confidence and focus to help your pup become city-savvy while building bonds with you.

Young puppy participating in a socialization class at Copilot Dog Training.

Puppy Classes

Congratulations on your new puppy! Start your pup off right with puppy training classes. We cover everything from socialization to obedience foundations to help your dog thrive into adulthood.

Group dog training session focusing on obedience and engagement.

Group Classes

Our group dog training classes help build focus, confidence, and obedience in real-life, urban environments. Great for learning fun tricks, leash skills, reactivity and more.

One-on-one dog training session tailored to individual needs.

Private Training

Get 1-on-1 dog training personalized to your dog’s needs. From basic obedience and potty training to separation anxiety, reactivity and aggression, we offer flexible pricing and scheduling.

Trainer conducting in-home day training with a dog in a Chicago residence

In-Home Day Training

We bring expert dog training to your home. These 4 and 5 week programs blend trainer sessions and transfer lessons to fast-track your dog’s progress.

Dog enrolled in drop-off training program at Copilot facility.

Drop-Off Training

Let us do the heavy lifting! Our drop-off dog training offers structured sessions with our trainers while you’re at work. Half-day and full-day options available.

Dogs engaging in supervised playgroup session at Copilot Dog Training.

Playgroups

Our puppy and small dog playgroups are trainer-supervised and designed to support safe, healthy socialization. Perfect for puppies, teens, and adults learning to play politely.

Our Approach

Why Choose Copilot

Line drawing of a dog with sparkles representing kind, positive reinforcement training

We Train with
Kindness

Outlined paw print symbolizing personalized dog training

We Know Every Dog’s Different

Training should be kind, effective, and 
fun—for both dogs and their people. We use positive reinforcement methods to help make that happen.

At Copilot, our trainers bring a variety of specialties so your dog gets support and tailored training plans that fits their unique needs.

Hand cradling a heart with a dog silhouette inside, representing community and care

We Love Our Chicago
Community

Outlined dog walking on a leash, symbolizing flexible training options

We Make Training
Work for You

Training should be kind, effective, and 
fun—for both dogs and their people. We use positive reinfrocement methods to help make that happen.

Sign up for group classes at our Avondale location or take advantage of in-home training. Not within our service areas? 
Try virtual sessions!

The Humans With the Treats

Our Team

Woman interacting with two dogs near a river with bridges and trees in the background.
A young smiling woman sitting on a dark blue couch, holding a gray dog on her left and a tan dog on her right.

Margaret Fraser

She/her

Jess Kupsik

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A young woman with long black hair, sitting on a blanket outdoors, smiling at the camera with two dogs beside her. The scene is in a grassy area with a brick building and trees in the background, and the lighting suggests late afternoon or early evening.
A woman smiling outdoors holding a small white dog with a bow tie and a golden retriever dog, both dogs happy with open mouths, in a wooded area.

Ronnie Gutierrez

She/her

Susy Vallejo

She/her

She/her

Megan Green

Hailey Mott

She/her

A woman sitting on a fallen tree trunk beside a river, holding two small white dogs with harnesses, smiling amidst green trees.

Cailin Patracon

She/her

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a black T-shirt and ripped jeans, smiling and sitting in a white modern chair, holding a small mixed-breed dog with tan and white fur, dressed in a colorful rainbow tie-dye shirt, against a brick wall background with a potted plant and a framed list of names.
A Golden Retriever dog with a purple harness sitting on a rock on a sidewalk, looking at the camera with a curious expression. There are cars parked along the street, and fallen leaves and small plants are visible around the sidewalk.

Certifications

We’re Trained to Train

Seal of the American Kennel Club featuring two dogs sitting on their hind legs facing each other, with the words 'Cain Good Citizen' and 'Evaluator' around the seal.
Top dog trainer in Illinois badge sponsored by Sniffspot
Logo of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), featuring a stylized design with orange and black colors and the organization's name.
Logo for Business Insurers of the Carolinas featuring animal illustrations including a dog, three fish, a bird, and a cat, set against a dark background.
Logo of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), featuring a silhouette of a dog and a person's hand reaching out

Wins & Wags

  • Two light-colored dogs lying on a bed, one resting its head on the blanket, with a fan and bedroom wall in the background.

    “Margaret provided us with so many tools to help support them while walking, and their reactivity has diminished significantly.”

    Vicki & Brenton

  • A gray and white pit bull dog sitting outdoors in a wooded area, wearing a blue harness and collar, looking directly at the camera.

    "Margaret is incredibly knowledgeable and she provided him (and us!) the one on one attention we needed. "

    Lizzie & Laura

  • A happy brown and white dog sitting in a car with its tongue hanging out.

    "Margaret’s calm and positive style creates an environment where dogs and humans can bring their imperfect selves to grow rapidly and approach challenges with curiosity, not fear or embarrassment."

    Dana & Kevin

  • A fluffy black and white dog holding a green tennis ball in its mouth sits on a brick patio in a backyard with outdoor furniture and garden plants.

    "Under Margaret’s leadership, we learned many techniques that helped all enjoy Hank on walks and in social situations. She was professional and friendly."

    Steve & Karen

  • Close-up of a young, brown and white dog with a pink nose, sitting on green grass.

    "Margaret's training methods are based on years of experience which is centered around understanding the underlying behavior and correcting it using positive reinforcement."

    Alyssa

  • Small dog with a black and tan coat, sitting on grass with fallen leaves, wearing a pink harness and black leash.

    "Margaret meets you and your pup wherever you are in your journey and makes the training fun, realistic, and achievable."

    Lizzie

Two Golden Retrievers celebrating in an indoor training space—one wearing a digital birthday hat—promoting dog birthday party rentals in Chicago

Looking to celebrate your pup’s birthday, gotcha day, or just because?

Rent our space!

Our indoor training space is now available for private rentals! With agility equipment, toys, and plenty of room to play, it’s the perfect spot for your dog and their friends to have a blast. We provide tables, chairs, and cleanup supplies—you bring the treats and decorations!